Calling it the unification of the design DNA of two icons, Porsche AG and Lucasfilm Ltd., have revealed the Tri-Wing S-91x Pegasus Starfighter, a 5-foot long fantasy starship model to be presented this month at the Los Angeles premiere of Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker.
“The design of the spaceship is harmoniously integrated into the Star Wars film world while at the same time demonstrating clear analogies with the characteristic Porsche styling and proportions,” Michael Mauer, vice president of Style Porsche, is quoted in a news release.
“The basic shape of the cabin, which tapers towards the rear, and a highly distinctive topography from the cockpit flyline to the turbines establish visual parallels with the iconic design of the 911 and the Taycan,” the designer added.
“The very compact layout conveys dynamism and agility, lending emphasis to the Porsche design features mentioned.”
“This collaboration is an amazing opportunity to merge the design aesthetics of Porsche and Star Wars,” added Doug Chiang, executive creative director for Lucasfilm. “It is thrilling to infuse Star Wars with Porsche styling to create an iconic new spaceship that could exist both on Earth or in the cinematic universe.”
Style Porsche noted that, “On the screen, the starship is only seen in two dimensions, while classic series-production vehicles appear physically in three dimensions. In addition, starships usually only appear dynamically in the film and are only visible for a brief moment – so the design has to create an impression and be recognizable within a matter of seconds.”
Among the Porsche styling cues are Taycan-style front air inlets, Porsche-style running light designs in the “blasters” — the long gun barrels at the front, the 911-inspired rear louvers and brake lights, as well as those in the cockpit.
Porsche’s new electric-powered Taycan also will be featured at the movie premiere.
Why is it called ‘tri’ wing?
(I am a retired Lockheed aircraft Producibility Engineer: get design into production as economically as possible without compromising safety or military specifications while maximizing corrosion resistance, minimizing weight and making the finished product as easy to maintain as possible… definitely challenging).