Rocco Malfara’s love affair with Porsche started when he was 10 years old and first saw the sports car’s distinctive silhouette. He has owned a few Porsches over the years, starting with a black, stainless-steel toy version he would play with as a child. (It now sits proudly on his desk at work.)
In the 45 years since he first gazed on the car’s unique look, the senior managing partner of All-Risks Insurance Brokers has owned a 911 Targa and a couple Macans — he is waiting for his new one to be delivered — but it is his 1989 Porsche 911 Turbo, in rare Baltic Blue and featuring a white interior, that he cherishes most.
He found the car after a seven-year search that saw him scouring auto magazines and placing search alerts on several websites to make sure he wouldn’t miss out on a chance to own one. He was finally able to buy it this December. Malfara tells us why he loves his vehicle.
“All my friends know that I always talk about the 1989 Turbo,” said Malfara. “The car is rare because it was a limited-production car. It is different because it’s the first time that Porsche put a five-speed transmission in the car. Before that, since 1960, they were always four-speed. The ’89 is also special because it’s the last year of full analog. The generation after that, Porsche introduced power steering and more power components in the car.
“It was also called ‘The Widowmaker,’ because a lot of rich stockbrokers bought the car but didn’t know how to drive them and would lose control. The cars have what’s called turbo lag, where the turbo kicks in and you get a big boost of power. It just jumps out like a rocket,” he said. “A lot of the cars from that era didn’t survive because they got smashed up or they were modified to improve their overall performance.
“I searched for seven years because I was looking for an unmodified car in Baltic Blue. When the car popped up at this high-end dealership in Calgary, I couldn’t believe it. The first question I asked was if the car originally came in that colour. They checked the certificate of authenticity — each car is issued one that lists all the options picked and the original owner — and it was that way when it left the factory in Germany.
“I’m the third owner. The original owner had it delivered to the Porsche dealership in Edmonton more than 30 years ago. When he died, his estate sold it to the gentleman I bought if from,” said Malfara. “I bought the car without physically seeing it, but I did do a pre-purchase inspection at Porsche Calgary. They went over the car with a fine-tooth comb, checked the car mechanically, confirmed the serial number of the car, the paint, and checked everything. The car’s in really good shape and so I’m just trying to preserve it as best I can.”
A closer look 1989 Porsche 911 Turbo
Why blue?
“People that know me know that I love everything blue,” said Malfara. “My cars are all blue. My other 911 is a silver-coloured car but it has a blue leather interior, which is kind of rare, and a blue roof. Everyone said that a blue 1989 Turbo doesn’t exist. That it’s a unicorn. But then one appeared. It’s been a mission of mine since I bought this car to find other blue cars, but I haven’t found another.”
A collectible
“Car club members know their cars. They know which ones are rare. As soon as I tell someone the year and that it’s a Turbo, they go, ‘Wow.’ Forget about the colour, because everybody knows that’s the first five-speed manual transmission. In the Porsche world that’s huge,” he said. “People who don’t know ask why anyone would want this car when you can have a new Turbo for less. But there’s so few of them, especially in concours condition. I look at the car, and see a collectible piece of art.”
Driving analog
“These older cars are more analog,” said Malfara. “You feel the changing of the gears, the rev and when the booster kicks in. The sound is much louder. The handling and power are nowhere as good as in newer cars. It’s more of a driver-focused vehicle and you’re more responsible for what it does. It’s also an air-cooled car, which is totally different than today’s modern cars. This old car cannot be replaced.”
Fuel economy (city/highway)32.93/49.40 litres per 100 kilometres
Cargo volume110 litres
PriceStarting at $70,975 (U.S.) in 1989
SCAN CODE: Scan this code to read about the 2022 Porsche Cayenne Turbo GT
This article was edited for space and clarity. To be featured in Why I Love My Vehicle?, email us at wheels@thestar.ca. Renée S. Suen is a Toronto-based lifestyle writer and photographer. Follow her on Twitter: @rssuen.
CHICAGO (AP) — United Airlines has struck a deal with Elon Musk’s SpaceX to offer satellite-based Starlink WiFi service on flights within the next several years.
The airline said Friday the service will be free to passengers.
United said it will begin testing the service early next year and begin offering it on some flights by later in 2025.
Financial details of the deal were not disclosed.
The announcement comes as airlines rush to offer more amenities as a way to stand out when passengers pick a carrier for a trip. United’s goal is to make sitting on a plane pretty much like being on the ground when it comes to browsing the internet, streaming entertainment and playing games.
“Everything you can do on the ground, you’ll soon be able to do on board a United plane at 35,000 feet, just about anywhere in the world,” CEO Scott Kirby said in announcing the deal.
The airline says Starlink will allow passengers to get internet access even over oceans and polar regions where traditional cell or Wi-Fi signals may be weak or missing.
Sony has made it easy for Canadian consumers to preorder the PlayStation 5 Pro in Canada directly from PlayStation’s official website. Here’s how:
Visit the Official Website: Go to direct.playstation.com and navigate to the PS5 Pro section once preorders go live on September 26, 2024.
Create or Log in to Your PlayStation Account: If you don’t have a PlayStation account, you will need to create one. Existing users can simply log in to proceed.
Place Your Preorder: Once logged in, follow the instructions to preorder your PS5 Pro. Ensure you have a valid payment method ready and double-check your shipping information for accuracy.
Preorder Through Major Canadian Retailers
While preordering directly from PlayStation is a popular option, you can also secure your PS5 Pro through trusted Canadian retailers. These retailers are expected to offer preorders on or after September 26:
Best Buy Canada
Walmart Canada
EB Games (GameStop)
Amazon Canada
The Source
Steps to Preorder via Canadian Retailers:
Visit Retailer Websites: Search for “PlayStation 5 Pro” on the website of your preferred retailer starting on September 26.
Create or Log in to Your Account: If you’re shopping online, having an account with the retailer can speed up the preorder process.
Preorder in Store: For those who prefer in-person shopping, check with local stores regarding availability and preorder policies.
3. Sign Up for Notifications
Many retailers and websites offer the option to sign up for notifications when the preorder goes live. If you’re worried about missing out due to high demand, this can be a useful option.
Visit Retailer Sites: Look for a “Notify Me” or “Email Alerts” option and enter your email to stay informed.
Use PlayStation Alerts: Sign up for notifications directly through Sony to be one of the first to know when preorders are available.
4. Prepare for High Demand
Preordering the PS5 Pro is expected to be competitive, with high demand likely to result in quick sellouts, just as with the initial release of the original PS5. To maximize your chances of securing a preorder:
Act Quickly: Be prepared to place your order as soon as preorders open. Timing is key, as stock can run out within minutes.
Double-Check Payment Information: Ensure your credit card or payment method is ready to go. Any delays during the checkout process could result in losing your spot.
Stay Informed: Monitor PlayStation and retailer websites for updates on restocks or additional preorder windows.
Final Thoughts
The PlayStation 5 Pro is set to take gaming to the next level with its enhanced performance, graphics, and new features. Canadian gamers should be ready to act fast when preorders open on September 26, 2024, to secure their console ahead of the holiday season. Whether you choose to preorder through PlayStation’s official website or your preferred retailer, following the steps outlined above will help ensure a smooth and successful preorder experience.
For more details on the PS5 Pro and to preorder, visit direct.playstation.com or stay tuned to updates from major Canadian retailers.
Since the PlayStation 5 (PS5) launched four years ago, PlayStation has continuously evolved to meet the demands of its players. Today, we are excited to announce the next step in this journey: the PlayStation 5 Pro. Designed for the most dedicated players and game creators, the PS5 Pro brings groundbreaking advancements in gaming hardware, raising the bar for what’s possible.
Key Features of the PS5 Pro
The PS5 Pro comes equipped with several key performance enhancements, addressing the requests of gamers for smoother, higher-quality graphics at a consistent 60 frames per second (FPS). The console’s standout features include:
Upgraded GPU: The PS5 Pro’s GPU boasts 67% more Compute Units than the current PS5, combined with 28% faster memory. This allows for up to 45% faster rendering speeds, ensuring a smoother gaming experience.
Advanced Ray Tracing: Ray tracing capabilities have been significantly enhanced, with reflections and refractions of light being processed at double or triple the speed of the current PS5, creating more dynamic visuals.
AI-Driven Upscaling: Introducing PlayStation Spectral Super Resolution, an AI-based upscaling technology that adds extraordinary detail to images, resulting in sharper image clarity.
Backward Compatibility & Game Boost: More than 8,500 PS4 games playable on PS5 Pro will benefit from PS5 Pro Game Boost, stabilizing or enhancing performance. PS4 games will also see improved resolution on select titles.
VRR & 8K Support: The PS5 Pro supports Variable Refresh Rate (VRR) and 8K gaming for the ultimate visual experience, while also launching with the latest wireless technology, Wi-Fi 7, in supported regions.
Optimized Games & Patches
Game creators have quickly embraced the new technology that comes with the PS5 Pro. Many games will receive free updates to take full advantage of the console’s new features, labeled as PS5 Pro Enhanced. Some of the highly anticipated titles include:
Alan Wake 2
Assassin’s Creed: Shadows
Demon’s Souls
Dragon’s Dogma 2
Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth
Gran Turismo 7
Marvel’s Spider-Man 2
Ratchet & Clank: Rift Apart
Horizon Forbidden West
These updates will allow players to experience their favorite games at a higher fidelity, taking full advantage of the console’s improved graphics and performance.
Design & Compatibility
Maintaining consistency within the PS5 family, the PS5 Pro retains the same height and width as the original PS5 model. Players will also have the option to add an Ultra HD Blu-ray Disc Drive or swap console covers when available.
Additionally, the PS5 Pro is fully compatible with all existing PS5 accessories, including the PlayStation VR2, DualSense Edge, Pulse Elite, and Access controller. This ensures seamless integration into your current gaming setup.
Pricing & Availability
The PS5 Pro will be available starting November 7, 2024, at a manufacturer’s suggested retail price (MSRP) of:
$699.99 USD
$949.99 CAD
£699.99 GBP
€799.99 EUR
¥119,980 JPY
Each PS5 Pro comes with a 2TB SSD, a DualSense wireless controller, and a copy of Astro’s Playroom pre-installed. Pre-orders begin on September 26, 2024, and the console will be available at participating retailers and directly from PlayStation via direct.playstation.com.
The launch of the PS5 Pro marks a new chapter in PlayStation’s commitment to delivering cutting-edge gaming experiences. Whether players choose the standard PS5 or the PS5 Pro, PlayStation aims to provide the best possible gaming experience for everyone.
Preorder your PS5 Pro and step into the next generation of gaming this holiday season.
