Porsche: The difference between CXX, Exclusive Manufaktur and Sonderwunsch

Posted: Posted:November 24, 2025

Porsche's special options and customization programs

The other dayWhen I wrote about Porsche collaborating with LovebuSo I came across the name Leather Toe Sample (LTS) instead of Paint Toe Sample (PTS), and I thought, "What's that?"

Then, I received a comment on that blog post saying, "Isn't LTS the option code CXX?", and I remembered that there was indeed an option code CXX.

Before,A car on display when I went to PEC TokyoBut I remember being told that the CXX had a blue interior.

At the time, I didn't really think about it and assumed that since the interior of the CXX had been specially changed to blue, it must be a Sonderwunsch, but no, no, no, that might not be the case.

...I've been feeling a bit frustrated, so I've decided to organize my thoughts here.

So, what is Porsche's CXX? How does it differ from an Exclusive Manufaktur? And how does it differ from a Sonderwunsch?

What are CXX, Exclusive Manufaktur, and Sonderwunsch?

I wanted to compile accurate information, but even after searching, I was unable to find accurate information officially released by Porsche regarding the CXX from the information available online, so I have compiled this information from various sources.

If you have actually experienced CXX, Exclusive Manufaktur, or Sonderwunsch and have any comments like "That's a little different," I'd be grateful if you could let me know.

The information written here is current as of November 24, 2025.

CXX : It is also said to be "Custom-Code Execution", but there has been no official announcement. This is an internal option code that indicates a custom specification approved by Porsche (this also includes PTS, LTS, etc. (I think))

Exclusive Manufacturer: Since this name began to be used for customer orders, this department has been positioned as the department that handles CXX specifications. It is the official customization department that tailors vehicles to individual specifications (CXX, etc.) based on customer requests.

Sonderwunsch: This program was originally offered in the late 1970s as the "Sonderwunsch programme/Special request".

This is the highest level customization program offered by Porsche, which allows customization beyond the special specification option (CXX) approved by Porsche (of course, it can also be used in conjunction with CXX projects). It also allows for one-off design and production (it can handle specifications that cannot be realized with existing options or Exclusive Manufaktur).

What particularly caught my attention this time was the "CXX," which (it seems) has the least clear information available.

First, I looked into finding out what CXX stands for, but Porsche has not officially announced what it stands for.

However,Explanation from an overseas dealerIn statements from core Porsche owners from before Exclusive Manufaktur became known to the general public, CXX is said to stand for "Custom-Code Execution."

Furthermore, Porsche has explained what this CXX is as "Individually Commissioned Equipment."

A literal translation would be equipment made to an individual request, in other words, custom-made equipment.

In overseas configurators, the following text is included as a note at the bottom right of the page:

Here is an enlarged view of the yellow box. You can see the words "Individually Commissioned Equipment (CXX)" below.

The same explanation is given in the specifications issued by the dealer after configuration.

*By the way, I was unable to find this note about the CXX in the Japanese configurator, even after adding the Exclusive Manufacture option.

Regarding the difference between the Exclusive Manufaktur and Sonderwunsch divisions, which also create special editions, Porsche previously explained:

Porsche Exclusive Manufaktur is a "catalog"
Sonderwunsch is "Haute Couture"

I think it's easy to understand what was said.

I'll post again if I find out anything else in the future ^^

Rika (911supercars.com)

I'm Rika, the author of this article. Since I got my hands on a Porsche 911, I've been completely hooked on Porsches and I can't stop loving them, so I started this blog. My favorite cars are the 911 Carrera (2/991), 911 Carrera Cabriolet & 911 Carrera T (1/992), GT3 (1/997) and 718 Cayman GT4 RS.

911Supercars in the article

-Porsche: Porsche

Kaz amigo says:

2025年11月24日 at 9:36 PM

I had the impression that Ferraris and Lamborghinis were officially fully customizable, while Porsches were officially semi-customizable, but it turns out that Porsches can also be officially fully customizable overseas. It's quite a fascinating world!
I guess this special option exists because there are customers who want a car that is one of a kind in the world.

Mercedes may have been able to do some minor custom orders up until the early 1990s, before Chrysler took over. My car is the official Japanese model, but the wood paneling is the overseas model. At the time, parallel import vehicles from overseas also had body colors that weren't available in the Japanese model. That color is so beautiful that I want to paint my car that color too (lol).

Reply
- Rika (911supercars.com) says:
  
  2025年11月26日 at 4:30 PM
  
  Kaz amigo
  It seems they will accommodate requests as much as possible, except for things that are illegal or incorporating other brands (such as using the design of XX company). Of course, there is no limit to the price (lol).
  
  Kaz amigo's Mercedes is an overseas model with only the wood paneling. It's so nice to have something that was only available in that era.
  
  Reply
wishist says:

2025年11月24日 at 11:07 PM

Thank you for writing such an in-depth blog post.
Speaking of option codes, I believe Exclusive options are always three letters beginning with the letter "X."
I have a PDF of the 718 parts list, and it's quite interesting to look at the option codes, which include region codes (destination codes) and radio frequency designation codes.
(About two years ago, I was able to download it from the Porsche Classic website, but it seems I can't do that now.)
By the way, we would like to inform you that the code CXX is not listed here either.
If you find out more, please continue reading.

Reply
- Rika (911supercars.com) says:
  
  2025年11月26日 at 4:31 PM
  
  wishist
  Hello ^^ I couldn't fit everything in the comments section so I decided to write it on my blog (lol).
  
  There are a lot of parts lists online (overseas), so I often look at them when I'm researching something, but I've never paid much attention to the cords! I'll try to look at them more carefully from now on.
  
  I'd be happy if you could let me know if you find any other interesting information. Thank you!
  
  Reply