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Background & Tech In the late 1960s, as California’s new anti-smog legislation became operative, it was apparent that highly tuned...
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Built on the technology platform of the 718 Cayman GT4 RS, the Porsche Vision 357 is a design study that represents outstanding sports car performance. The exterior concept study is the highlight of the special exhibition “75 Years of Porsche sports cars” at the Volkswagen Group’s “DRIVE” Forum in Berlin. The fundamental concept reflects the interplay between tradition and innovation: what would the dream of a sports car of Ferry Porsche might look like today? A tribute to the 356 on its 75th anniversary.
Porsche makes sports car history by launching its first publicly available rally car, the $223,450 911 Dakar. After extensive testing, Porsche has settled on a 3.0-liter twin-turbo six-cylinder boxer engine with 473 hp and 420 lb-ft of torque and an 8-speed PDK. True to rally form, an 80-mm suspension lifts the car, along with an optional roof rack and model-specific Pirelli Scorpion all-terrain tires.
Fresh colours and harmonious contrast packages characterise the new Porsche 718 Boxster Style Edition and 718 Cayman Style Edition sports cars. Available on the base model, this is a sweet package for the buyer looking to jazz up their base Cayman or Boxster and make them really special. Underlining Porsche’s commitment to ever more creative and vibrant bespoke finishes, the new models are characterized by special colors and matching contrasting elements. This is evident with the new color Ruby Star Neo, a modern interpretation of the color used on the 964 Carrera RS.
Fresh colours and harmonious contrast packages characterise the new Porsche 718 Boxster Style Edition and 718 Cayman Style Edition sports cars. Available on the base model, this is a sweet package for the buyer looking to jazz up their base Cayman or Boxster and make them really special. Underlining Porsche’s commitment to ever more creative and vibrant bespoke finishes, the new models are characterized by special colors and matching contrasting elements. This is evident with the new color Ruby Star Neo, a modern interpretation of the color used on the 964 Carrera RS.
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Arguably the most extreme 911 to be build as a production car for the road and track. The most significant improvements made to the RS—over both the 992 GT3 and the previous-gen 991 GT3 RS—were applied to the aerodynamics and chassis departments of the car. The new 911 GT3 RS is even more optimized for track use than its predecessors. The spontaneously responsive, high-revving four-litre, six-cylinder boxer engine has proven ideal for use at track days and club sport events.
The return of the Touring badge, now on the Type 992. In a way, the car may seem sparingly equipped, and apart from the paint color, the wheels, and if you want a 7-speed manual or 8-speed PDK, it is. But it’s what it’s equipped with that makes the Porsche drivers smile. The purist-focused Carrera T is perfectly specced for fun, with its sweet rear-wheel drive, no rear seats, and a manual gearbox for just $118,050.
Let’s face it, the Porsche 914 was not the most iconic of sports cars in the storied history of the...
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If you're not one for celebrating special models that don't improve performance, this 2023 Porsche 911 Carrera GTS Cabriolet America will be right up your alley. Porsche has gone beyond just slapping on some new paint, unique trim, and special wheels. There is some performance to go along with the history behind the America name-plated Porsche, besides the incredibly long name.
Porsche is celebrating the 90th anniversary of the Hockenheimring track with a special edition of one of its models. The Porsche Taycan GTS Hockenheimring Edition is the first special edition based on the brand's first electric vehicle. It features several elements to set it apart. It all starts with the Stone Grey paint and "Bronzite" accents to bring a dash of flair. On the inside, Porsche Exclusive Manufaktur have selected black leather for the upholstery, while the contrasting elements are finished in a shade that is called "Island Green."
This entry-level variant in the Taycan lineup is cheaper than a 911 and Panamera, making it an interesting prospect. It gets one less motor than the Taycan 4S and less standard equipment. Horsepower and torque figures change depending on whether you get the standard 79-kWh battery or pay $5780 for the 93.4-kWh Performance Battery Plus. The bigger battery gives you 469 hp and 263 lb-ft of torque when using launch control, or 375 hp in regular operation. According to Road and Track, the "base model could be the pick of the lineup".
With 750-horsepower, launch control and gravel mode in a family-friendly wagon, this may be the most practical car on the planet. Take the screaming fast all-electric Taycan Turbo S—the fastest, most powerful version atop the Taycan range—and make it a wagon with a little more ground clearance (0.78 inches) and more headroom (3.62 inches) in the rear seats, and you have the Taycan Turbo S Cross Turismo. The all-wheel-drive Taycan Turbo S Cross Turismo has one electric motor per axle, with a one-speed transmission up front and a two-speed transmission in the rear.
The performance-oriented all-electric station wagon has arrived and we like what we see. The Taycan Turbo Cross Turismo gets the same dual-motor all-wheel-drive as the Taycan sedan featuring a Gravel drive mode, standard air suspension, and minor ride-height increases. With a permanent-magnet motor at each axle, the rear drives a two-speed automatic and the front a single-speed gearbox. Power is a kind of nuts 616 hp and 626 lb-ft, which we think is more that enough for the kids daily trip to school. Feels much the same as the sedan version but looks way cooler.
Porsche's Taycan Cross Turismo is the wagon addition to the Taycan EV family and the 562-hp 4S variants is probably our favorite version. Why? Because the Taycan Cross Turismo's combination of looks, speed, and space put it into the realm of the now-legendary wagons like the Audi RS6 Avant and Mercedes-AMG E63 S wagon and they are some of our favorite cars on the planet. Do yourself and your family a favor and get this baby now.
With a spacious interior and two luggage compartments, providing comfort and convenience for four, the Taycan Cross Turismo body style is more practical than its sedan sibling. Unlike the Taycan sedan, all Cross Turismo models come standard with the larger of the two available battery packs, an 83.7-kWh unit. In the 4, that pack powers the two motors to an available 469 horsepower when using launch control. During normal use, you get 375 horsepower and 368 pound-feet of torque.
In 2022 the base model was released in this new Sport Turismo body style. This entry-level variant in the Taycan lineup is cheaper than a 911 and Panamera, making it an interesting prospect. It gets one less motor than the Taycan 4S and less standard equipment. Horsepower and torque figures change depending on whether you get the standard 79-kWh battery or pay $5780 for the 93.4-kWh Performance Battery Plus. The bigger battery gives you 469 hp and 263 lb-ft of torque when using launch control, or 375 hp in regular operation.
The Sport Turismo bodystyle is unique the to Taycan GTS for U.S buyers. It is the sexiest bodystyle in the range and more practical than the sedan too. It isn't the most powerful in the range; but it gets a wealth of standard equipment, especially the good performance stuff. The Taycan GTSSport Turismo sits between the 4S and the Turbo and has 590 hp and 623 ft lbs, good for 0 - 60 mph 3.5 seconds. It feels much more rear-driven than the Turbo and has way more engaging handling characteristics as a result.
Most of us have come to know what Porsche’s GTS lineage stands for: a focus on vehicle dynamics while deferring in terms of sheer horsepower to the most powerful in the range; a unique look and a wealth of standard equipment, especially the good performance stuff. Same formula for the Taycan GTS. It sits between the 4S and the Turbo and has 590 hp and 623 ft lbs, good for 0 - 60 mph 3.5 seconds. It feels much more rear-driven than the Turbo and has way more engaging handling characteristics as a result.
The Boxster 718 T was released for the 2020 model year as more sport-oriented versions of the base 718 models. As such, the T features the same 2.0-litre flat-4 engine as the base 718 but adds performance-oriented options such as Porsche's sport suspension system, the Sport Chrono package, and a limited-slip differential, along with minor cosmetic differences including special decals along the lower doors, a smaller-diameter steering wheel, door pull straps in place of standard door handles, wheels from the Porsche 992 Carrera S, and black rear badging.
This Panamera variant pairs a 2.9-litre twin-turbocharged V6 with an electric motor to serve up 552 hp and dynamism usually associated with non-hybrid coupes. The best part? The 'E-Hybrid' badging means this sedan also delivers the benefits of greater fuel efficiency and lower emissions. Then there's the fact that all electrified Panameras for the 2021 model year have 27% more battery capacity.
The Panamera Turbo S E-Hybrid Sport Turismo is extreme indulgence at its peak. A family wagon with almost 700 hp on tap and the ability to launch hard enough to strain your back muscles. Porsche claims the car can hit 60 mph in just 3 seconds. It's impressive on its own, but even then, it seems the carmaker was being conservative as some motoring journalists were able to clock a time of 2.7 seconds. That's faster than a Ferrari 488 GTB!
This Porsche limousine boasts impressive performance stats like the other Turbo S E-Hybrid variants. However, a lengthened wheelbase with a bias towards rear-seat luxury is the 'cherry on the cake' that sets this one apart. The car promises a sporty package with the luxury of a limousine, and to be fair; it mostly delivers on both counts.
The Cayenne Turbo S E-Hybrid models, mix ultimate performance with comfort and Infotainment. The twin-turbo V8 engine and electric motor combination make it an absolute monster. So much so, that it became top dog in the Porsche SUV lineup, relegating the 541-hp Cayenne Turbo to second place. This is an SUV that has the price, prestige, and performance. Generating 670 combined horsepower and 633 lb-ft of torque.
Porsche is stuffing a built twin-turbocharged 4.0-liter into the Cayenne Coupe, and it's the most powerful V-8 the German automaker has ever produced. It makes 631 horsepower in this new Turbo GT model, and Porsche says its factory driver Lars Kern set a new SUV lap record at the Nürburgring Nordschleife in it lapping the 12.9-mile course in 7:38.9. The new Cayenne will arrive in the U.S, only in Coupe form, next year starting at $182,150.
The Cayenne Turbo S E-Hybrid Coupe mixes ultimate performance with comfort and Infotainment. The Turbo GT has all the attributes to be ahead of the game from the start. The twin-turbo V8 engine and electric motor combination make it an absolute monster. So much so, that it became top dog in the Porsche SUV lineup, relegating the 541-hp Cayenne Turbo to second place. This is an SUV that has the price, prestige, and performance, but it is the Coupe that has the looks. Generating 670 combined horsepower and 633 lb-ft of torque.
The 434-hp Cayenne S goes from 0 - 60 mph in just 4.2 seconds, same as the SUV. In fact, the Coupe and SUV share everything from engines to suspension components to interior trimmings and onboard tech, with only a sloping roofline setting them apart. Our advice. If you want less practicality with a cool fastback roofline, the Porsche Cayenne S coupe is a more stylish version of the Cayenne S. A great all rounder.
Porsche fitted the Cayenne E-Hybrid with a turbocharged 340 hp 3.0-liter V6 engine combined with a 136 hp electric motor for the drivetrain. Total combined power output reached 462 hp. The whole assembly was mated to an 8-speed automatic transmission that sent the power in all corners. Now it comes with a coupe body? Not sure the combination makes much sense to us, but hey this is Porsche and they know more than we do I guess.
The Cayenne Coupe is a version of Porsche's largest SUV with a heavy dose of extra swagger. Porsche introduced the new variant a year after the debut of the third-generation Cayenne, for the 2020 model year. While we like the look of the coupe, it feels out of place on the base Cayenne (which is more a family SUV choice). A nice package, but we would recommend spending a bit more and going for the Cayenne S or GTS.
Three letters are all it takes to describe the glint in your eye and intense goosebumps – GTS. Pure and thrilling: the Cayenne GTS models bring a motorsport atmosphere to the road. Enough power to strive for more freedom: with 453 hp and 457 lb.-ft. of torque, the 4.0-liter twin-turbo V8 engine exudes a drive that helps achieve your goals. The striking black accents on the front fascia, sideskirts and aerodynamic roof spoiler combined with the coupe bodystyle.
A total of 1,250 examples of the limited-edition model by Porsche Exclusive Manufaktur. While the original was a Carrera S, this time around, the power and handling come from a much feistier car, the Type 922 Turbo S. Returning is that amazing grey paint, that swooping ducktail spoiler, and the double-bubble roof. All-new is a mildly detuned Turbo S engine producing 543 HP and 442 lb-ft of turbocharged torque, mated to what can only be called a gift from the gods, a 7-speed manual gearbox.
There is nothing pretentious about the formidable Panamera Turbo S E-Hybrid. The big sedan is all about serious power, performance and style. It is currently the second-most-powerful car in Porsche’s entire lineup, only behind the 700-hp 911 GT2 RS. Only a few rivals can match the luxury sedan in terms of raw power.
This 'limousine' performance sedan offers the benefits of the non-executive Panamera Turbo S - plenty of power, athletic handling and overall elegance. However, the 'executive' badging means more space on the interior, especially for the rear passengers, courtesy of a wheelbase that's about six inches longer than the regular Panamera sedan. The powertrain is carried over unchanged from the non-executive version.
The Porsche Panamera Turbo S is unquestionably a performance beast, with plenty of power and presence to go with its muscular stance. However, the best bit about the Panamera Turbo S may be how it cleverly masks its brute strength and capabilities beneath an elegant layer of the silky-smooth ride and top-class luxury. In that sense, it perfectly fits the bill of a luxury performance sedan - just what Porsche set out to achieve.
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The Panamera GTS Sport Turismo costs only $6,900 more than the sedan variant in base trim. With the same powertrain and better practicality, this performance wagon may just be the most significant direct threat to the Panamera GTS sedan. The extra boot space, up to 49 cubic feet, with the rear seats folded down, makes the Panamera GTS Sport Turismo perfectly suited for a weekend trip to the shopping mall.
The Panamera Hybrid models have their strengths, but there is still nothing quite like the visceral experience behind the wheel of a high-performance vehicle with a formidable internal combustion engine, a formidable unit like the V8 found in the Panamera GTS (short for 'Gran Turismo Sport). It plays a significant role in portraying the character of the sports sedan as a lively performance and yet, family-friendly vehicle.
First, there's the extra boot space, courtesy of the wagon body style. It gives the Sport Turismo models more practicality over the sedans. Also, the Panamera 4S E-Hybrid is no slouch in the power department. It combines a 443-hp V-6 with a hybrid system to crank out 552 hp. That makes it the third-most-powerful Panamera variant, behind the Turbo S E-Hybrid and the Turbo S. In full attack mode, this family hauler can punch its way to 60 mph in less than four seconds
The Turismo Panamera models offer more practicality than the sedans, with the wagon body style offering valuable additional cargo space. However, there's also plenty of performance on offer. Take the Panamera 4S Sport Turismo, for example. It boasts a total of 1,384 litres with the rear seats folded, ideal for a weekend shopping trip. However, under the hood lies a potent engine in the form of a turbocharged V6 unit.
The Panamera 4S Executive is just a 'stretched-out' version of the regular Panamera sedan. The wheelbase has been lengthened by as much as 15 centimetres, an increase that mostly benefits the rear passengers. The Panamera 4S Executive sits above the Panamera 4 Executive, and they share several similarities, such as the panoramic sunroof, heated rear seats and power sunblind in the rear. Style-wise, the Panamera 4S Executive also boasts silver accents around the fenders and side skirts.
The Panamera 4 is the first model in the Panamera lineup to feature all-wheel-drive (evidenced by the '4' badging). A few steps above sits the Panamera 4S, a sedan that offers more oomph in performance. After all, that is why Porsche added the 'S' for 'Sport' to the name. It all starts with the engine. The twin-turbocharged V6 has been upgraded and now puts out 443 hp and 405 lb-ft of torque. That's a significant increase from the 325 hp and 331 lb-ft of torque offered in the base Panamera 4.
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The single most important distinction between this model and the Panamera 4 Sport Turismo is the 'E-Hybrid' badging. With the E-Hybrid Sport Turismo, Porsche has been able to combine performance, ample space and fuel economy into one family-friendly package. Like the sedan variant, the Panamera 4 E-Hybrid Sport Turismo is driven by a hybrid powertrain featuring technology from the 918 Spyder.
The Porsche Panamera 4 E-Hybrid Executive is specially tailored for those who enjoy spending time in the back seat. The body has been lengthened by 15cm, creating valuable space for rear passengers in particular. It's essentially a long-wheelbase version of the Panamera, with enhancements like eight-way power adjustment for the rear seats, heated rear seats, and power sunblinds for passengers in the back.
The Panamera 4 E-Hybrid still gets the 2.9-litre V6 - from the non-hybrid variant - that's good for 325 hp and 331 lb-ft of torque. In addition to that, there's an electric motor and battery combo that supply an extra 134 hp and 295 lb-ft of torque. In all, the Panamera 4 E-Hybrid boasts a maximum combined output of 455 hp and 516 lb-ft of torque, pushing the car well into sports car territory. The car weighs almost 5,000 lbs but will still accelerate to 60 mph in an impressive 4.2 seconds with the Sport Chrono Package.
The Panamera 4 Sport Turismo favours a 'Shooting Brake' style rather than being a pure wagon. This is evidenced by its sloping roofline towards the rear, sacrificing cargo space for a more stealthy profile. In addition, there's the pronounced shoulder and elongated window line, which lend the vehicle its striking appearance. The car slots in just above the base Panamera in a lineup that includes up to twenty-five different variants. The '4' references the standard all-wheel-drive, while the 'Sport Turismo' badging hints at more power and agile handling compared to the base trims.
The third generation of the Porsche Cayenne was unveiled in August 2017. In 2022, the Cayenne added the Platinum Edition to the SUV and coupe body styles. The Platinum Edition Cayenne applies a coat of Satin Platinum paint to a number of the vehicle's badges, as well as its fascia-mounted intake treatment and its distinct 21-inch wheels. Black exhaust tips and window trim add an extra hint of menace to the model.
The 2023 Porsche Macan T brings touring style to the Macan. This new model sits between the base Macan and the midlevel S. Positioned between the base Macan and the midrange Macan S, the Macan T packs the same 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder found in the entry-level model, delivering 261 horsepower and 295 pound-feet of torque through a standard seven-speed PDK dual-clutch transmission. The German automaker says the powertrain is good for a 5.8-second 0-to-60-mph dash and a top speed of 144 mph. Unsurprisingly, those are the same factory performance estimates as the standard Macan when fitted with the optional Sport Chrono Package that comes standard on this T.
In 1972 Porsche Design was founded. The celebratory car is a 911 Targa 4 GTS, painted and finished to commemorate the Chronograph 1, which Porsche says was the first all-black watch. Gloss black paint is highlighted by a Satin Platinum finish on the targa bar and wheels. Inside, the Edition 50 Years Porsche Design—as English majors, you have no idea how painful it is for us to type that—gets black-and-gray checkered upholstery, a slate-gray steering wheel, and plenty of limited-edition badging, including F.A. Porsche's signature embossed into the center armrest. The powertrain is standard for the Targa 4 GTS.
The most significant change is the 4.0 litre six-cylinder boxer engine. This high-revving powerplant has been taken directly from the 911 GT3 Cup race car and develops 500 PS in the 718 Cayman GT4 RS Clubsport – 75 PS more than the previous GT4 Clubsport model. In addition to many upgraded details, the focus in developing the new 718 Cayman GT4 RS Clubsport was on further improving overall performance. The standard 7-speed dual-clutch transmission (PDK) fitted to the car now uses all seven forward gears, rather than six.
New for 2022 is the most exciting Cayman ever, the 718 Cayman GT4 RS. The GT4 RS is equipped with the same scintillating flat-six engine that powers the 911 GT3. It's a 4.0-liter unit that makes 493 hp and 331 lb-ft of torque in the GT4 RS. Porschephiles will notice that those figures are not quite as high as in the 911 GT3, which packs 502 hp and 346 lb-ft. Big numbers for a small, lightweight car. It is only available with a seven-speed dual-clutch to optimize lap times further. Nobody has driven it yet from the motoring public, but we eagerly await that day and will report back here.
The Porsche Vision Gran Turismo concept is designed for the PlayStation video game, Gran Turismo 7. Porsche, like other automakers, has designed a car specifically for the game. While it may seem like a mid-engined sports car, the Porsche Vision GT is a pure EV. It features no traditional doors. Instead, the upper canopy opens up at the front to access the cockpit. The pure EV uses an 87 kWh battery that would last for 310 miles. The peak power output is a bit under 1,300 hp from an all-wheel-drive setup. The Porsche VGT can accelerate from 0-62mph in a plausible 2.1 seconds and max out at 217mph.
The Porsche Mission R concept is intended to equal the performance of the 992-series 911 GT3 Cup. It features 900-volt fast-charging architecture, an 82.0-kWh battery pack, and modularly integrated front and rear motors with single-speed transmissions featuring straight-cut gears (typical in racing) and mechanical differential locks. The front and rear motors thus provide all-wheel drive and are identical; in "qualifying mode," they produce a total output of 1,073 horsepower, whereas "race mode" delivers 671 total horsepower. The Porsche Mission R is theoretically capable of a best 0-60-mph time of about 2.5 seconds and a top speed of 186 mph or so.
The Porsche 356 SC, was the top-of-the-line variant in terms of performance for the 356 C Generation, sporting the highest specific output pushrod 4-cylinder engine ever available from Porsche with 107 HP. The SC engine produced 107 bhp at 5200 rpm and featured a stouter counter-weighted crankshaft, short skirt pistons, a more radical camshaft configuration, and large Solex carburetors. The SC was the natural successor of the previous generation Super 90 and represented the top-of-the-line variant for the final evolution of the Porsche 356.
Also produced for the 1976 "model year", for the U.S. market, was the 912E, a 4-cylinder version of the 911 like the 912 that had last been produced in 1969. It used the I-series chassis and the 2.0 Volkswagen engine from the Porsche 914. In all, 2092 units were produced. In 1976, the Porsche 924 took this car's place for the 1977 "model year" and beyond. The power was supplied by a 4-cylinder high-performance fuel injection motor also used in the Volkswagen 411.
Porsche made its first and most significant changes to the 930 for 1978 model year, enlarging the engine bore by 2 mm (0.08 in) to a total displacement of 3,299 cc (3.3 L; 201.3 cu in) and adding an air-to-air intercooler. The suspension benefitted from new anti-roll bars, firmer shocks and larger diameter rear torsion bars. While the increase in displacement increased power output and torque, it also increased the weight of the vehicle, which contributed to a substantial change in the handling and character of the car compared to the Earlier 3.0-Litre Models.
The 911 Turbo was put into production in 1975. While the original purpose of the 911 Turbo was to gain homologation for the 1976 racing season, it quickly became popular among car enthusiasts. Ernst Fuhrmann adapted the turbo-technology originally developed for the 917/30 CAN-AM car and applied it to the 3.0 litre flat-six used in the Carrera RS 3.0, thus creating what Porsche internally dubbed as the 930. Total power output from the engine was 260 bhp and 254 ft lbs of torque.
The replacement for the SC series came in 1984 as the 911 3.2 Carrera, reviving the Carrera name for the first time since 1977. This was the last iteration in the original 911 series, with all subsequent models featuring new body styling and new brake, electronic, and suspension technologies. Almost the same galvanised body as the SC. Engine was claimed to be 80 per cent new, and the first production 911 to feature an ECU to control the ignition and fuel systems.
The 911 SC effectively replaced the 911 S and was one of Porsche's first models that was meant for the international market. It was sold as a cheaper alternative to the 911 Turbo. The SC used an unblown version the 930 Turbo unit that offered 180 to 200 bhp depending on model year. Options included the rear whale tail, front chin spoiler, Bilstein dampers, 16 inch wheels with Pirelli P7 tires and sports seats. Sometimes dealers lumped these options together to create their own sport package. It was available as a Coupe and Targa from 1978 - 1983, while the Cabriolet version was only available in 1983.
As a successor to the Carrera 2.7 MFI, the Carrera 3.0 was fitted with a variation of the 930's engine without a Turbo. During its production period only 3,687 cars were made. The Carrera 3.0 was replaced by the Porsche 911 SC for model year 1978. Between 1976 and 1977, Porsche introduced the Carrera 3.0 with wide rear flares, optional whale-tail, and other luxury options. Built before the ‘911 SC’ it has everything the SC has, and more. It’s a different drive with more power @200bhp; more torque @188 ft/lb @4200rpm and it was 10% lighter too.
For 1989, Porsche produced the 25th Anniversary Special Edition model to mark the 25th year of 911 production. The 1989 Porsche brochure lists production of 500 U.S. market cars, of which 300 were coupés (240 in silver metallic paint and 60 in satin black metallic), and 200 cabriolet models (160 in silver and 40 in black). All had "silk grey" leather with black accent piping and silk grey velour carpeting. Includes small bronze "25th Anniversary Special Edition" badges.
The Porsche Mobil 1 Supercup features the Porsche 911 GT3 Cup, the world’s best-selling race car. For this season, it’s the new generation. 510 hp, optimised intake manifold, electronic gearshift and power steering, fully digital cockpit, larger rear wing, and a double-wishbone front axle. This is a meaningfully upgraded race car. The new 911 GT3 Cup is taking on a great legacy. And it has already proven itself!
Porsche will only build 30 examples of the Clubsport 25. Mechanically, it's similar to the regular GT2 RS Clubsport. It makes the 691 horsepower from a twin-turbocharged 3.8-liter flat-six. But it gets many, many changes to the exterior and even the cooling system. As you can clearly see, the body has been lengthened, and it has also been widened. The latter is necessary to house the wide, low-offset 18-inch wheels taken from the Porsche 935, though without the aerodynamic covers.
The 935 tribute car was a non-street-legal collector's car built in a series of 77 cars. It was built from the 911 991.2 GT3 R racing car, fitted with the engine and transmission from the 911 991.2 GT2 RS street car and with the bodykit showing some design details from the 935 cars. The problem: it was not as powerful as the 1978 935 was with even smaller engine and the modern car is much heavier, so the power-to-weight ratio was almost 60% better 40 years earlier.
The Porsche 911 Black Edition was a limited production Carrera built at the end of the 997 generation. Based on the 3.6-litre 997.2 Carrera coupe and Cabriolet, the car was finished in plain black as standard, with Basalt Black Metallic as an option. The words ‘Black Edition’ are printed in black on the stainless steel door sill covers, and there’s a numbered plaque on the glovebox lid. 19-inch Turbo wheels were standard. Porsche built exactly 1,911 Black Editions, of which approximately 25 percent were intended for the U.S. market.
The Cabriolet version of the new Porsche 911 Carrera 4 GTS is just as potent as its coupe sibling. It combines a 408 hp 3.8-litre flat six engine with intelligent all-wheel drive that delivers a further exhilarating dimension to the dynamics of the iconic rear-engined sports car. The 911 was first offered with four-wheel drive in 1989 and the drivetrain has been a popular option ever since. Now, the 911 Carrera 4 GTS broadens customer choice in 2011, building on the success of the two-wheel drive Carrera GTS that went on sale in December last year. Carrera 4 GTS power unit is the 3.8-litre flat six with power kit.
The new Porsche 911 Carrera 4 GTS combines a 408 hp 3.8-litre flat six engine with intelligent all-wheel drive that delivers a further exhilarating dimension to the dynamics of the iconic rear-engined sports car. The 911 was first offered with four-wheel drive in 1989 and the drivetrain has been a popular option ever since. Now, the 911 Carrera 4 GTS broadens customer choice in 2011, building on the success of the two-wheel drive Carrera GTS that went on sale in December last year. The 911 Carrera 4 GTS power unit has its origins in the 3.8-litre, six-cylinder from the Carrera S, with the power kit added.
To commemorate the 40th year of 911 production, Porsche built 1963 of the 40th Anniversary Porsche 911 Carrera for model year 2004. Painted only in a GT Silver Metallic finish, with a dark gray leather interior, the 40th Anniversary (or 40 Jahre in German) took the Base Model 996 Carrera and added the front fascia of the 996 Turbo, side skirts and luxury features for the cabin – including a luggage set that matched the special grey leather interior. Mechanically, the X51 Powerkit increases power to 341hp, combined with rear wheels power wheels, a standard 6-speed manual and sport suspension and limited-slip differential included.
The second generation GT3 takes all that was good about it's predecessor and then improves it! Power from the GT1 derived flat-6 is up by 21 bhp to 381 bhp (with an 8200 rpm redline), ride height is lowered for increased stability and also has an upgraded braking setup, as it features a 6-piston calipers on the front. Two versions are offered, the more extreme 'Clubsport' showing it's track day colors with a full roll cage, racing seat and a 6-point harness. The 996.2 GT3 was the first GT3 marketed in the North America. The new Porsche 911 GT3 comes with all the features of half a century Porsche motorsport. It is a sports car for the purist through and through.
The 996 Carrera 4S Cabriolet is the convertible version of the slightly-uprated 996 Carrera 4. Introduced a year after the 996 C4S Coupe. The Carrera 4S Cabriolet was introduced in the lineup with the new engine and the Turbo bodywork. The cabriolet version of the Carrera 4S paired the aggressive bodywork and suspension of the Turbo with the base Carrera 4 drivetrain, though it didn't get the Turbo's huge rear wing. The three-layer canvas-top was powered and it needed 20 seconds to completely retract or cover the car, at speeds up to 50 kph (31 mph). For winter, the car featured an aluminum hard-top.
Introducing this new top-of-the-range model, Porsche is once again placing a 911 Turbo Cabriolet right at the top of the family after a break of 14 years: From 1987 - 1989 the Porsche 930, as the first Turbo was code-named within the Company, set the first milestone in the history of these outstanding open-air sports cars. With cylinders still featuring two valves each at the time, the 3.3-litre power unit driving the first Turbo Cabriolet offered maximum output quite unique at the time of 300 bhp or 221 kW. Acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h was in 5.2 seconds and the car had a top speed of 260 km/h or 161 mph.
In 2002, the standard Carrera models underwent a facelift. In addition, engine capacity was also increased to 3.6-litres across the range, with power up slightly on the naturally aspirated models. 2002 also marked the start of the production of the 996 based Targa model, with a sliding glass "green house" roof system as introduced on its predecessor. It also features a rear glass hatch which gave the driver access to the storage compartment. The 996 Targa is the rarest bodystyle in the series – only 5,152 were produced (all Mk.2 generation) between 2002 and 2005.
Designed as a grand tourer, the Porsche Carrera 4 Cabriolet was the base all-wheel-drive version for the open-top 911 range in 2001. It offered enough comfort to be used as a daily driver, on all weather. The 996 Porsche was facelifted in 2002. Along with the coupe versions, the convertibles were reshaped also. There was not a big difference on the outside. It was the same sports-car and open-top grand tourer. The Carrera 4 Cabriolet, continued on through 2004, receiving the same updates as the Carrera, including the 3.6-liter engine.
The 996 was initially available in a coupé or a cabriolet (Convertible) bodystyle with rear-wheel drive, and later with four-wheel drive, utilising a 3.4 litre flat-6 engine generating a maximum power output of 221 kW (300 PS; 296 hp).[7] The 996 had the same front end as the entry-level Boxster. After requests from the Carrera owners about their premium cars looking like a "lower priced car that looked just like theirs did", Porsche redesigned the headlamps of the Carrera in 2002. With the cabriolet, buyers have a choice between this version and the hotter Carrera 4S cabriolet.
In 2002, all of the standard models received a minor makeover in 2002 which included Turbo-style headlights, a freshly designed front clip and an increase in engine capacity to 3.6L along with a subsequent 20HP boost. The bodies were more rigid which further improved handling and safety and the lower, stiffer X74 suspension became available as a factory modification. From the outside, it was hard to notice the difference between the 1998 version and the facelifted model. The main difference was on the headlights. Including the Mk 1 cars, the 996 Carrera Coupe sold 46,317 units.
In 2002, the entire generation of the 996 was facelifted. The Carrera 4S Cabriolet was introduced in the lineup with the new engine and the Turbo bodywork. Many publications called the Carrera 4S the sweet spot in the 911 lineup when it was introduced, providing more performance than the base car without the exorbitant pricing of a Turbo or GT2. The Carrera 4S paired the aggressive bodywork and suspension of the Turbo with the base Carrera 4 drivetrain, though it didn't get the Turbo's huge rear wing. It’s easily identified by “Carrera 4S” badging and a large reflective strip on the rear end, spanning the gap between the taillights.
Model year 1994. Carrera 4 Wide-Body for the U.S. Technically there is really no difference between the Carrera 4 Wide-Body and his RoW counterpart. At the front there are the for America usual black impact absorbers beside the fog lights, the frontfenders lack the side indicators, the rear bumper is equipped with the center piece with a small plate section and in the back window of a large third brake light is integrated. Significant differences, it is generally provided in the factory standard equipment.
In contrast to the 911 Speedster from the 1989 model year, the 964 Speedster was only offered and produced with the narrow body shape. In December 1991, the first wide bodied prototype based on a 964 Carrera 2 Convertible Turbo-Look was registered at Porsche AG, but it never made it ready for a series production. In response to recurring customer requests for Turbo-Look Speedsters - the optical characteristics of the wide body in combination with the flat windscreen and fiberglass cover had found many fans - Porsche converted the previously individually ordered, narrow Speedster in the exclusive department.
In March 1993, Porsche presented the Porsche 911 anniversary model “30 years 911” at the Geneva Motor Show. Since then, the special model is also called “Jubi” for short. Under the Porsche internal code M096, there is essentially a Carrera 4 with the wide turbo body but without wings. The 964 anniversary edition could be ordered with exclusive interior design and numerous possibilities of customization. According to Porsche, the special model was limited to 911 vehicles and manufactured in the model years 1993 and 1994.
The 964 Carrera RS 3.8 was produced as a base for homologation for the venerable 3.8 RSR. It was unveiled in 1993 and produced in a very small series by Porsche’s Racing Department in Weissach-Flacht, and was an extreme evolution of the 964 Carrera RS that was released two years prior. It featured the wide-body look of the Type 964 Turbo, a massive rear spoiler, and three-piece “Speedline for Porsche” wheels with 235/40 and 285/35 tires, making it distinctively more aggressive in appearance than the fairly restrained styling of the Carrera RS of 1992 and capable of providing significantly more mechanical grip.
The Porsche factory had 93 Turbo chassis left. These were all transferred to Porsche Exclusiv and hand built as the very special 964 Turbo 3.6 S. They were offered with normal, or ‘Flachbau’ slant nose front ends. While the vast majority of Turbo S’ were fitted with the ‘Flachbau’ nose as a no-cost option, the Turbo S could also be had with the traditional 964 nose as well. In all, 76 Flatnose cars were made while 17 non-Flatnose (known as Package option) cars were made. These cars were also fitted with the X88 option, which increased power to 380 hp. 75 flatnose units were produced.
The 964 based Speedster was the 1994 Speedster which was based on the 964 Carrera 2 platform. There are far fewer 1994 911 Speedsters in the world than the 1989 model, with production reportedly totaled only around 936 units, less than half as many as the 1989 example. Whereas the 1989 Speedster was primarily an aesthetic package, the 964 version sought a happy medium between the regular Carrera 2 and the hardcore Carrera RS. It had the same engine as the base Carrera and didn’t have the same suspension bits as the RS.
The original 1973 Carrera RS was available in Europe but not in the USA. Porsche decided to build the 1993 Carrera RS both to European spec and a limited number in compliance with US regulations. These US spec cars were assigned the name “RS America”. The intent was to create a basic lightweight, no frills 911 with minimal luxury options. The standard US Carrera 2 brakes, engine and gearbox were used. The RS weighed 2,945 pounds so it was almost 80 pounds lighter than a standard Carrera 2.
The Turbo-look Porsche 964 has always been a very desirable automobile, among them 1,532 Carrera 2 Cabriolets constructed worldwide. Within that group, there were some cars that were even more specialized. The Register says six Turbo-look cabriolets were pulled off the production line in Zuffenhausen and transported to the Porsche Exclusive shop in Weissach. Three of these six powerful and luxuriously equipped drop-tops were equipped with left-hand drive for buyers in Germany (Code C00), and the other three were fitted with right-hand drive
A forgotten part of the 964s history is the Turbo S2. It was built to adhere to homologation rules so Porsche could participate in IMSA's sports car racing series. IMSA's homologation rules meant that Porsche had to build at least 200 road-going versions of the participating car, 20 of which needed to share most of the primary components of the race car. The 911 Turbo S2 was built specifically for this purpose and exclusively for the United States and Canada. The 20 homologation specials left the factory as stock 964 Turbos, heading immediately to California-based tuner for "S2" engine upgrades.