Porsche 911

Photo: Porsche

The Porsche 911 was introduced in September 1963 at the International Auto Show in Frankfurt as a successor to the Porsche 356(TM) and became an instant hit. Originally designed by Ferdinand Alexander Porsche, son of Ferry Porsche, the car has been the platform for numerous automotive engineering developments during its 37-year history, including the following:

1964 The 911 showcases Porsche's new front suspension featuring MacPherson struts, single lower transverse A-arms connected to longitudinal torsion bars and rack-and-pinion steering, and a rear system with transverse torsion bars and semi-trailing arms. Its new air-cooled, horizontally opposed (boxer) six-cylinder engine produces 148 horsepower at 6,100 rpm.

1965 A new open-air roof design - the Targa(R) top - is unveiled in 1965 for the 1967 911. The design features an easy-to-handle lift-off section above the front seats, leaving a fixed rear "hoop" that provides rollover protection and a large rear window.

1968 A new option, the Sportomatic four-speed automatic transmission, is introduced specifically for the U.S. market.

1969 The 911 sports a longer 89.3-inch wheelbase (up from 87.04 inches), wider rear fender wells to accommodate wider wheels and tires, vented rotors and larger aluminum calipers.

1970 Engine displacement increases to 2.2 liters.

1972 Porsche introduces the 1973 2.7-liter Carrera(R) RS(R) with its signature duck tail rear spoiler at the Paris Auto Show. The Carrera RS is the first production Porsche with a rear spoiler. A simple interior, lighter materials, gas shocks, super-stiff anti-roll bars and 20 extra horsepower provides considerably improved performance.

1976 The Porsche Turbo legend begins with the 911 Turbo Carrera, initially called the 930(TM). The original model includes almost every Porsche luxury and convenience item and produces 234 horsepower at 5,500 rpm.

1978 The 911SC is introduced with a 3.0-liter, 180-horsepower engine.

1983 A Cabriolet model, the first Porsche convertible since the 356, is offered.

1989 An all-new platform is introduced for the 911 Carrera and the all-wheel drive Carrera 4. The platform features a new front-suspension design using light alloy cast control arms and coilover shock absorbers, rear independent suspension with lower light alloy semi-trailing arms and coilover shock absorbers, and all-wheel ABS. Approximately 80 percent of the car is new.

1995 Another new platform, still retaining the original 911 lines, is introduced. Carrera, Carrera 4 and Cabriolet models featuring water-cooled heads and multi-link rear suspension are offered, and a 400-horsepower, twin-turbo 911 Turbo Carrera 4 is unveiled at the 1995 Geneva Auto Show.

1998 The latest 911 platform debuts in 1998 as a 1999 model year car. The new 911 has the highly recognized 911 shape, but underneath is all-new technology such as a 300-horsepower, water-cooled, horizontally opposed six-cylinder engine, Tiptronic(R) S (automatic) or manual transmission, all-wheel drive, and the Porsche Stability Management system.

2000 An all-new, 415-horsepower 911 Turbo, based on this new platform, is offered for the first time with the Tiptronic S transmission. It also features twin turbochargers, the Porsche Stability Management system, and all-wheel drive.

(May 11, 2000)