One not-so-discreet but highly efficient way to make the stock go up is to use celebrity endorsement. Before influencers were all the rage, this is how big brands did some of their covert advertising: by sending stuff to celebrities, who were then "accidentally" photographed with the product.
It could be that Porsche is old-school like that or that Robert Downey Jr. really is as passionate about new electric bikes as he is about converting classic cars into EVs, but here he is, enjoying his new ride. Given that RDJ has been seen out riding e-bikes before and even took to social media to promote one particular brand would indicate the latter. The fact that both his and his son's bikes appeared brand new seems to point to the former possibility, though.
Not that it matters all that much. Since Porsche announced it was branching out on the market of e-bikes three years ago and as they kept adding more models as time wore on, it became crystal clear that the only target customer for these bikes was the same gentleman who could afford a four-wheel Porsche.
They don't have to be as famous and rich as Oscar winner RDJ, but some degree of wealth has to be involved. After all, the cheapest model in the short e-bike lineup starts at nearly $10,000.
Photo: Porsche
RDJ and son Indio were photographed out in Malibu, wearing safety helmets and, in RDJ's case, a most colorful but typically flamboyant outfit. Both bikes seemed brand new, and while it's somewhat difficult to tell with certainty, it seems the actor was riding a Porsche eBike Sport 3rd Gen, which retails for $12,685 before taxes. That last part is only relevant if he paid for it himself, which, as noted before, he probably didn't.
While expensive, all Porsche e-bikes live up to the Porsche badge on the frame, delivering a neat blend of high-quality components and outstanding performance. The eBike Sport 3rd Gen, for example, packs top-of-the-line Shimano components, like a Shimano EP801 motor that delivers 85 Nm torque, a Shimano 630Wh battery, and a Shimano derailleur.
The model also comes with Magura disc brakes, Continental Race King tires, carbon frame, upside-down suspension forks and Fox rear shock absorber for the most comfortable ride. Porsche also offers eMTBs, but this isn't one of them: it's a city/leisure model designed in partnership with ROTWILD – with the frame designed by Studio F. A. Porsche.
Again, while he's not seen out riding e-bikes every week of the month, RDJ is passionate about electric vehicles, whether with two or four wheels. He turned the conversion of a chunk of his fleet of classic vehicles into a documentary series and previously backed one of the country's most successful and affordable e-bike makers, Rad Power Bikes.
If this is a paid endorsement by Porsche, it doesn't feel like selling out for RDJ since it's in perfect alignment with his well-documented interest in EVs.
Elena has been writing for a living since 2006 and, as a journalist, she has put her double major in English and Spanish to good use. She covers automotive and mobility topics like cars and bicycles, and she always knows the shows worth watching on Netflix and friends. Full profile
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