Just like other automakers, Porsche has designated certain of its vehicles as flagship models over the years. For each period, the flagship is usually the most prestigious and most expensive model to wear the company's badge. Just like a Navy flag officer commanding his fleet from the most advanced vessel, cruising around in a flagship car is a sign of prestige. These cars straddle the top of the food chain in terms of technological advancement, eye-catching designs, and breathtaking performance.Most of the new technologies and features that Porsche has brought to the industry were introduced through the flagship models. The use of turbocharging in a production Porsche was introduced through the 930 Turbo while the Carrera GT was the first built on a carbon fiber monocoque chassis. That said, here's every flagship Porsche sports car since the '60s.
10 1964: Porsche 904
The 904, designed by Alexander Ferdinand Porsche and known officially as the Porsche Carrera GTS, is a gem built by Porsche in 1964 and 1965. To keep costs and weight down, the ladder chassis was made from pressed-steel sections while the body was made with fiberglass.
Power was provided by a 2-liter flat-4 engine that sent 180 hp to the rear wheels through a 5-speed manual transmission. With this setup, which was good for a top speed of 160 mph, it achieved great success in the 1964 racing season.
9 1966: Porsche 911S
The 911S was introduced in 1966 as a more powerful version of the very successful Porsche 911. Apart from a set of forged aluminum-alloy wheels, the 911S came with a stronger engine and several chassis enhancements that gave it an edge over the standard 911.
Power came from an air-cooled 2-liter flat-6 engine that produced an output of 160 hp and 132 lb-ft of torque for a top speed of 141 mph. With its sharp responsive steering, short wheelbase, and lighter weight, the 911S was a mechanical machine that rewarded drivers with an exciting ride.
8 1978: Porsche 930 Turbo
The original 930 Turbo was created when Porsche applied its turbocharging technology to the 3-liter flat-6 engine that powered the Carrera RS 3.0. For the 1978 model year, the 930 received a significant upgrade in the form of a 3.3-liter flat-6 engine with an intercooler.
With output raised to 296 hp (261 hp for US version), the 930 Turbo could sprint to 60 mph in 4.9 seconds and max out at 165 mph. The negative side of the upgrade was that it came with an increase in weight which injured the car's handling and character.
7 1980: Porsche 928 S
The 928 is a luxury grand tourer conceived when Porsche's managing director wanted a replacement for the compact 911. Arriving in Europe in 1980, the 928 S had wider tires and new front and rear spoilers in contrast with the standard 928.
For power, it relied on a 4.7-liter V8 unit that had an output of 296 hp which was later increased to 306 hp in 1984. In 1985, power for the US version was bumped from 235 hp to 288 hp, and the 928 S was able to hit 155 mph.
6 1986: Porsche 959
When the flagship Porsche 959 first arrived as a Group B rally car and later as a road-legal supercar, it thrilled gearheads with its stellar qualities. It featured an electronically controlled chassis, superior aerodynamics, and a 2.8-liter flat-6 engine with 2 turbochargers that worked sequentially for smooth power delivery.
Paired with a 6-speed manual transmission, it sent 444 hp through a sophisticated 4-wheel drive system for a top speed of 197 mph. Later versions with larger turbochargers could hit 211 mph, and despite an eye-watering price tag, the flagship 959 sold out quickly.
5 2004: Porsche Carrera GT
The Porsche Carrera GT is a sophisticated and thoroughbred supercar that was developed to replace the Porsche 959 flagship. Priced at $448,400, it was a technology powerhouse that was built on a pure carbon fiber monocoque chassis and sported an electronically operated rear wing.
For motivation, it got a mid-mounted 5.7-liter aluminum V-10 engine mill that fed the rear wheels 605 hp and 435 lb-ft of torque. This translated to a top speed of 205 mph, a 0-60 mph run of 3.5 seconds, and a quarter-mile time of 11.2 seconds at 132 mph.
4 2008: Porsche 911 GT2
When the 911 GT2 arrived in 2007, it was the scariest turbocharged 911 around, more powerful yet weighing less than the 911 Turbo. Boosted by two turbochargers, the 3.6-liter flat-6 engine sends 523 hp and 505 lb-ft of torque to the rear wheels.
With such power on tap, it was able to hit 60 mph in 3.4 seconds, clear the quarter-mile in 11.4 seconds to max out at 205 mph. For all its ferocity, it came with luxury options like multi-adjustable leather seats, Bose premium stereo system, and a navigation system.
3 2014: Porsche 918 Spyder
The hybrid masterpiece from Porsche was so advanced that the 918 units sold out within a year despite an $845,000 price tag. A 599 hp 4.6-liter V8 supported by one electric motor drives the rear wheels while a second motor drives the front axle. Delivering a combined output of 875 hp and 944 lb-ft of torque, they hurled the car to 60 mph in 2.2 seconds and a top speed of 218.4 mph.
On the 7-inch infotainment touchscreen, you can access features like the navigation system and Bluetooth connectivity while an 11-speaker Burmester audio system serenades you.
2 2018: Porsche Panamera Turbo S E Hybrid
When it was unveiled in 2017 for the 2018 model year, the Panamera Turbo S E Hybrid was one of the most powerful Porsches ever. With a starting price of $185,450, it offers sitting for 4 passengers in a well-built and comfortable cabin.
A 4-liter twin-turbo V8 mill partners with an electric motor to deliver 680 hp and enough twist for a 0-60 mph time of 2.9 seconds. Available features include InnoDrive adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, 4-zone climate control, and a night vision camera.
1 2021: Porsche 911 Turbo S
Starting at a lofty $208,350 price tag for the coupe, the 911 Turbo S is all-new for the 992 generation. Not surprisingly, it delivers monstrously quick acceleration, 2.2 seconds to 60 mph and 10.1 seconds to the quarter-mile mark at 137 mph.
This is made possible by 640 ponies and 572 lb-ft of twist sent to the 4 wheels through an 8-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission. The crisp and well-weighted steering allows it to handle like a race car while Porsche’s adaptive suspension system ensures a smooth ride.