1963

 

The Porsche 911 makes its appearance in the market. The first version of the new six-cylinder boxer engine offers the same output as the Carrera 2 (1991 cc, 130 bhp/96 kW).

Originally named the 901, it turned out that Peugeot claimed rights to that model designation, so Porsche changed the name to 911.

The stylish 911, with design work by Butzi Porsche, was an instant hit with the fashionable upper and middle classes; but the air-cooled six cylinder, rear-engined 911 had unpredictable handling on the limit which gained it a reputation for violent skids and untimely trips off-road. Amazingly the handling woes were temporarily cured by fitting heavy metal weights into the front bumper of each 911 built, improving its balance.

1964

Start-up of Porsche 911 production. The 356 C is selling better than ever before.

 

912

 

1965

The new model series is rounded off at the lower end by the 912 with its flat-four power unit (1582 cc, 90 bhp/66 kW) quickly becoming a best seller. Production of the 356 ends in April.

 

 

 

1966

The Porsche Targa complete with roll-bar enters the range in autumn as the new open-air model with a removable roof section between the windscreen and roll hoop. It was named after the Targa Florio road race and proved a popular addition to the range.

The 911 S is introduced with an even more powerful engine (160 bhp/118 kW). By the end of the year the 912 is out-selling the 911.

 

 

 

 

The Porsche 906 (Carrera 6) was announced in 1966, with Gullwing doors and aerodynamic bodywork, it epitomised sports car racing of the era, & was the was the last street-legal racing car from Porsche. Designed by Dr Ferdinand Piech, this car was to be the replacement for the ageing 904 which, after dominating hillclimbing for a good few years was losing out to the Ferrari Dino. The car led to a string of highly successful racing sports cars, culminating in the 917K which was the first win at Le Mans for Porsche in 1970.

 

 

 

1967

The 911 T joins the six-cylinder model series with leaner trim and a less powerful engine (110 bhp/81 kW), selling at a very attractive price of less than DM 20,000.-. US exports increase rapidly.

 

 

 

1968

Wheelbase of the 911 is extended by 57 mm or 2.24". To comply with US emission standards, the six-cylinder power units feature Bosch mechanical fuel injection for the first time. The 911 E (140 bhp/103 kW) is launched into the market, output of the 911 S is boosted by 10 bhp to 170 bhp. The 911 T still using carburettor technology develops maximum output of 110 bhp/81 kW.

 

 

914

 

1969

To name only the most important innovations, the 911 receives a larger 2195-cc power unit for the 1970 model year, introducing a new power and performance league: 911 T (125 bhp/92 kW), 911 E (155 bhp/114 kW), 911 S (180 bhp/133 kW). Semi-automatic Sportomatic is available as an option.

The Porsche 912 is replaced by the two-seater mid-engine VW Porsche 914 available in two versions: as the 914/4 with a four-cylinder Volkswagen engine (1679 cc, 80 bhp/59 kW) and as the 914/6 with a six-cylinder Porsche power unit (1991 cc, 110 bhp/81 kW). Particularly the low-priced four cylinder becomes a genuine success.

 

1971

The six-cylinder featured in the 911 grows once again, displacing 2341 cc and introducing a new power and performance league once again: 911 T (130 bhp/96 kW), 911 E (165 bhp/121 kW), 911 S (190 bhp/140 kW).

Porsche also puts on the pressure with its "small" model, building 11 916 sports cars featuring the ultra-powerful six-cylinder (2341 cc, 190 bhp/140 kW), following the two 914/8 models with an 8-cylinder racing engine already built two years before (2997 cc, but varying in power: 260 bhp/191 kW and 300 bhp/221 kW). The 260-bhp 914/8 goes to Professor Ferry Porsche for his 60th birthday.

In 1971, Porsche’s development division with its construction, testing and design departments moved to the new Weissach development centre 15 miles north-west of Stuttgart-Zuffenhausen. Apart from a large test track, Weissach also became the home of further elaborate installations such as a wind tunnel, a crash test facility, the exhaust emissions test centre, and a wide range of drivetrain test stands and dynamometers serving for both in-house developments and customer assignments.

 

 

1972

The Porsche 911 Carrera RS 2.7 (2687 cc, 210 bhp/154 kW) and the Porsche 2.8 Carrera RSR (2806 cc, 300 bhp/ 221 kW) pave the way for further growth. Destined mainly for motor racing, these new models introduce a clearly visible aerodynamic body feature for the first time: the ducktail rear spoiler on the engine compartment lid. The Porsche 914 receives extra power, now featuring a larger four-cylinder from VW (1971 cc, 100 bhp/74 kW) helping the "small" Porsche to remain a genuine best seller.

 

 

1973

Following the plant shut-down in summer the new model range reveals significant modifications in body design, the bumpers now complying with US regulations and featuring impact absorbers at either side. The 2.7-litre power unit (210 bhp/154 kW) is introduced as standard in the Porsche 911. New models are the Carrera RS 3.0 sports version (2994 cc, 230 bhp/168 kW) and the Carrera RSR 3.0 (2994 cc, 330 bhp/241 kW) featuring a large rear wing and flared wheel arches with special air intakes.

Within the 914 series a 1.8-litre version (1795 cc, 85 bhp/63 kW) replaces the former 1.7-litre engine.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

930

1974

In autumn the first Porsche Turbo code-named the 930 (2994 cc, 260 bhp/191 kW) sees the light of day, providing the foundation for various racing models code-named the 935 in the years to follow, with maximum output up to 850 bhp. The 911 is available in three versions with the same 2687-cc displacement engine but different levels of power: 911 (150 bhp/110 kW), 911 S (175 bhp/129 kW) and the Carrera (210 bhp/154 kW). The sales split is almost exactly 50:50.

1975

The Porsche 911 enters the 1976 model year with only very minor modifications. Output of the "basic" version is boosted to 165 bhp/121 kW, the 911 S is dropped from the range. The Carrera 3.0 (2994 cc, 200 bhp/147 kW) is dropped after the plant shut-down in summer. In their last year of production, all models in the Porsche 914 range receive a two-litre power unit, with a reduction in compression and output to 95 bhp/70 kW. In autumn the 912 E (available only in the USA) also featuring a VW power unit (1971 cc, 90 bhp/66 kW) joins the 914 in the market.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

924

Porsche's new entry-level model is the 924, the first-ever Porsche with a water-cooled engine fitted up front an engine supplied by Audi (1984 cc, 125 bhp/92 kW). The 911 model range continues with a 2.7-litre power unit as well as the 3.0-litre in the Carrera, output remaining unchanged in both cases.

The bodyshell hot-galvanised on both sides significantly extends the life-cycle of all Porsche models from 1976.

 

 

 

 

 

928

1977

The Porsche 928 launched in autumn 1977 is the new top model conceived as the successor to the 911. Its V8 power unit boasts American dimensions (4474 cc, 240 bhp/177 kW). Starting in autumn, all models in the 911 range receive the 3.0-litre engine with the same output (180 bhp/132 kW) no longer comparable to the former performance figures due to the new emission standards in the market.

The Turbo engine becomes larger and even more powerful (3299 cc, 300 bhp/221 kW), with an intercooler. The rear spoiler changed its looks over the earlier Turbo. The brakes were huge cross drilled items from the 917 racing car (a good way to spot a genuine Turbo), and a boost gauge is incorporated into the rev counter.

Sales of the 924 remain at a good level, the 911 is a stable performer as before, and demand for the Turbo as well as the 928 continues to develop positively. From now on the 911 bears the model name "Porsche 911 SC".

1979

Output of the 911 increases slightly to 188 bhp/138 kW. The 924 Turbo also comes close to this figure, at 170 bhp/125 kW. With its technical features remaining unchanged, the 928 sees an increase in production and sales, the 924 remaining Porsche's best seller.

1980

The Porsche 924 Carrera GT (210 bhp/154 kW) offers even more power than the 911, the 911 SC now featuring a 204 bhp/150 kW engine. The 928 remains unchanged, but is joined by the 928 S developing maximum output of 300 bhp/221 kW from 4664 cc.

1981

On goes the trend to even more power and performance, the 924 Turbo now featuring a 177 bhp/130 kW power unit. In 1981 the engine ran on high octane 98 fuel (earlier it ran on 92 octane) and increased its HP to 204. In addition to the power increase the fuel economy got much better. The 911 Turbo remains unchanged. At the Frankfurt Motor Show Porsche presents a concept Turbo Cabriolet (with four-wheel drive).

 

 

 

944

1982

Porsche extends the range by introducing the 944 based on the 924 but featuring even wider wheel arches and a four-cylinder Porsche engine (2479 cc, 163 bhp/120 kW) basically speaking half the 8-cylinder in the 928. The new model has a clear effect on sales of the 924, which start to go down for the first time.

1983

After almost 20 years Porsche returns to a real convertible, the 911 SC Cabriolet becoming a best seller right from the start. Output of the 928 S is increased moderately to 310 bhp/228 kW.

1984

The 1984 model year launched in September 1983 once again introduces the 911 Carrera with an even larger engine (3164 cc, 231 bhp/170 kW). Arguably the best engine ever because of the good combination of power, reliability, economy and driveablity. The 3.2 runs on 98 octane fuel like the last SCs did. It has hydraulic timing chain tensioners and put an end to a weak point in the 911 history. The engine has DME electronically controlled ignition and injection system that improves the driveability and fuel economy. The new manifolds are very characteristic and makes it easier to recognise a 3.2 liter engine. The brakes are thicker and better, the ventilation system is improved.

On non european markets the Carrera gets a catalytic converter, HP was 207.

The Company's success curve points upwards, the 924 and 944 remaining the best-selling models. The 928 S becomes even more powerful, all 911 Carrera models are now also available in Turbo look.

 

 

959

1985

The year of the 959 featuring a four-valve boxer engine, water-cooled cylinder heads, four-wheel drive, awe-inspiring performance figures (2850 cc, 450 bhp/331 kW) and a price tag of DM 420,000.-. Production of the 959 in the years to come exceeds the 200 mark. The Porsche 928 features an even larger engine for the US and Japan, with output closer to the European model (4957 cc, 292 bhp/215 kW).

The Porsche four-cylinder in the 944 now offers even more power thanks to turbocharging (2479 cc, 220 bhp/162 kW), both the 924 and the 944 remaining on the best-selling list.

Without any significant modifications the Porsche 911 achieves its best annual result, just as the 928 S shows good year-round figures even without any significant innovations. The 924 matures into the 924 S now featuring Porsche's four-cylinder power unit (2479 cc, 150 bhp/110 kW).

1986

The four-valve Porsche 928 S4 goes into production with an increase in engine size and power (4957 cc, 320 bhp/ 235 kW). The new range consists of the 924 S/944 (2457 cc, 150 bhp/110 kW), the 944 S (2457 cc, 190 bhp/140 kW) and the 944 Turbo (2457 cc, 220 bhp/162 kW). The 911 Turbo is also available in both Targa and Cabriolet guise.

In 1986 the European Carrera becomes available with catalytic converter. This lowers the HP to 217.

1987

Output of the 924 S/944 models increases to 160 bhp/118 kW. The 944 Turbo S (2479 cc, 250 bhp/184 kW) rounds off the small model series, the Porsche 928 S4 remains in production without any significant changes.

For the Carrera, the old 915 gearbox is replaced with the all new G50 gearbox. This also means that the old cable operated clutch is replaced with a hydraulic clutch. This new gearbox is easier to use and the hydraulic clutch is a bit less demanding than the earlier clutch (which was a bit heavy).

 

 

 

964

1988

The new generation of the 911 comes with the in-house code designation 964. Introduction of the new model starts with the 911 Carrera 4 featuring four-wheel drive. The 964 series is available first as a coupé, its six-cylinder boxer engine featuring double ignition, plus extra size and power (3600 cc, 250 bhp/ 184 kW). The old series remains in production with the 911 Speedster, strictly a two-seater with an extra-small windscreen.

The Porsche 944 comes with a larger engine (2681 cc) and more power (165 bhp/121 kW) and is joined by the 944 Turbo (250 bhp/184 kW). The four-valve power unit of the 944 is increased in size and output to 2990 cc, 211 bhp/155 kW. The 944 S2 is available as both a coupé and cabriolet, the 944 Turbo receives an all-new five-speed gearbox.

 

 

 

 

 

1989

The first all-new 911 came in 1989, at a time of a global economic recession which undoubtedly dented sales success. The car was an evolution of the classic 911 ‘teardrop’ shape of its predecessor, but more than 80 per cent of its parts were new - including a larger 3.6-litre 6-cylinder engine. And, for the first time, 911 owners could experience four-wheel-drive and the extra grip it offered in the Carrera 4 model.

The 911 is now available with rear-wheel drive as the Carrera 2, coming in both Targa and Cabriolet form. Tiptronic is introduced at the same time, automatic transmission with a torque converter and four gears also allowing a sequential gearshift by means of the selector lever. The large model series is rounded off as of spring 1989 by the 928 GT with even more power (330 bhp/243 kW). The 911 Turbo is dropped from the range, production ceasing in autumn 1989.

In 1989 the Carrera is only available with the 217 HP catalytic converter specification. The 1989 Carrera is considered by many to be the last of the real 911s. Later models have much more electronic equipment and a more modern look. In 1989 the Turbo finally gets a five speed gearbox. The earlier Turbos were only available with a 4 speed gearbox.

1990

The new 911 Turbo enters the market in September with a 3299 cc power unit and a slight increase in power (320 bhp/235 kW).

The 964 also available with normal rear wheel drive. So now the 911 is available as the 911 Carrera 2 and the 911 Carrera 4. You can still get them in Coupe, Targa or Cabriolet shape. The rear spoiler is electrically controlled and raises itself at 80 km/h.

 

 

 

968

1991

The Porsche 968 based in its design on the 928 replaces the 944. Output of the three-litre power unit is boosted to 240 bhp/176 kW. The 8-cylinder power unit of the Porsche 928 now featured in the GTS increases in both size and output (5397 cc, 350 bhp/257 kW), just as the 911 Carrera RS competition model also offers a slight boost in power (260 bhp/191 kW).

The 968 Clubsport appears later in 1993.

In 1991 a new 911 Turbo appears. It still has a 3.3 liter engine, but looks like the 964 models although with a traditional Turbo rear spoiler (a 964 Turbo is often called a 965). The HP output is 320 (could be ordered with 360).

1992

The Porsche 911 Turbo comes with an even larger engine displacing 3600 cc and developing 360 bhp/265 kW, 0 to 100 km/h in 4.6 seconds according to the german magazine Auto Motor & Sport. This car is the last of the classic rear wheel drive Turbos. It is instantly recogniseable by its 18 inch split wheels.

The 968 is introduced in two-seater Clubsport trim with leaned-down equipment and a lower price.

 

 

 

 

 

993

1993-1998

Towards the middle of the year Porsche presents the thoroughly modified 911 code-named the 993 within the Company and featuring an even more streamlined body, the new multi-link rear axle and a choice of either six-speed manual gearbox or four-speed Tiptronic. Engine capacity remains unchanged, output increases even further (3600 cc, 272 bhp/200 kW). The new 993 is built initially as the Carrera coupé with rear-wheel drive.

Many Porsche followers believe the 993 is the ultimate 911, for its mix of classic and modern looks and breathtaking performance. It was the last 911 model with an air-cooled heart and even the lowliest model had 270bhp.

The 993 generation also bore the RUF Yellow Bird – a car tuned to such an extent it took on the name of its builders RUF and was no longer called a Porsche.

The traditional Targa is no longer available. A new concept with a back sliding glass roof is introduced instead.

A completely new Turbo comes along with 4 wheel drive and 2 turbochargers instead of 1. It has hollow spoke 18 inch wheels and 408 HP. It was possible to order it with 430 HP or even 450 HP from the "Sonderwunschabteilung". This Turbo (often referred to as Turbo 4) can brake from 100 km/h to 0 in 2.5 seconds and 35 meters.