The latest model of the Porsche 911 is a symbol of evolution and perseverance that has become a benchmark in the motoring world. Throughout all these years, Porsche engineers have carried forward enthusiasm and emotion which in turn, have established the Porsche 911 as a symbol of motoring history.
Throughout its 52-year history, the Porsche 911 has changed and evolved into the supercar it is today. Even back in 1963, it was evident that having a car with a rear-mounted engine would pose challenges for the engineers when compared to front-engine or mid-engine cars. However, Porsche persevered with the production of a car whose layout had become somewhat of a symbol for the Porsche family, following the VW Beetle and the Porsche 356.
When the car was created, it was meant to be a sports car produced for everyday use containing all the best technology and innovation the brand had to offer and which has become synonymous in today’s modern day models. At the time, it was the marque’s most expensive model and offered seating for four. Quite a stark contrast when compared to other sports cars of the time.
With the latest model, Porsche has yet again demonstrated that it has both the capability and the capacity to produce a car that is loyal to its predecessor but also innovative, offering all of the modern day technology and much more in terms of style, comfort, grip, handling and, above all, fun.
The model has managed to carry forward that marvellous blend of engaging sports car and practical transport
Most importantly the model has managed to carry forward that marvellous blend of engaging sports car and practical transport. The success of a supercar is always gauged by the interpretation that it is given by its devout followers and ardent buyers. A supercar is always a trophy for its owner, a demonstration of taste, success and above all achievement. Porsche always had its own angle, that of producing a truly usable supercar, a sports car that offers both comfortable transport and an exhilarating drive that would be second to none.
The engine has come a long way from its 128bhp in 1964 – humble by today’s standards – to the 365bhp that the latest Carrera model can churn out. The car has been totally re-engineered and redesigned but remains recognisable and true to its origins. You may think that the boldest leap Porsche had made was back in 1998 when the brand went from an air cooled flat six engine to an all new water cooled engine. But now Porsche has yet again made headlines offering turbo charging on all its engines. One thing that remains common with these two bold changes is that of lowering CO2 emissions. That was the case back in 1998 and that is the case today.
Porsche knows only too well that its rear engine layout is here to stay and that there are too many car enthusiasts out there who are both loyal to the brand and also willing to invest money into owning one, money that shall yet again be re-invested by Porsche into its future designs and innovations. The brand has always been in the forefront of innovation, Rear-wheel drive was always the brand’s signature layout but this did not keep Porsche back from introducing all-wheel drive back in 1986. Porsche also acknowledged that it had to move ahead with the times and introduce new technology that was in demand by the car enthusiast. Being bold and able to delve deep into its pockets always gave the brand the desired results both in terms of status but more importantly in terms of sales. Something that all carmakers hope to achieve some time or another.
No other car manufacturer can claim of having a model running into its sixth decade, having the same basic DNA that was introduced way back in 1963 but also having been able to introduce the most radical redesigns known to motoring history. The car still uses the Carrera synonym which back in the 1970s was reserved for the top models. Offering different engine outputs and driving layouts as with the previous generation, the 911 offers an exhilarating range of cars that would suit different drivers and various needs. You can specify the car according to your liking, choosing from the vast options list and even specifying your own colour. The dual clutch gearbox alone is worth the price of admission into this very restricted club.
There might not be any components that have been carried forward from 1963’s 901 to today’s 991, but it is truly remarkable how the 911 manages to adhere to the same formula of the original car.