A car that never gets old
911 – Most of you associate this number with emergency but to
me, a huge petrolhead, 911 is something more than just a emergency number – it
is a gigantic piece of history in the world of automobiles. I would like to
present you a brief history of the most famous model number among cars, Porsche
911. To some it is only a VW Beetle, as the original model was based upon the
little German car’s chassis, but to others it is one of the most fantastic cars
ever made. Being developed for over half a century it is said to be the best
combination between technological advancement and loyalty to history – every
generation of that model is poised to redefine what is possible. Throughout the
years the 911 has ignited the kind of passion in drivers that only a Porsche
can. It has gained appreciation among car fanatics, race car drivers and
superstars.
The first model was
born in 1963, its chassis number was 901. Unfortunately Peugeot claimed the
rights over 901 moniker as it is the only car producer that can use zero in
their three-digit wide range of models. That is how the car evolved to 911. It
was equipped with two-litre engine which had humble 130 horse power. During its
first decade of development it grew to famous 2.7 Carrera RS model which had
210 horse power and started at the GT racing. The car owed very much to its
older brother which was built in 1967 to later win Tour de France Automobile
and Tour de Corse – two very prestigious races at that time.
Next significant milestone in the history of 911 was
introduction of second generation of the car in 1973 – the 930, first 911 with
a turbocharged engine and a huge spoiler known as “whale tail”. Due to the fact
that turbochargers at that time were a very inchoate project and engineers
still were unable to tame that technology, the 930 was nicknamed as the
“widowmaker”. The car had a very huge turbo lag which can be explained, in its
simplest form, as the time between mashing the throttle pedal and feeling the
rush of torque from engine to the wheels. This factor combined with a
rear-wheel drive and poor weather conditions usually resulted with a big crash
and death of the driver. The car was replaced in 1989 making it the longest
produced generation of the 911.
The next generation which was codenamed as the 964, came
lately in 1989. It didn’t change much visually comparing with the 930 but it
acquired many technological gadgets which resulted in huge upgrade in terms of
safety and comfort. It got Anti-Lock Braking System, power steering, airbags
and finally four-wheel drive introduced for the first time in history of the
brand. But you can mostly place it as the car that was driven by Hank Moody in
Californication TV Series.
The 90’s came with introduction of fourth generation of the
911 – 993 which is regarded as the prettiest and the most drivable of all of
the currently available generations, a pinnacle of 911. But what is most
important about this generation is the introduction of the GT2 model. The most
advanced, most outrageous, most wanted car that Porsche has ever made. Because
of its power, track-honed reliability, status as one of the final air-cooled
911 and the fact that only 57 units were built, the first GT2 commands a
massive premium at car auctions. Last year at RM Sotheby’s London auction it
was sold for 2.4 million dollars!
The later generation – 996 didn’t gain that much respect as
the previous one. It was the first water-cooled 911 with a rather unwanted
design which caused a huge shitstorm among Porsche die-hards. Comments such as
“loss of character” were on the daily basis. Its tear-shaped headlamps caused a
huge disappointment and grumbles among petrolheads.
The last two generations – the 997 and 991 didn’t gain huge
acclaim as well. Because of introducing softened suspension the car is said to
lost its driving abilities becoming less “feelsome”. Not long ago Porsche also
announced that almost every car currently available will soon create their
power with the help of forced induction. On the other hand it is also time when
producer introduced a double-clutch gearbox with paddles which is famous for
its speed of reaction and fast gear changes.
As you can see it is time when Porsche has to face its ups
and downs but still it is regarded as a fantastic car. Right now it has 22
models available to configure and order at your nearest Porsche dealer – from
the simplest and less powerful 911 Carrera through roofless Targa version and
mile-consuming 911 Turbo up to latest 911 GT2 which is currently deemed as most
advanced track-focused Porsche ever made.
I strongly persuade to visit Porsche webpage where you can
configure your own Porsche and then you can leave the result of your
imagination in the comment section below. The link is here: http://porsche.pl/konfigurator/911/ . I want
to sum up this article with a quote - “It
is a funny thing about this car – there is a moment you know you want one,
there’s the moment you first own one and for the truly afflicted, there’s a decade or two that passes in
between.” – I think this is what Porsche is all about.
Questions:
1. Are you
interested in cars? Do you consider yourself as a petrolhead?
2. Which
generation of 911 did you like most? Why?
3. What do you
think about the future of cars? Do you think car manufacturers should keep
developing one model to make it perfect or design various models which differ
from each other?
4. What do you
think about electric cars? Do you think that this is the future of transport?
Sources:
Comments
1. Are you interested in cars? Do you consider yourself as a petrolhead?
Yes, i am man who dream about old V6-V12 cars, about noise of engine, old cars had a soul in that mech stuff, because engineers give it to them. i like new cars but its only commercial stuff, i dont feel it in new cars. i would to say that i like new cars but i dont love them :)
2. Which generation of 911 did you like most? Why?
history that no one love 996, aha.
964!, 911 have some style idk how to explain it but i love them from my childhood, and now i can said that i love it more:)
when u like 911 and have not ever drive in it u just like it, but when i have a drive u will understand what is it, why all of people said that 911 the best in control(steering?)
3. What do you think about the future of cars? Do you think car manufacturers should keep developing one model to make it perfect or design various models which differ from each other?
in a past all of cars had some individual style, right now, if not a bages, u will think what is it, X6 its a a GLE, supra, miata, z4, wtf guys, why, where is it, why i need to think what car is it, on a moment i can spot front of bmw because of angle eyes, and some audi because of back light
4. What do you think about electric cars? Do you think that this is the future of transport?
U know it’s like in a past for us 1 gb of memory it was so much, but now…
i think that batteries will be smoler and more power, electric cars better i can said it like petrolhead man like a fan of old cars, but it’s better, more power, control, best balance of weight, it’s true, AND A NOISE OF FAKE ENGINE IN SPEAKERS!!!!(
1. Are you interested in cars? Do you consider yourself as a petrolhead?
I highly prefer motorcycles but I like to see some nice cars on the streets, but unfortunetly I don't know many things about them.
2. Which generation of 911 did you like most? Why?
Well I prefer all the new ones. I don't like the look of the older ones, I think it's because of the shape. I prefer a smooth shape.
3. What do you think about the future of cars? Do you think car manufacturers should keep developing one model to make it perfect or design various models which differ from each other?
I think that every company should stop making so many different cars that have only one or two different feachures and start working on one or max 5 models and improve them every year, something similar to what tesla company is doing right now. I think it would be more efficient and simplier to control.
4. What do you think about electric cars? Do you think that this is the future of transport?
Well when we take into consideration everything that is going on in the world with pollution and zero waste stuff I think it's the future and I think it would be much cheaper then normal cars.
I like cars, but if I first hear the word petrolhead, then I am not.
2. Which generation of 911 did you like most? Why?
I like the very first model and the latest one most of all, between them the difference and the history of the improvement of the machine are most of all visible.
3. What do you think about the future of cars? Do you think car manufacturers should keep developing one model to make it perfect or design various models which differ from each other?
Probably every brand of car manufacturers has a series of legend that is constantly being improved.
4. What do you think about electric cars? Do you think that this is the future of transport?
Electric cars are the future, but in order to speed up the transition process, you need to lower prices on them, reduce the tax, make more charging stations.
what type of motorcycle do u have(if u have it)?
2. I like the current generation because it combines classical 911 style with modern design. The look of this car is its biggest advantage.
3. Well, whatever business plan they develop, it would be fine as long as they maintain decent quality of the product. I am afraid that maintaining only single model doesn’t bring enough profit, so they have to introduce cheaper alternatives for people who can’t afford 911. In case of Porsche there are no cheap cars, but it belongs to the Volkswagen group which makes “ordinary” cars. The future of cars wouldn’t be very much different than nowadays, because I have an impression that this industry develops quite slowly.
4. Yes, I think that petrol engine which loses a lot of energy wouldn’t be able to compete with an electric motor which converts almost 100% energy into work. Right now, those cars are expensive to build because of very low demand, so I guess it depends on the charging technology. Right now it is too uncomfortable to wait a couple of hours to be able to continue a long trip. Maybe the hydrogen power generators are the solution.
I do not consider myself a fan of this sphere, but I have a clear idea about these things, well, and from time to time they deserve attention, as this sphere is also progressing. I really liked the title of your article, and when I went in and saw the car in question, I smiled. Indeed, this is how much time has passed since the first model, but it has changed little.
2. Which generation of 911 did you like most? Why?
As I said earlier, she was little exposed to external modifications, and as noted in your article, I still like the more recent models, both technically and from an aesthetic point of view. She combines very much in accordance with the present time.
3. What do you think about the future of cars? Do you think car manufacturers should keep developing one model to make it perfect or design various models which differ from each other?
In any case, every car concern has a chip, which is that everyone has a model that reflects the history of the automotive industry. Well, like for example in Porsche, 911 is a story.
4. What do you think about electric cars? Do you think that this is the future of transport?
I think that electric cars are really a reflection of progress today. I cannot yet say exactly what kind of future awaits them, but recently there are a lot of sources that claim that this idea also has a number of shortcomings, including its impact on the environment. As it turned out, everything is not so simple.
2. I respect these cars but they are not my type. I prefer r6 engines mounted at the front of the vehicle.
3. The more the better :) one can not do everything.
4. I appreciate them but I respect them as an engineer, not a car enthusiast.
On one hand I agree with you with your response to my third question but on the other hand 911 is an example of a perfect development in a single body. Those cars evolved from a simple project in terms of engineering and grew to a complete classic which is now perceived as one of the most advanced cars in its class. Also you can see how these models are different from one another but at the same time they share many parts.
I can't really agree with you that every car company has its own model that is being developed over the years and its the company's showcase. There are many models that had been produced over the years but in the end companies ended its production because of numerous reasons. Porsche and its 911 is the only car company that develops its model from the beginning of the company's existence to this very day and as you can notice, it really applies to the customers of the brand.
I can't fully agree with you that electric engine is a good replacement right now for a petrol engine. Yes, petrol engine, as you said, has a lot of vibrations and in result, loses a lot of energy, but on the other hand, if you think a bit more, electric engine is not much more environmental-friendly than the petrol engine. It also leaves huge carbon footprint as in many countries electricity comes from carbon-fueled power stations.
I think that electric cars are awesome and they will be used more widely in the future but they will never totally replace classic old school cars.
1. No, I do not interested in cars, so I can't tell you that I consider myself as a petrolhead. But after a long thought - no.
2. In my opinion, newest generation of 911 is the best. Why? Because I think that if something is newer, is better.
3. In my point of view, manufacturers should keep various and different models of cars, because there is more choice and everyone will find something for themselves
4. Electric cars are a really good idea. It helps improve air quality, less fumes. And modern, good looking transport. An electric car this is a dream car for me. I'm interested in Tesla and I'd love to buy one. And of course I think that this is the future of transport.
Cars interest me purely aesthetically. Prefer to be a passenger, not a driver. This responsibility is not for me.
2. Which generation of 911 did you like most? Why?
I like the second and last edition. I choose on the basis of aesthetic qualities. The second edition is small, neat and aggressive. And the latter attracts with its sleek and luxurious design, which has been improved over the years.
3. What do you think about the future of cars? Do you think car manufacturers should keep developing one model to make it perfect or design various models which differ from each other?
It is difficult to answer unequivocally. There is a classic, it is always in trend and it is for sale. So why not make it further. But definitely, new items are also needed, because new generations are being born that love brand new trends.
4. What do you think about electric cars? Do you think that this is the future of transport?
Definitely yes, this is the future. We all know how much environmental damage is caused by exhaust gases and other petroleum products. It's time to go to the future, and not hold on to the old methods of energy extraction.
It’s nice that cars are becoming more environment friendly. However, I don’t think that it will possible to replace ordinary combustion engines. A lot of people want their car have its own character.
Yes, I love cars and driving them. I don't know much about technical stuff behind them and I think I can call myself petrolhead.
2.
I don't like 911 at all to be honest. Porsche design is just not for me. I more of Mercedes-Benz fan myself. 300 SL for example
3. & 4.
I very much want to petrol engines to survive but it seems electric cars are the future. Some models need revamp but some are good as it is.
I do not like the best 911 choice :( I prefer other older cars such as the 1969 mustang, Dodge challenger the first year of production.
What do you think about the future of cars? Do you think car manufacturers should keep developing one model to make it perfect or design various models which differ from each other?
I think that manufacturers should continue to produce different models because each car has a different role, one for safe transport from point a to point b another for racing another for transport, eg packages
What do I think about electric cars?
I think it's a great idea in terms of environmental protection. Yes, I know that the utilization of batteries from an electric car pollutes the environment, but factories are already being created that process cells in batteries again and back up in cars, and it is also ecological. Another thing is that electric cars are really fast enough to look at tesla or bmw i3 which you can roam thanks to innogy
No I don't. I like automation and autonomous transport, and patiently waiting for driverless era to come.
2. Which generation of 911 did you like most? Why?
I personally don't like 911, and also without like table with pictures I cannot choose which I like the most. Because I don't interested in specs and history of the car, design is the most important criteria for me. So I do like one of the cars that you have on photo in presentation(black one), but I didn't find a model description.
3. What do you think about the future of cars? Do you think car manufacturers should keep developing one model to make it perfect or design various models which differ from each other?
I think that one model of each class of vehicles is enough.
4. What do you think about electric cars? Do you think that this is the future of transport?
I think that when we will pass batteries density problem, electric cars will be the future, but as for now electric cars aren't common for long trips, because you become hostage of cars poor range.
Yeah, And instead of learning to driving license exam I have to answer you (not cool)
2. Which generation of 911 did you like most? Why?
Oldest one. Its like dating a mature women ( they have great qualities that make them extra attractive. They're confident, know what they want, and upfront about it too.)
3. What do you think about the future of cars? Do you think car manufacturers should keep developing one model to make it perfect or design various models which differ from each other?
Some electric toys, thats the future
4. What do you think about electric cars? Do you think that this is the future of transport?
Probably, but I believe in hydrogen