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Porsche 911 Generations & Variants

Five decades of evolution: During all seven model generations, the 911 was always modern but never fashionable. As the successor to the Porsche 356, the 911 won the hearts of sports car enthusiasts from the outset. The diminutive rear engined flat six sports car started strong. Ten years after its launch, Porsche gave the 911 a big update with the G Series which ended up being produced from 1973 to 1989. Next up was the 964 in 1989 and this was an totally new platform with an air-cooled 3.6 litre flat six engine with over 250 hp and a modern design that is still coveted by collectors everywhere.

Perhaps the most popular and most-loved 911 is the 993 that was launched in 1993. Peopled loved the design and the 993 quickly gained a reputation for exceptional dependability and reliability. The defining 993 model was the epic Turbo with its twin turbo engine and all-wheel drive drivetrain. The 993 was also the end of the era as it was the last air-cooled 911.

The 996, which rolled off the assembly line from 1997 to 2005, represented a major turning point in the history of the 911. It retained all the character of its classic heritage, but was an entirely new car. This comprehensively redesigned generation was the first to be driven by a water-cooled flat engine. People hated the fried egg looking lights but loved the dynamics. Models like the 996 GT3 are still some of our favorites here at Supercars.net. 2004 was another update with the all new 997. With no more ugly lights and a cleaner and crisper design, it upped power, drivability and technology. The now 3.6 liter flat six was 325 hp in base model while the Carrera S got a new 3.8 liter engine with 355 hp.

That brings us to 2011 with the launch of the 991. A completely new chassis with modified wheelbase, greater track width and beefier tires, plus an ergonomically optimized interior produced an even sportier and more comfortable driving sensation. With its low, stretched silhouette, its bristling surfaces and precisely shaped details, the Porsche 911 Car. Once again, engines were more powerful, more efficient and significantly more advanced. Driver aids and advanced chassis tech were also launched. We also saw a big increase in the number of variants made, with the Targa and GTS models launched. In 2015 Porsche moved away from natural aspiration with the 911 now powered by a new 3.0-liter twin-turbo charged six-cylinder flat engine developed 370 hp in base trim.