The 911: the most awesomest of vehicles

Now I have a soft spot for the 911. I was never a fan of the 996 series, it was drab, blah and meh. The 996 was Porsche's attempt at stepping away from the 911 formula of success. But what is this formula 911? Quick history lesson time :)

911 series [from l-r]
901, 930, 959, 964, 993, 996, 996 facelift, 997

Ferdinand Porsche kick-started his new company in the late 40s with the 356. The 356 was based on his previous nazi project now known as the beetle. The 356 did well and as such, needed a proper replacement, the 911. The 901 model ran for nearly a 1/4 century with a small amount of changes. The design revolved around its engine, which is quite unique. A 2.0L flat 6 powered it and just like the beetle it was cooled by the atmosphere and hung off its ass. Ferdinand loved this idea as the weight of the engine on the rear tyres maximized grip back there and left enough room for back seats. Because of its weird engine layout, the silhouette of the 911 was also based on the beetle, an aerodynamic shape mimicking a teardrop which allowed for good space inside and for the trunk as well as ensuring the flat engine stays in place. By basing the vehicle on the beetle, Ferdinand ensured that this was to be also used as a family car, next up, he wanted to ensure it was fast.

911 turbo models from the 930-997

Ferdinand's strong belief in the development of cars through racing payed off. The 901 chassis was constantly under development over 24 years, from this Porsche developed templates for all future 911s to be based from:

• Carrera : This is the base model 911, current models use a 3.6L and a 3.8L 'S' model, both are available in hardtop and convertible. The carrera name has been used since the 356 and is a tribute to Porsche's success at the Carrera Panamerica. All Carrera's are also available in 4WD [first appearing on the 964 model].
  My Description: The Carrera is for the person who wants to experience the simple joys of sporting, nothing too complexed, nothing too hard.
  My Favourite: 997 Sport Classic [a limited edition Carrera 2 with a special paint job, and a heritage duck tail spoiler]
  
  
• Turbo: The 911's first turbocharged model was the 930 and it was a handful. A huge wing was added to help to tame it [using clever designing, the wing also held the intercooler making it dual purpose as the cramped engine bay could not hold it] The 964 model improved on it slightly and the 993 model added 4WD. Currently the 911 turbo uses a 3.6L twin turbo engine. It is the first gasoline production vehicle to use variable turbine geometry. It is also available in convertible. The turbo has evolved from a wild vehicle to Porsche's tamest model.
  My Description: The Turbo is what we be considered a Grand Tourer, a vehicle built to cover long stretches of autobahn trouble free
  My Favorite: 964 Slantnose Turbo [a rare aerodynamic version]
  
  
• Targa: This was the 911's first attempt at a convertible named after the popular Targa Florio race that Porsche dominated. It is defined as being a typical coupe with a removable roof. Current targa models use a large sliding glass roof. It is currently only available in 4wd with both 3.6L and 3.8L engine options.
  My Description: It is Porsche's heritage model, and imho Porsche's best looking
  My Favorite: a 901 Targa
  
  
997 911 Targa 4S


• GT3: This is a stripped down model that first saw its way in the 996 chassis. It's lineage goes way back to the 901 Carrera 3.2 RS model. In honor of that model, the top of the line GT3 is called the RS, it's even lighter and includes a rollcage as standard. It's only engine choice is a 415hp 3.8L motor connected only to a 6 speed manual. To proove itself, Porsche raced a bone-stock GT3 RS model in last weekend's 24hrs of nurburgring. They drove it there from the factory, raced it and drove it back. It came 13th with stock tyres which is amazing [although Porsche is disappointed]. As I'm typing this it's driving on its way back from the ring.
  My Description: Porsche's track oriented car, if you don't know what clipping an apex is, don't get one. The fact that a rollcage, fire extinguisher and 4 point harness is a no cost option means alot
  My Favorite: 997 GT3 RS 3.8L [you have to love the looney color combinations this car comes in
  
  
• GT2: This is a stripped down version of the turbo using similar methods as the GT3. It ditches 4wd for a lighter 2wd system. It first saw it's way in the 993 chassis and has since been seen as a descendant of the original 930 turbo. A GT2 RS is out with plans to hold down the nurburgring lap record.
  My Description: the peak of the 911 ladder, only buy if you have a racing licence
  My Favorite: 997 GT2 RS

997 911 GT2 RS

Other Models:

• 911 GT1: Prototype racing car not considered a true 911 as it used a midship layout. It only shared engines with the 911.
• 959: The first to utilize the switch to water cooled engines. Served as a test bed for the future of the 911 model. Former holder of fastest production car. Not considered a true 911 as it used a water cooled engine [back in the days when air cooled was a way of life]

911 firsts:

• Carbon ceramic brakes: common staple amongst the supercars. Porsche still makes them the best of the best. Carbon braked 911s are identifiable by their yellow calipers. First introduced on the 993 GT2
• Variable Geometry Turbine: so far still the only company to have them on petrol engines. The ultimate evolution of the turbocharger. First seen on the 997 Turbo
• The Tiptronic name: I find it funny that the company who invented the all popular phrase is dropping it for another unique Porsche invention: PDK. First saw light on the 964
• Active Engine Mounts: real epic engineering, I dunno how to explain it but it works. First seen on 997 GT3 3.8

Competitors:

• Corvette: This is one of its biggest rivals as it can match the versatility of most of its models. They also occasionally knock heads in the LM racing series.
• GT-R: This is an on and off competitor. It acts as a bargain 911 using technology to push it forward, but one can't escape the fact that a 911 was used as a base in the development of it.

Summary.

The 911 is perfect as it finds balance in being nostalgic yet being technologically ground breaking. It has long been the benchmark as to what all cars should be. It's design is classic, pure and is filled with lineage. It's racing history is highly decorated. It's respect is well deserved. The ass engined nazi slot car shall live forever.

911 GT3 RS 3.8L facelift [my favorite 911]

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