This fictional future generation of the iconic 911 swapped the rear-mounted engine for a fully electric powertrain
Porsche is known for its evolutionary approach to the design of its models, especially when it comes to the 911. So how will the iconic sportscar look in an EV-only world? Independent designer Nicolas Vigier showed his vision for the future of the 911 in his latest project.
The designer’s goal was to mix the organic shapes found in Porsche’s vehicles with the robust shapes of its product design division (Porsche Design). The result is a minimalist EV sportscar with futuristic styling cues. While some would say that this model is not instantly recognized as a Porsche, a closer look reveals plenty of references to the automaker’s illustrious past.
The designer says that the 356 inspired the front end, the profile was styled after the 930 and the rear has similar lines to the coke bottle. The truth is that the 911 is associated with oval-shaped headlights which is why the four LED dots mounted on the slightly protruding fenders make it harder to identify it as a Porsche.
The lower part of the body is black for a duo-tone finish, with large bumper intakes at the front for cooling the brakes and the battery. The profile is characterized by the aerodynamically-shaped greenhouse that looks like it is made of a single piece of glass. Behind it, the semi-hidden pillars are reminiscent of the 911 Targa, protecting the two-seater cabin. Another cool detail is the black-finished aero-style six-spoke wheels.
The rear overhang is quite shorter than the typical rear-engined 911, since the EV powertrain doesn’t occupy the same space. The designer kept the signature full-width LED taillights, combining them with a recessed bumper. The latter exposes part of the rear wheels as a reference to the 917 racecar, and integrates a diffuser with an F1-style LED in the middle.
Nicolas Vigier envisioned the Porsche 911 as an EV with swappable floor-mounted batteries and an electric motor positioned behind the two-seater cabin. As a free-time project that will never get past the early digital concept phase, the designer didn’t go into greater detail about its technical aspects.
Porsche is getting ready to electrify the 911 with an upcoming hybrid variant, while the next-gen 718 sporstcars and the new Macan SUV will soon expand the EV range next to the Taycan. A fully electric 911 should be considered a given at some time in the future, although we are sure that Zuffenhausen engineers will try to keep the rear-engined recipe alive for as long as possible. Would you like it if a future generation of the 911 looked like this?
The Porsche 911 is an icon in the automotive world, known for its exceptional performance, handling, and steering feel. The 2023 model builds upon this legacy with its powerful twin-turbo flat-six engines and rear-wheel or all-wheel drive options. Available in coupe, cabriolet, and Targa body styles, the 911 is as comfortable as it is thrilling to drive, making it a car that is easy to live with on a daily basis.
What’s New
For its 70th year selling cars in North America, Porsche has added an off-road-oriented Dakar version of the 911, which comes with knobby tires, lifted suspension, and the same powertrain as the Carrera 4 GTS. There is also a range-topping America Edition GTS cabriolet, and the purist-focused Carrera T model rejoins the lineup this year.
Engine & Performance
The 2023 Porsche 911 is equipped with a twin-turbo 3.0-liter flat-six-cylinder engine that is mounted in the rear of the car. The base Carrera delivers 379 horsepower, the S model delivers 443 horses, and the GTS model generates an impressive 473 horses.
The eight-speed automatic transmission comes standard on every model, but a sweet seven-speed manual is available with the S or GTS model.
The coupe and cabriolet models have standard rear-wheel drive, but they can be fitted with all-wheel drive for four-season, high-performance driving.
The Targa model is all-wheel drive only. At our test track, the GTS model bolted to 60 mph in just 2.8 seconds when equipped with the eight-speed automatic.
Price
The Porsche 911 is a luxury sports car, so it’s not surprising that pricing starts high and goes up from there. The base Carrera model has a starting price of $101,200, the Carrera S has a starting price of $118,050, and the GTS has a starting price of $134,350.
Interior
The interior of the 2023 Porsche 911 is sophisticated and comfortable, with a mix of buttons, knobs, and touch-screen controls. The gauge cluster has mostly digital instruments, but the central tachometer still uses a physical needle that follows the engine’s revs. While the 911 continues to offer seating for up to four, the tiny back seats remain unfriendly to adults.
More
The Porsche 911 is an icon that is well worth aspiring to, and Porsche knows exactly what that’s worth. With its powerful engine, quick-shifting transmission, and excellent handling, the 911 is a car that is perfect for all seasons.
In terms of fuel economy, the Carrera S with the manual transmission is the most fuel-efficient 911, with EPA ratings of 18 mpg city and 25 highway. The 911’s infotainment system features a 10.9-inch touch-screen that supports a Wi-Fi hotspot, wireless Apple CarPlay, and wired Android Auto.
Conclusion
The 2023 Porsche 911 is a car that is well worth considering for anyone who is looking for a luxury sports car that is thrilling to drive and easy to live with. While the pricing is on the high side, the 911 delivers on performance and handling, making it well worth aspiring to. The 911’s cabin is comfortable for two adults and offers.
Can you believe the 911 entered its eighth generation in 2018? Codenamed 992, the German sports car was introduced at the Porsche Experience Center in Los Angeles to much critical acclaim for its widebody looks, a stylistic trait previously reserved for hi-po variants.
The 992 also looks exceptionally good regardless of specification, and as opposed to the likes of the Corvette, it comes with a manual transmission. Prospective customers who couldn’t care less about rowing their own are presented with Porsche’s long-running Doppelkupplungsgetriebe dual-clutch transmission, which is one of the best DCTs available in 2023.
Speaking of 2023, this year will see the 992 receive a well-deserved refresh. The 992.2 makeover is wrapped in rumors for the time being, especially when it comes to the suck-squeeze-bang-blow part. On the visual front, on the other hand, it will amount to an evolution rather than a revolution, as expected of a sports car that traces its roots back to ‘64.
Recently spied in cabriolet form, the 992.2 clearly shows a mildly redesigned front end. The larger intakes with active flaps mounted vertically are hard to miss, and the same can be said about the revised headlight graphics. Out back, this Carrera-based prototype further shows revised taillights. Although camouflaged, the rear bumper is clearly different from the 992 as well. The mid-mounted dual exhaust soldiers on pretty much unchanged, which is our cue for talking about the six-cylinder mystery hiding under the hood.
Frank-Steffen Walliser, who served as the vice president of the 911 and 718 model lines for three years, is currently responsible for the technical design of all future models of the Zuffenhausen-based company. Three years ago, this kind gentleman said that upcoming emission regulations will see the automotive industry switch from downsizing to upsizing.
Euro 7 has a target date of July 1st, 2025 for new light-duty vehicles, both cars and vans. Under said regulations, rumor has it that Porsche will discontinue the 3.0L twin-turbo 6 of the Carrera in favor of a naturally-aspirated engine. More specifically, certain people look forward to the 4.0-liter boxer that’s currently exclusive to the track-oriented GT3 range.
The exhaust tips of the 992.2 prototype are definitely mounted closer to one another compared to the 991, although not as close as those of the GT3. On the other hand, Carrera-based prototypes don’t sound anything like the GT3. Alas, the hearsay should be taken with a grain of salt.
The Turbo is certain to soldier on with its 3.7L twin-turbo 6, which Porsche advertises as 3.8 liters. On the other hand, we do know that hybrid assistance is coming to a handful of 911s. According to big kahuna Oliver Blume, the facelifted 911 will use a hybrid setup along the lines of the 919 Hybrid LMP1 racing car instead of a plug-in setup like that used in the 918 Spyder. We can also expect a front-mounted electric motor, a similar e-AWD solution to what GM has developed for the soon-to-be-revealed Corvette E-Ray.
The Porsche 911 Turbo S is an impressive vehicle that offers a thrilling experience on the road. Its performance is truly remarkable, and its handling and grip make it a joy to drive. This year, Porsche has taken things to a new level with the release of their 2023 911 turbo S. The 911 Turbo S is among the fastest and most capable cars Porsche has ever produced, offering drivers an unparalleled driving experience. Let’s go ahead and uncover everything you need to know about the 2023 Porsche 911 Turbo S. From its design elements and powertrain to its advanced technology features and more; it has a lot going for it.
Safety and Driver Assistance Features
The Porsche 911 Turbo also comes with advanced safety and driver-assistance features that make it extremely safe to be on the road. The 911 Turbo is equipped with standard automated emergency braking, which helps reduce the risk of a collision. The car also has an available lane-departure warning system. This alerts the driver when the vehicle drifts out of its lane. Additionally, the 911 Turbo can be fitted with adaptive cruise control, which helps maintain a safe distance from the car in front.
Exterior Design
The exterior of the Porsche Turbo S comes with a lot of interesting features. The car is available in both coupe and convertible body styles. The convertible is the more popular choice among buyers, but both options look great. In terms of colors, the Porsche Turbo S is available in black, white, and silver.
The 2023 911 Turbo S has a wide, curvy body designed for aerodynamic efficiency. The front end is characterized by its large air intake, which cools the engine and brakes. The car’s rear features a unique spoiler that helps increase downforce. Every element of the Porsche 911 Turbo S’s exterior design has been carefully crafted to create a uniquely stunning car. With all these great features, the Porsche 911 is a favorite among drivers who appreciate fine engineering and design.
Interior Design
The Porsche 911 Turbo S hits the mark when it comes to interior comfort. The cabin is designed like a race car, with high-end trim and features. The front seats are comfortable and supportive, while the rear seats are slightly more cramped. However, it still offers adequate legroom and headroom.
The 911 also comes with a reconfigurable digital gauge display, making it easy to customize the car to your preferences. It has leather upholstery, heated front and rear seats, a power-adjustable steering column, navigation, and a premium sound system. All of these features combine to create a truly luxurious experience. The Porsche 911 Turbo S offers excess interior comforts and cargo space. Whether you’re looking for a weekend getaway car or a daily driver, the 911 Turbo S got you covered.
Engine and performance
The Porsche Turbo S was designed to be a track-day car with several performance-enhancing features. This includes an adjustable suspension, larger brakes, and a rear spoiler. It also has a race-tuned engine that delivers exceptional power and performance. Its standard 573-hp 3.7-liter flat-six or a 640-hp version for Turbo S models provides an all-wheel-drive launch that is truly remarkable. Its acceleration is incredible, reaching 30 mph in 0.9 seconds, 60 mph in 2.2 seconds, and completing a quarter-mile in just 9.9 seconds at 139 mph.
Furthermore, the handling, steering feel, and immense grip make it a joy to drive. The Porsche 911 Turbo is a classic sports car with a powerful engine, a smooth transmission, and incredible performance. It’s no wonder many drivers choose the 911 Turbo for daily driving.
Pricing
The Porsche 911 Turbo S has been complimented by many due to its luxurious features. So, how much does the 2023 911 cost? The base price of the Porsche 911 Turbo S starts at $203,500. That’s a hefty price tag, but it’s well worth it for the performance, style, and features you get. You can always opt for the limited-edition 911 Turbo S Exclusive Series, which starts at $257,500.
Porsche 911 Turbo S Body Kit
Different body kits are available for the Porsche 911 turbo, but the most popular type is the Porsche 911 turbo S body kit. The Porsche 911 Turbo S body kit comprises several parts that replace or add to the existing body of your car. These parts are usually made from high-quality materials such as carbon fiber or fiberglass.
The front bumper parts of the Porsche 911 Turbo S body kit give your car a more aggressive look and improves its aerodynamics. Other popular parts of the kit include side skirts, rear spoilers, and diffusers. Installing a body kit on your Porsche 911 turbo can be a big job, so it’s important to ensure that you hire a professional installer with experience with this type of work. Once installed, you’ll enjoy the new look of your car and its improved performance.
Pros and Cons
Here are some of the pros and cons of 2023 911:
PROS:
Excellent performance: This owner gets to experience an exciting ride due to its great performance
Outstanding design: The Porsche 911 Tubo S has an amazing appearance that stands out among its contemporaries.
Luxurious interior: It has many cool features to make the passengers comfortable.
CONS:
It is expensive to buy
Due to its sophisticated design, it may be difficult for some drivers to drive in bad weather conditions.
It needs to be maintained frequently to keep it running at all times.
Conclusion
The 2023 Porsche 911 Turbo S is a powerful and stylish machine that gives a solid impression wherever you go. With its updated performance features, efficient engine, and luxurious interior, this car has everything you need to make your driving experience unforgettable. So, go ahead, buy one, and enjoy your ride.
A superb combination between exclusivity and style, the 911 ”Flat Nose” is a super-rare Porsche speedst demon from the 90’s.
The 964-generation Porsche 911 is among the most heralded generations of the iconic sports car. While many variations of the 964 hit the market, the Turbo S X85 “flat nose” serves as a holy grail for enthusiasts and serious collectors alike. Just a few dozen of these bespoke 911 models – known for their serious pace in the early ’90s – came to the U.S., and Porsche aficionados will have the opportunity to put it in their garage when it hits the auction block later this month through RM Sotheby’s.
A Sought-After Piece Of Automotive Art
The Porsche 911 Turbo S ‘’Flat-Nose’’ is a highly regarded and very sought-after model which combines the automaker’s exclusive air-cooled and turbocharged systems. The ‘’Flat-Nose’’ carries a 3.6-liter X88 flat-six turbocharged engine which delivers 386 horsepower and 384 pound-feet of torque accompanied by a rear-wheel drive system. Power from the rear wheels is sent through a five-speed manual transaxle transmission. A 40-percent locking differential which helps its low-rev activated turbocharger.
The frame encompasses an exotic hand-built ‘’Flat-Nose’’ bodywork that incorporates the 964-generation shape with 968 style retractable headlights, asymmetrical 959 air intakes, a special front-splitter, and quad exhaust tips. Lightweight 18-inch alloy wheels are included, with an extended wheel arches, and a louvered rear spoiler which provides aggressive styling. The ‘’Flat-Nose’’ gains inspiration from the early Porsche 930 of the 1980s.
A Find Rarer Than Hen’s Teeth
As the 964 version of the Porsche 911 was on its way out, engineers decided to utilize the remaining chassis of the time to produce an exclusive edition of the third-generation which celebrated the 911. This model is widely considered among the rarest examples of all 911’s as Porsche secretly built this exclusive version behind closed doors for a small selection of customers. That definitely adds to its expensive price tag today. This model was only offered to a select group of buyers at its time of release, and only 39 would reach U.S. shores.
This 911 is a great example of one of the last hand-built, air-cooled, turbocharged 964 Porsche before eventually making way for the fourth-generation Porsche 911 (993).
The Flat Nose Will Command A Pretty Penny
This example has belonged to a collector of high-performance Porsches since 2018 who received this gem with a top end engine-rebuild, refurbished suspension and brakes, alongside a comprehensive stint at a detailer who completed a thorough clean which included the undercarriage. The vehicle is currently under observation by Porsche facilities, which handles any mechanical or cosmetic imperfections.
The interior is compromised of high-quality material. The seats are fully leather, with electronic adjustment, air conditioning, and stereo entertainment system. The odometer indicates less than 29,000 miles. This rare Porsche was released with a price tag of $162,000, but is currently listed between a monumental $800,000 – $1,000,000.
Competition cars are just as important to the history and DNA of Porsche as their street cars. While the automaker has a long history of endurance and rally racing, they’ve found much of their success over the past two decades in GT racing, and it’s likely that most younger enthusiasts most associate them with this class of racing. The posterchild of these efforts, going all the way back to the turn of the century and the 996 chassis, is the iconic 911 RSR.
While the technology built into these stunning cars has naturally evolved quite dramatically over the years, the core concepts haven’t been altered much. Highly engineered bodywork designed for maximum aerodynamics, large wings and diffusers, light weight, and Porsche’s iconic flat-six motor are all things that make the RSR, and the rest of Porsche’s cup cars, so immediately recognizable.
The latest, and arguably greatest, generation of the RSR was based on the previous 991 platform, and achieved a double victory in their class at the 2018 24 Hours of Lemans endurance race. It also won the FIA’s World Endurance Championship in that same season. With the advent of the new 992 generation of 911s hitting the streets in 2019, fans of both the marque and cup racing in general have anxiously awaited for a glimpse at the next generation of Porsche racer. Finally, that 992-generation, GT3-based Cup car has seen daylight… and already managed to put a few wins its belt.
Stunning Aesthetics
Well, it’s really no surprise that the new GT3 Cup is a looker, just like all of its older siblings. To meet homologation standards for racing, it’s based on the civilian GT3, and keeps a few of the styling cues of the civilian model. Namely, the “shark nose” vents on the front hood, the large air intakes forward of the rear wheel wells, and the new gooseneck rear wing design that was a crowning achievement of the 992 GT3 when it was unveiled. This wing design, when paired with the larger front splitter, enables the GT3 Cup to achieve higher speeds in the twisties than previous cars.
Other than those features, nearly everything else has been changed to accomplish a singular goal – to win races. You’ll notice that the wheel wells have been widened even more, ostensibly to include the larger-size tires that these race cars sport (which have been up to 3” wider than the road cars on previous generations). The car also sports the iconic Porsche GT wheel and tire combination, and features a handsome centerlock nut in an accent color to provide a nice pop of color to the otherwise solid-black wheel setup.
Race Interior
The GT3 Cup is a purebred race car, and while its interior is appointed as such, it doesn’t look quite as spartan as those of years gone by. A full-glass display can be customized to the preferences of the driver, and a handsome carbon-fiber racing wheel serves as the focal point of the cockpit. The steering wheel sports all of the controls necessary for quick adjustments on the fly, and a vertical bank of additional switches lies on the dash to the right of the gauge cluster. Porsche also will allow drivers, owners, and teams to customize aspects of the “seating position.” Another quirk of these race cars is that while the seat is bolted into place, the pedal box and steering wheel are adjustable to conform to the needs of the driver.
Go-Fast Parts
Perhaps the most interesting features of the GT3 Cup are those that can’t be seen from a walkaround, and that includes the numbers. Here they are: The 4.0L, naturally-aspirated six-cylinder puts out 510 horsepower at a screaming 8,400 rpm, combined with 347 lb-ft of torque at about two thousand rpms less. The redline on the motor is an insane 9,500 rpm, and the sound emanating from the race exhaust at that point is best described as “otherworldly.” Weight has increased slightly to 2,778 pounds, most of which come from additional safety features for race use.
The large gooseneck wing, and all other aerodynamic elements of the car, are all adjustable depending on the nature of the track and weather conditions. This generation of the Cup car also features what Porsche refers to as a “double-wishbone front axle,” which has the interesting effect of making the track of the car 18mm wider in the front than it is in the rear.
Alternative Fuels
Additionally, the 992 is designed to run on eFuels and perhaps serve as an unofficial test bed for this technology, which foreshadows its adoption into road cars. What are eFuels? In essence, that’s a catch-all used to refer to cutting-edge biofuels that are currently in development; the current blend is largely synthesized from food waste, courtesy of oil giant ExxonMobil. This technology looks poised to stretch out the sunset for the internal combustion engine just a little bit longer, even as governments around the world look to wean themselves off of petroleum products. The 110-liter fuel tank works out to about 30 gallons and is on par with other endurance racing vehicles.
A Worthy Successor
The new 911 GT3 Cup clearly has massive shoes to fill, but it certainly looks the part, and if Porsche’s test drivers are to be believed, this may be the greatest Porsche cup car yet. It’s got all the presence and gravitas of the old RSRsm with the best equipment the Weissach plant can shoehorn into it. You can catch it on the Nordschleife at the 24 Hours of Nurburgring, or in the Porsche Mobil 1 Supercup Series, or heck, even buy one for yourself for the surprisingly reasonable price (well, for a purebred race car) of around $330,000.
For almost 50 years, the Porsche 911 has been synonymous with the finest driving experience that Germany (or anywhere else, for that matter) can muster. It’s never been about massive power figures or wild styling; instead, Stuttgart puts every shred of engineering into weight distribution, handling, aerodynamics, and, above all, just sheer automotive fun.
Porsche Goes Electric
Now, things are clearly a bit different than they were in 1964, when the 911 made its debut. Namely, electrification has fully arrived. It’s possible that the LaFerrari was the first true sports car that featured a hybrid power plant, and this technology has trickled down to nearly every other luxury marque over the past decade. In 2019, Porsche unveiled its first fully-electric vehicle, the Taycan sedan. This vehicle was immediately well-received by journalists and consumers alike, and illustrated that Porsche is more than capable of integrating electric power into their sports cars while remaining entirely uncompromising on the things that make Porsche so appealing to begin with.
The Taycan, in all of its trims, is fantastic, a strong seller, and has a great reputation for its driving experience. Given Porsche’s success in the electric arena, many have been wondering for years when an electrified variant of the 911 will make an appearance. In early 2023, Oliver Blume, CEO of Porsche, finally put many of these rumors to rest and confirmed that a hybrid version of their most classic sports car is in the works.
What We Know About the Upcoming Hybrid 911
The hybrid 911 is still extremely early in its development, so concrete details at this point are extremely scarce. One thing is for sure; we won’t be seeing a 992-generation hybrid. The 992 platform is preparing for a mid-life refresh and mild facelift in the next year or two, but the existing running gear isn’t currently setup for hybridization.
Eventually, Porsche’s electric sports car journey will eventually culminate in a fully-electric Boxter, the 718. For now, the 911 isn’t slated for this complete transition; as far as we know, the iconic 911 will always be powered, at least in part, by an internal combustion engine, with the option to add an electric motor.
Porsche’s Sales Plan
There’s one final, major reason why a hybrid 911 is in the works at Stuttgart; like many of their other German counterparts, Porsche is seeking to make a major pivot and electrify the majority of their lineup in the coming decade. More specifically, Porsche aims to have hybrids, and full-on electric vehicles, account for 80 percent of their sales by the year 2030. These plans are perhaps more realistic than those of their fellow countrymen at Mercedes-Benz, who hope to have an entirely electric fleet by the same time. Given Porsche’s more obvious focus on driver-oriented sports cars, it does appear like gasoline will always have a place on the dealership lots.
Hybrid 911 – Coming Eventually to a Dealer Near You
With the Taycan, Porsche has proven that they are capable of producing a fully-electric vehicle that is borderline equal to their internal-combustion sports cars. With the official announcement of a hybrid version of the iconic 911, it is clear that Porsche is looking to the future and embracing an increasing demand from consumers for the electrification of their cars. While Stuttgart is no doubt taking a huge by risk tampering with the formula of such a beloved motoring icon, fans of classic Porsche sports cars can likely rest assured that the finished product will be exhilarating and successful, and will no doubt be an excellent example of how to properly marry modern technology with a timeless design that folks remain very passionate about.
Successor to 2016’s 911 R fuses GT3 RS’s 518-hp engine with manual transmission
It’s over four years since Porsche revealed the 992-generation 911, which means we can expect to see the facelifted 992.2 later this year. But the existing 992 still has a few tricks up its sleeve, including this high-performance 911 ST.
The next of Porsche’s Heritage Design projects, the ST takes its name from a rare lightweight 911 built for competition in the early 1970s, though Porsche has no plans to race the new car. It follows a similar path to the Sport Classic, cherry-picking some of the best bits from Porsche’s other 911 models and bundling them together in a limited-run car with a huge price. Both feature manual transmissions but should be very different in character.
Why? Because, while the ST shares the Sport Classic’s double-bubble roof, it is likely to swap that car’s 911 Turbo engine for the 4.0-liter naturally aspirated motor from the GT3 RS, meaning it’s more like a successor to the 2016 911 R. Unlike the 503 hp (510 PS) GT3, which comes with a choice of transmissions and can be specced with or without the big wing, the 518 hp (525 PS) RS is only available with a seven-speed PDK and the full spoiler package. So the idea of a 911 with RS power, a manual box, and a super-stealthy visual presence has real appeal.
Not that you’re likely to mistake the ST for a basic Carrera. These spy shots reveal the GT3 hood vents and center-lock wheels, a boxy front bumper with a large central air intake, and the slash-cut carbon doors and similar front fenders (minus the saw tooth top vents) to those on the RS.
At the back, there’s a circular heritage badge. Still, no sign of the retro ducktail spoiler seen on the Sport Classic – the original ST predated the legendary Carrera RS 2.7 that made the ducktail spoiler famous. Hence, the modern version also goes without.
Porsche only built around 24 original STs between 1970-71, but its modern namesake won’t be so rare. Porsche offered 1,250 Sport Classics at $274k (£214k), and it’s possible the ST could come close to matching both of those numbers, though it’s worth remembering that Porsche only built 991 examples of the 911 R. Either way we think Porsche will unveil the ST this spring, giving the high-revving special plenty of time in the limelight before the 992.2-generation 911 is launched late this year.
This thing is so gorgeous it could make even the owner of a brand-new GT3 RS turn green with envy.
There are many analogies we could use here, but let’s just say the flagship 911 nameplate is to Porsche what Thor’s hammer is to the god of thunder himself. Penned by Ferdinand Porsche’s grandson and namesake Ferdinand Alexander Porsche (or “Butzi”), the 911 made its first public appearance at the Frankfurt Motor Show of 1963.
It would’ve been called the 901 if it weren’t for Peugeot and their exclusive rights over car names made of three digits and a zero in the middle. This was only the case in France, but Porsche decided to change the model’s nomenclature altogether instead of simply renaming it for that particular market. The 911 was to replace the outgoing 356 – the company’s first car – and production commenced in September 1964.
Arriving on U.S. soil just five months later, the P-car’s earliest iteration had a rear-mounted, air-cooled flat-six displacing two liters, with a sensible 130 naturally aspirated ponies on tap. Capacity and power output grew steadily over the coming years, and Porsche went on to introduce the Targa variant come 1967. Initially, the firm wanted a traditional cabrio to accompany the coupe models and thus diversify the lineup.
However, concerns over increasingly stringent safety regulations in the U.S. led to the addition of a stainless-steel roll hoop right behind the seats. This gave birth to the body style we now know as Targa-top – not to be confused with T-top, which employs a central beam running from the windshield back to the roll bar (hence the “T”). An actual convertible was only made available in 1982.
Look, it would be hard for us to mention all the cool 911s released during the model’s production run in a single article, so what we’ll do instead is have a look at a generation viewed less favorably by the public. It comes right before the fabled 993-gen on Porsche’s historical timeline, and those of you who are well-versed in the marque’s convoluted naming system will have already figured we’re talking about the 964.
Taking the spot once occupied by the G-series Carrera 3.2, this incarnation of the 911 debuted for the model-year 1989 with an updated exterior, refined aerodynamics, and 85 percent new parts compared to its predecessor. It was offered as either a coupe, Targa-top, or cabriolet and with both a rear- and all-wheel drive configuration, dubbed Carrera 2 and Carrera 4, respectively.
As a matter of fact, the latter was the very first P-car to feature an AWD setup, which would send 31 percent of the engine’s force to the front wheels and 69 percent to the rear axle in normal driving conditions. A level fifty-fifty ratio would engage when things got slippery, and power was extracted from a 3.6-liter M64 mill good for up to 250 hp.
Arriving on the scene as a 1990 model, the RWD version could be bought with an optional Tiptronic four-speed automatic gearbox – another first for the 911 lineup. A five-speed manual came standard, and both Carreras were available in three body styles – coupe, Targa, and fully-fledged convertible. Things like ABS, power steering, and dual airbags have also appeared on the 964 for the first time.
Then there was the Turbo iteration launched for the model-year 1991. As Porsche hadn’t managed to develop a force-fed adaptation of their 3.6-liter boxer in time, they originally recycled the 3.3-liter from the 930 but with several improvements. It had 316 air-cooled horses on tap, yet that pales in comparison to the ultra-rare Turbo S unleashed a year later, which boasted almost 20 percent more grunt for a total of 376 hp.
The prayers of those who craved a turbocharged 3.6-liter were answered in January 1993 when the 964 Turbo finally ditched the aforementioned 3.3-liter powerhouse. It now offered up to 355 ponies and 384 pound-feet (520 Nm) of torque to play with, and it’s estimated that Porsche built approximately 1,500 units from ‘93 through ‘94.
Right then, let’s talk more specifically about the exemplar showcased in these photos. The German rarity features partial Classic Grey leather upholstery in the cabin, 18-inch Speedline wheels, and an Amethyst Metallic colorway that looks the part. Its original odo is said to have stopped working at some point in the past and was therefore replaced, but it’s stated that around 60k miles (97,000 km) were covered by this 911 Turbo in total.
In a few days’ time, the classic marvel will be changing hands at no reserve, so it could end up in your possession if your pockets are deep enough. The auctioning process is unfolding on Bring a Trailer as we speak, and one would need north of $300k to best the top bidder for the time being. In case that doesn’t sound like an issue, be sure to get in on the action before January 2, which is when the online auction is set to end.
Porsche is working on a family of three heritage versions of the 911 and the first one was the 911 Sport Classic. Word on the street is next in line is the 911 ST, which is expected to debut at some point this year. We have a batch of new spy photos of that 911 and you can browse through the photos in the gallery attached below.
This may seem like a regular 911 prototype but there are a few signs that tell us it is indeed the new ST version. Take for example the double-bubble roof, which is a touch we know from the 911 Sport Classic, the first member of the 911 heritage family. Center lock wheels can be seen on all four corners and this is a feature we’ve already seen on the Porsche 911 GT3 Touring.
Speaking of the GT3 Touring, the 911 ST will actually be based on that vehicle. If Porsche decides to keep the engine without tweaks – and this is what various sources say – the ST model will have a 4.0-liter flat-six engine under the bonnet with an output of 502 horsepower (374 kilowatts) and 346 pound-feet (469 Newton-meters) of torque. An automatic transmission seems certain at this point, though we don’t know whether the Stuttgart-based automaker will also sell a three-pedal version.
The 911 ST will be sold as a special edition model inspired by a small-run racing model from the early 1970s. The latter probably serves as an inspiration for some of the design features, including the Porsche Heritage emblem that is likely hidden under that black circle on the engine mesh cover at the back. Don’t expect huge design changes over a standard 911 GT3 Touring but there will surely be some retro-inspired touches here and there.
If our information is correct, we expect to see the 911 ST debut this year. This isn’t going to be the most exciting 911 heritage version, though, as there are reports about a revived 911 Carrera RS coming after the 911 ST.
