Skip to main content

Journey to the Origins of Intrigue in Porsche’s Cayenne S E-Hyrbrid

In fourth grade, I was a pint-sized scholar of California’s Santa Barbara Mission.

Recommended Videos

Like every public school student of the Golden State, I selected one of 21 Spanish sanctuaries to investigate and model. After months of research, and just before I presented my findings to a classroom full of nine-year-old nose-pickers, I visited the religious outpost. Though the Native American targets of 18th century Catholic evangelism were less affected, the colorful structure left a distinct impression on me.

The history of the Franciscan Order – fascinating as it may be – did not arouse my curiosity. Rather, the mission’s stunning composition sent my young mind buzzing. Arched colonnades, cream-colored stucco, ornate ironwork, and decorative tile were the first features of my aesthetic fancy.

Porsche Cayenne S E-Hybrid
Image used with permission by copyright holder

Had I the mathematical genius to support my design intrigue, I would have pursued a career in architecture. Cruelly, I lack whichever genetic arrangement permits the brain to decipher geometry. Still, an admirer of both natural and artificial beauty I became – and remain today.

Nearly two decades since my artistic revelation, an unplanned road trip in Porsche’s Cayenne S E-Hybrid returns me to Saint Bárbara’s namesake.

California’s breathtaking coastline and unrelenting ocean breeze beckon me north from a scorching Orange County summer. A hundred miles pass unnoticed beneath the premium SUV’s tires while ventilated leather seats keep me cool and fresh.

I lift my eyes from the highway to note rows of Spanish colonial homes and wispy Palms peering down. After piecing together my coordinates, I take the next exit, hoping to find a savory spot for lunch. Here, in Downtown Santa Barbara’s “Funk Zone,” I discover Metropulos – a gourmet food shop and creator of divine sandwiches.

Metropulos Cayenne
Image used with permission by copyright holder

Having replenished the Cayenne’s battery while cruising up the coast, I have plenty of stored charge to zip around town via electric power. In search of a picnic-sized plot of land, I weave through Santa Barbara’s tidy one-way streets, ascending the hillside towards a cloudless overlook.

Each weekend, the Mission Historical Park teems with the 30-and-under crowd – in part because it’s the only spot in town where open container laws do not apply. The other reason for the expansive lawn’s popularity should be obvious; facing due southeast – just beyond a cluster of red-roofed homes – is a jaw-dropping ocean panoramic.

Much to my relief, the park is decidedly calmer midweek. Settling onto the browning grass, I unwrap my sandwich and soak in the warming rays. One-hundred meters to my posterior sits the topic of my fourth-grade fascination. Faded pink columns, shaded bell towers, and baroque domes attract a small number of visitors each day.

Elegantly simple, I’m reminded of why the aging church left such an impression. Intricacy would only distract from the natural beauty of the mission’s surroundings. Perhaps even Frank Lloyd Wright was inspired by the structure’s charming restraint. Looking elsewhere for inspiration, I notice the Cayenne’s unfettered exterior, its fluid curves and jeweled headlights glimmering in the waning light.

Porsche Cayenne S E-Hybrid
Image used with permission by copyright holder

Fearing an overdose of visual stimuli, I ready for the journey home. Just before joining the highway, however, I make an abrupt detour towards the coast. The rapidly descending sun casts long shadows from towering palm trees. Pausing to admire the cerulean waters and fog-obscured cliffs, I consider, for the first time in my life, where I’d like to retire.

Santa Barbara’s unequal portion of beauty is no mystery to its visitors and residents, but it’s much more than a dazzling destination to me – it’s the provenance of my creativity.

Miles Branman
Miles Branman developed a passion for cars early on thanks to a neighbor’s collection of rare and exotic vehicles. What…
Rolls-Royce debuts its bespoke Phantom Cherry Blossom
Cherry Blossom Phantom is a true one-off from Rolls-Royce
rolls royce debuts its bespoke phantom cherry blossom p90593874 lowres presents

With the enchanting pink petals of the Sakura season just past the calendar, Rolls-Royce Motor Cars recently unveiled the Phantom Cherry Blossom. As with most upper-echelon carmakers who cater to the hyper-wealthy, if you have the cash, they can create whatever you want your new ride to be. This unique one-of-a-kind Phantom Extended commission captures the beauty of cherry blossoms and is inspired by a Japanese client’s special memories of this natural wonder.

The Phantom Cherry Blossom design kicked off three years ago when Rolls-Royce artisans teamed up with the commissioning client in Japan to fully grasp what they wanted. The result? An elegant motor car that’s not just a way to get around but a stunning piece of art, crafted with a ton of attention to detail. It perfectly captures the client’s personal vision while showcasing the exceptional talent and dedication of the Bespoke Collective.
Rolls-Royce turning one customer's love of cherry blossoms into automotive art

Read more
Five million strong: Mercedes-Benz Sprinter reaches new milestone with electric twist
FedEx uses combustion engine and electric Sprinters for intercity and last-mile deliveries.
Mercedes-Benz eSprinter five millionth Sprinter right front three quarter view in front of Charleston South Carolina assembly plant.

The Mercedes-Benz Vans division delivered the five-millionth Sprinter van to FedEx in Charleston, South Carolina at the Mercedes-Benz assembly plant in that city. The milestone Sprinter was an eSprinter fully-electric model.
How FedEx uses Sprinters

FedEx is one of the largest customers of Mercedes-Benz vans, deploying Sprinters and eSprinters in North America, Europe, Asia, and South America. FedEx uses the combustion and electric Sprinters mainly for intercity and last-mile deliveries.

Read more
Nina Dobrev talks love for F1 & the ‘electric’ feeling of race day
From Netflix to the paddock: Nina Dobrev on her passion for Formula One
Nina Dobrev holds a Peroni and smiles.

When Nina Dobrev first attended an F1 event over a decade ago, she went as a casual observer. Similar to many recent Formula One fans, she streamed Netflix's Drive to Survive and immediately fell in love with the sport. Fast-forward to now, and Dobrev is all-in with F1 thanks to her greater appreciation for the world-class drivers and their sensational teams.

This past weekend, Dobrev attended the 2025 Miami Grand Prix on behalf of Peroni Nastro Azzurro 0.0% to support their iconic partner, Scuderia Ferrari HP. The Vampire Diaries star is also friends with Lewis Hamilton, one of the greatest drivers in F1 history, who competes for Ferrari.

Read more