What is the Porsche 911?

Ferdinand Porsche and his creation 

Porsche is a very well-known and beloved brand by many individuals. Constructing and designing their unique styles with a wide variety– family cars, sports cars, roadsters, and many others. 

It all began in 1931 when Ferdinand Porsche established the company and started his engineering consulting firm in Germany. Porsche’s first nameplate was released in 1938 and designed on the same platform as the Volkswagen Beetle– known as the Porsche 64. 

The very first automobile– Porsche 356

Ferdinand Porsche’s legacy was continued by his son, Ferry Porsche. Porsche's work contributed to the Volkswagen Beetle; however, the first sports car, Porsche 356 Roadster, was created in the late 1940s. The car was very appealing, made from a lightweight aluminum body, with the same air-cooled, four-cylinder boxer engine from Volkswagen. With Porsche’s principle, enjoyment when driving is ensured. Year after year, Porsche developed the “356 A,” a better improvement of the original, soon after introducing the 356 B and C. 

A Sports Icon

 In 1963,  Ferry Porsche’s son, Ferdinand Alexander Porsche, created the new Porsche 911 (initially 901), significantly changing the sports car industry. The 911’s unique designs, body, engine layout, and the car’s silhouette made a difference and automatic recognition. With the air-cooled, flat-six engine that developed 130 Horsepower and could reach 100km/hr in 9.1 seconds, the 911’s top speed was 210 km/hr (which is very impressive and noteworthy at that time).  The 911’s feature introduced the raised bumper design, using the black plastic below. The 911’s door handles, window surrounds, headlamp ring, and exterior mirror were chrome plated. Cast aluminum wheels were also used. As mentioned, the 911 uses a flat-six engine with a displacement of 2.7 liters. 

In the following years, Porsche kept pushing the boundaries of what was considered a high-performance sports car. The well-known Carrera RS from the early 1970s to the 911 Turbo in the 1980s, refining and expanding the possibilities of each car, and adding even more potential. Through all the changes, the 911 could keep its shape and original style, including engine layout, silhouette, driving experience, and enjoyment of the driver. 

What’s so special about the 911’s Engine?

The 911’s remarkable flat-six engine has been one of a sports car's most interesting and outstanding features. Using a 2.0-liter air-cooled flat-six engine has helped the 911 reach 130 horsepower. The 911’s engine is located at the rear. The organization of the cylinders allowed for low gravity and better weight distribution. When the 911 improved, the engine also did, from using a 2.0 liter, to a 2.2, then 2.4, and finally, around 1980-1990, 3.6 liters were utilized for the air-cooled models. With this, the 911’s horsepower reached 247. The flat-six engine was continued to be used for the other 911 cars.

The 911 Classic’s Appearance

The Porsche 911 classic is designed with two doors and a 2+2 coupe body.  

The interior includes dense, soft-touch plastic, neat trimmings, and supple leather. Though the back seats are relatively small, they are comfortable and supportive. The 911 is a sports car, so the seats cannot be adjusted. 

On the other hand, the driver’s seat is considered one of the best, with the pedals, steering wheel, and chair adjustable to the driver’s liking–ensuring the best driving experience.

A Variation of Porsche 911: The 911 Carrera 

The Porsche 911 Carrera is one variation of the 911. The name Carrera translates from Spanish as “race” to represent the successful match in Carrera Panamericana Mexico.  Not only in racing, this model can also be used every day, as this one-of-a-kind is quintessential in the 911 lineup. 

The Carrera has an even weight distribution and very accurate steering with the same flat-six engine. The car can deliver many things that other sports cars cannot. Though the sports essence is there, the comfort and manageability are pleasant, making it a daily-usage car. Over time, the Carrera has kept up with newer models and changes, including development, to ensure the best driving experience.