In 1931, Ferdinand Porsche founded his company. Working until his death in 1951, the former designer of racing cars, talented technician and the chief developer at Daimler-Benz, laid the foundation for an international company. In the era where most brands are absorbed by larger companies, the Porsche name stays synonymous with sports cars because that's what Ferdinand Porsche set out to build.
Few cars are as legendary as the 911. Easily recognized all over the world, it has stood the test of time and remained more desirable and capable than most cars on the road. Ever since the introduction in 1953, the Porsche 911 has been the ultimate supercar that can be used on a daily basis. The 911 is an icon and one that has cemented its place in books. Today we have a sports car legend: we look at the evolution of the Porsche 911 over the years.
16 1963 – The Original ‘901’
Designed by Ferdinand Porsche, the original 911 (called the 901) delivered 130 bhp from its tiny 2.0L flat-six engine. As standard, it was air-cooled and rear-mounted like other Porsches of that time. Even though the engine was quite small, it produced enough power for a car weighing 2,300 pounds.
15 1966 – The 911S
After three years of production, the company came up with the 911S, an improved model with 160 hp. Under the hood sat a 901/02 engine. Also added were the iconic 5-spoke alloy wheels, which were a defining style part for a very long time. Next year came the 911 Targa.
14 1967 – The 911 Targa
Debuting in late 1966 as the first safety cabriolet, the 911 Targa had a distinctive steel roll-over bar. In 1967, the semi-automatic four-speed transmission joined the line-up. One year later came fuel injection, and 1969 followed up with a new 2.2L engine delivering 180 hp. By the 70s, Porsche had upped it to 2.4L.
13 1973 – The 911 2.7 Carrera RS
In 1973 came the biggest change so far, when the company introduced the 911 2.7 Carrera RS producing 210 horsepower from its 2.7L engine. For the first time, the 911 got a ducktail spoiler. The 1974 model featured an upgraded engine. It was also the year when the RSR Turbo made the first appearance.
12 1973 – The G Model
In 1973, a bestseller went into production. Porsche gave the 911 model a first big makeover. The G model was produced from 1973 to 1989, longer than any other 911 generation. The car came with bellows bumpers, an element designed to meet the latest strict test standards in the US.
11 1975 – ‘930’ 911 Turbo
1975 marked one of the main milestones in the 911 saga. Porsche introduced the 911 Turbo with a 3.0L 160 hp engine. With an innovative blend of performance and luxury, the Turbo became synonymous with a mysterious luxury car. The next performance upgrade came in 1977 with an introduction of a new engine.
10 1979 – 911SC Targa
1979 almost became the last production year for the 911. Porsche wanted to replace the car with a new model, the 928. However, sales remained strong and Porsche decided to continue production indefinitely. This decision saved the company. Porsche upped the engine to 3.2L and added a "tea tray" spoiler.
9 1983 – 911 Carrera
In 1983, the 911 Carrera superseded other Porsche models. It became everyone's favorite with a 3.2L engine delivering 231 horsepower. From 1982, buyers could also enjoy fresh air from their 911 Cabriolet. The 911 Carrera Speedster was evocative of previous Porsche cars. All upcoming 911s would get new brakes, styling and electronics.
8 1989 – The 964
The 964 was introduced at the very end of the 80s, bringing new styling and a heap of new tech. The car was 85% new. Many features – four-wheel drive, power steering, airbags and ABS brakes – were introduced for the first time. Nowadays, the 964 RS is quickly spiraling in value.
7 1994 – The 993
The 993 arrived a few years after the 964, and it was one of the Porsche's diehards as the best-judged and prettiest 911. It was the last 911 with an air-cooled engine. It featured a badge that's continued service ever since. The 993 also brought the infamously unconventional rear-engine layout.
6 1998 – The 996
The 1998 model year marked the arrival of the water-cooled 996. These cars kicked off "the habit of major mid-life updates. The 996 received its big facelift in 2001, with attempts to appease critics of its styling, an updated interior, and a glass-roofed Targa variant, though it was nothing like as stylish as its ancestors."
5 2004 – The 997
In 2004, the company unveiled the new-gen 911 Carrera and 911 Carrera S, referred to as the 997. Separate blinkers and oval headlights were a return to classic 911 models. These were performance cars, with a 3.6L flat engine that delivered 325 hp. A new 3.8L unit of the Carrera S turned out 355 hp.
4 2005 – ‘997’ 911
2005 was one of the best years for classic car enthusiasts. The new Porsche 911 had vintage-inspired details such as the round headlamps, but the modern driving traits were still there. The everyday usability was significantly improved. Many options were available including everyone's favorite GT3 RS4.0 with a manual transmission.
3 2006 – The 911 Turbo
In 2006, the company unveiled the 911 Turbo, which was the first "petrol-operated car to include a turbocharger with variable turbine geometry. Model improvements in the autumn of 2008 made the 997 even more efficient thanks to direct fuel injection. Never before had the 911 series made such extensive allowances to suit drivers’ individual preferences."
2 2012 – New 911 Chassis
In 2012, the company introduced the new 991 chassis that was 110 pounds lighter. Another major improvement was the updated 3.4L engine delivering 350 hp in the 911 Carrera. Handling was also improved with Porsche Dynamic Chassis Control. Another big update was the revised PDK transmission and a seven-speed manual option.
1 2019 – 911 Carrera S
Porsche has evolved the 911 since its introduction in 1963 to stay true to its roots. Instead of changing the styling, Porsche has spent the last years improving every detail and making the 2019 year model one of the best-engineered cars available. The twin-turbo flat-six engine delivers 450 horsepower and offers thrilling acceleration.