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Week 9 [20-26.05.2019] A car that never gets old


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

Anton Medvediev said…
First at all, thx for presentation, i am so happy to read something from my hobby :)
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!!!!(
Bartosz Barnat said…

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.
Anton Medvediev said…
This comment has been removed by the author.
Nataliya Tkach said…
1. Are you interested in cars? Do you consider yourself as a petrolhead?
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.
Anton Medvediev said…
do u have a motorcycle ?
what type of motorcycle do u have(if u have it)?
1. Not really, I am definitely not a petrolhead, but instead I am a little bit more interested in motorcycles, because recently I started to ride, but still I use it mainly as a mean of transport, not to have fun, which probably requires just more experience and confidence. However, on the other hand Porsche is a brand which I recognize since I’ve played Need For Speed: Porsche 2000 and if I could have any car I want regardless of the price, it would be Porsche 911. I like the look of those cars, their sound and the overall atmosphere around them.

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.
s18716 said…
1. Are you interested in cars? Do you consider yourself as a petrolhead?
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.
1. I love cars, but I prefer Japanese cars. :) Especially Nissan cars, c10, r32, r34 and 280z which I plan to buy.
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.
Zygmunt Z said…
Hi, first of all, thank you for your comment. Nice one with the choice of your future car. I remember when I was really hyped about 280z as it is a great basis for any tuning, if you are into those kind of things. Japanese guys also you use very often in drifting competitions.
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.
Zygmunt Z said…
Hi, thank you for your complex answer. Indeed, the present car might not look very different from its predecessors on the outside but it has changed a lot on the inside and I guess that is really the most important thing that really applies to me. If you look for example at the progress in the branch of the aerodynamics, these cars haven't changed a lot but on the other hand, they are very aerodynamic which results in better fuel consumption.

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.
Zygmunt Z said…
Hi Marcin, thanks for your reply. If you like motorcycles, maybe one day, you will find yourself digging deeper into car as well, maybe not as a petrolhead but at least as a mean of transport so you know better which option is the best at the market at particular time ;). I share your opinion about the current generation of the 911. Also, I agree with you that companies should broaden their range of model options to stay competitive on the market. Porsche did that when introducing their first SUV model - Cayenne and later with Macan. Also, even car maker like Lamborghini introduced their new SUV called Urus. It is obvious that those cars are best selling in its category and that is why those brands, that mostly produce exotic cars, decided to introduce new model.
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.
Zygmunt Z said…
Hi Nataliya, thank you for your comment. Maybe, one day, your interest in car industry will rise, I can assure you that it is very interesting :). I can't say that every car manufacturer has a legend model that is being developed over the years, but many of them do. Unfortunately, none of them has such colorful history as the 911. Electric cars will not be cheaper unless more people will have a bigger interest in them and will fund accounts of R&D departments which will develop cheaper process of the production.
Zygmunt Z said…
Hi Bartosz, thanks for your comment. I strongly encourage you to read something more about cars, in the end it is not far away from motorcycles if we look at them as a mean of transport. In contrast to you, I prefer the older models recently as my interest switch into oldtimers rather than current generations. And yes, some day in the future, possesing electric car will be cheaper than petrol-running one but right now I think that development is crawling on all fours and it will take some time when everybody switches to electric cars.
Zygmunt Z said…
Hi Anton, thanks for your comment, it is really good to know that there is someone who shares the same opinion about cars. I totally agree with you that there is something special about older cars, especially right now as my interest switches into youngtimers - I am thinking seriously about buying one right now with a big V8 engine. I also agree with you on the topic of similarity in terms of looks of every car. Car manufacturers steal projects from competition and this leads to a situation that you mentioned - it would be hard to tell what is what if it wasn't for the badge. This is why I admire cars like Porsche 911 because its shape is timeless and you can momentally recognise it. Also, things you mentioned in your last response to the question I asked really reflect my opinion, for example the thing with fake engine noise in speakers - car manufacturers try to replace old trends that were present in sport cars but in the same time try to keep up with regulations that are very strict and harsh right now
I am not interested in cars. I mean i have my preferences, but i do not consider myself as petrolhead. I like a bit of modernism in cars but not too much. I do not like cars that looks like the future, but a classic ones with modern spin. So for me, i will go with 911 Carrera S. As to the future of cars, i like to see a change. I think, the best design can be archived by reapiting the same idea untill it is perfect (as it was with 911). Various models are always good, it gives you more options, but i think people have tendency to choose things just because they are diffrent, not necessery better. I would like the manufacturers to perfect one design. As to electric cars, they may be the future. But not in upcoming few years. I know, that technology is good enought to produce great cars like Tesla but i think we should wait till we got an enviroment that would let as to travel with electric car and not to worry about charging. In my opiniion, Poland is not ready for this. For now.
I like cars very much. I love to drive them, but I don’t really know that much about them. So, to answer your question I don’t think that I am a petrolhead. I think that it depends on a manufacturer if they want to have let’s say three different models of cars but polished to perfection or a various models which are maybe less ideal but more convenient for different social groups. And I think that in both cases there are customers willing to buy what they offer.
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.
Answering your questions:

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.
1. Are you interested in cars? Do you consider yourself as a petrolhead?
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.
Yeah, i think of myself as a petrolhead. I love to tinker with them as much as to drive them. Also some people would say i love to spend more money on them then i have and i couldn't argue. However i never felt desire for 911. But if i had to choose 964 would be the one. I love youngtimers and what could be better then this when it comes to Porsche. When it comes to 3rd question, You know i own a MX5 and i hope mazda will never leave it behind. Newest gen is awesome and i'd love to see electric version of it. With that instant torque it would be best car ever i guess.
Zygmunt Z said…
Hey Igor, thanks for your comment. I don't think that at this point electric cars help with improvement of air quality. Fumes are not everything as electricity for batteries come usually from coal-powered power stations which leave huge carbon footprint.
Zygmunt Z said…
Hi Michal, thanks for your comment. It really comes to everything that I look for in a response to my questions. To be honest with you, I don't think that knowing everything about cars makes a petrolhead. Of course, some technical knowledge is a must but I think that as long as you share a passion with some other dudes that you may know in particular but you feel that "connection" between you and them, then you know that you are in a right community and you may feel as part of it. This is how I feel being a petrolhead, I don't have a huge knowledge about cars as I think it is difficult to know everything about everything in the industry but if you have that sheer passion for cars then you can be considered a petrolhead.
Zygmunt Z said…
yo yo yo, ma man! Thanks for your comment! To be honest, it doesn't show any bright light as I know everything about your "commitment" to cars :). But thank you for your input. How is your car by the way? I know that recently you had to do some work with it. Hope it runs smoothly right now and you don't have any problems. If I were to say anything more about 911 and the 964 generation then I would say that to some it is considered as the best gen by some purists. Others say that it is 993 but if I were to choose between those two, I'd say 964 as well. Plus it gives you some additional "bonus" as it is famous for being Hank Moody's car
I like cars, I enjoy driving and I am very interested in cars. 911 for me is something from the classical times, so my favorite ones are from the first James Bond movies like end of 1970ies. Those did not have really fast engines, more like V6-V8, but they were stylish and corresponded to the epoch. They have been so good that designers could not invent anything better than this type of 911 and they decided to remain with this design. There are practical cars, as for me, those we use for everyday driving, and there is and will always be classics like 911. Surely I like electric cars as they are something new, but I am convinced they are too overpriced.
I used to be interested in cars. However, I’m not a true fan of Porsche. I like old American cars which are more square-shaped. My favorite model is Chevrolet Impala from 73. I know a lot of people who are interested in cars, older and newer ones. I think it’s a very cool passion, that’s why car manufactures should design various models which differ from each other.
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.
1.
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 love cars, I spend a lot of time reading various reviews related to motorization. What can you call me a car maniac? I think so :)!
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
Illia Lukisha said…
Are you interested in cars? Do you consider yourself as a petrolhead?

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.
Peter Clemenza said…
1. Are you interested in cars? Do you consider yourself as a petrolhead?
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

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