MOTUL USA INTRODUCES THE PLAID MOTUL CAYENNE
22.04.2021
Motul is a company with a very long history of iconic liveries with strong branding. Although the designs were often made for race cars, they tend to make their way onto the streets as well. This is no exception for the plaid-covered Pfaff Porsche 911 GT3 R, which now has a roadgoing sibling. Motul USA’s brand manager, Nolan Browning, shares the story!
Nolan, the Pfaff Motorsport 911 GT3 R, which won the Sebring 12 Hours (in class) has a livery that perfectly fits in a long history of iconic Motul liveries. What makes it so special?
First of all, Pfaff is a Canadian team and there are not many things that are more Canadian than a red and black plaid design. On top of that, it’s a single brand design. It’s a Motul livery whereas a lot of race cars today just look like a random collection of stickers, brands, and colours.
This livery has now been transformed into a road-going version in the shape of the Cayenne Coupé. What’s the story with this car?
In the agreement with Pfaff, who is also a Porsche dealer, we agreed on having a car for promotional purposes and to celebrate the partnership. Originally, we were actually talking about doing something with a 911. However, around the office, there were some questions raised on what we were actually going to do with a sports car apart from putting it on display. The choice for the Cayenne was a practical one. We can now pick up our VIPs and guests in a unique vehicle and still promote the brand at events.
How important is an iconic livery on a car to a brand like Motul?
If a car has a distinct look to it people will always remember it. Think of cars like the Calsonic Skyline or the Motul BMW M1. The funny thing is that we’ve been pushing this livery through other channels and means of promotion as well. One of them was through our collaboration with Leen Customs, the pin design artist. He’s got this huge following that fans knew the livery from the pin but were surprised by the actual car. Even with the Cayenne, we’ve already had some great feedback on how it looks. Sticky Fingers Design, who translated the GT3 wrap onto the Cayenne, did a great job. We took it to a cars and coffee event and stumbled across and Cayenne Transsiberia Club, who loved the car.
Will you keep the Cayenne stock?
In the US we have a very strong customization and aftermarket culture, so we are looking at some mild modification, such as suspension upgrades and a new set of Victor Equipment wheels from our friends at Wheel Pros, as well as a new set of Michelin PS4s.
What does it mean to have Motul on (and in) a Porsche race car?
Porsche is one of these brands that is steeped in motorsport heritage and history. We share a lot of values with Motul, and we know Porsche Motorsport has been paying attention to us as a company and they are aware of the quality of our products. This is why the successful partnership with Pfaff is so important to us. On top of that, it should be one that will continue for years to come.