Ateliers Diva 911 Targa to Make U.K. Debut at Salon Privé
Ateliers Diva Targa starts its life as a two- or four-wheel-drive Porsche 964.
The vehicle is then fitted with a classic narrow body, hand built in the same grade of carbon fiber as is used in Formula One and LMP1 race cars. That, along with other measures keeps the vehicle’s weight under 2,500 pounds, even though the body is widened by three centimeters to accommodate the modern technology that lies beneath the curves.
As far as the powertrain is concerned, the Ateliers Diva Targa features an all new 4.2-liter engine that generates up to 400 horsepower. It is essentially a racing engine for the road, thus offering sensational performance. The Diva Targa also features a new suspension system, with numerous configurable settings and a custom sports exhaust.
The interior of the Ateliers Diva Targa is no less impressive with each car designed entirely to the customer’s tastes and specification. If requested, award-winning interior designer Tristan Auer is available to advise on styling. Whilst the car can be fully personalized to the customer’s desires, it cleverly manages to retain the signature design cues of the early 911s. For example, the classic dashboard strip, crafted from straw-based marquetry sourced from a Parisian atelier and tailor made instrumentation which use period Porsche serigraphy. For the music lovers, there is also a premium stereo system developed in collaboration with French audio specialist, Focal.
Just 25 Targas will be built, alongside 25 Coupes and 25 Safaris. This will ensure the exclusivity of the vehicles.
Needless to say, technology and design at this level do not come cheap and it takes 12 months to build each car. “We are witnessing an extraordinary number of new launches at this year’s [Salon Privé],” said David Bagley, co-founder and sales director, Salon Privé. “Some are ultra-modern EVs and others, like the Ateliers Diva Targa pay homage to the past with stunningly handcrafted, bespoke machines utilizing modern technology and racing derived engines.”
In case you are unaware, Ateliers Diva is a relatively new boutique manufacturer, founded by the folks at French Porsche specialist, Crubilé Sport. When the co-founders of the latter’s racing team finished the Le Mans classic race, one driving his Porsche 935, the other in a 911 RSR R5, they dreamt of going back to Paris in a car that would offer the same ultimate performance and emotion but with real comfort and refinement. In essence, they wanted the thrill of a Porsche 935, the reliability of a modern 991 and the elegance of a classic 911 2.4S. This vision led to the creation of Ateliers Diva in 2018. “The original idea was to build a Porsche that connects those fearsome racers with the regular cars we use in everyday life,” said Jeremy Garamond, partner, Ateliers Diva.
You can have a loot at the Ateliers Diva Targa at the 2019 Salon Privé, which takes place from September 5 to 8. Honestly, it is a must attend event for any car enthusiast living in the United Kingdom (or Europe, for that matter). After all, the automotive concours is now recognized by the experts as one of the top events in the world alongside Pebble Beach, Villa d’Este and Amelia Island to name a few. If interested, tickets are available online.
Photos: Salon Privé; Ateliers Diva