Production of the 997 series began in 2004, with the Porsche 911 turbo for sale, and the 997 returning for the 2007 model year. The engine, a descendant of the 964’s GT1 racing program, has proven to be extremely durable in performance applications. Larger turbos and a variable length intake manifold allowed the sports car to measure in at 470 horsepower and 460 lb-ft of torque. A six-speed manual transmission was the preferred gearbox for enthusiasts. The first production car with variable geometry turbochargers, computer control allowed for less back pressure while cruising and quicker response when needed. The sport Chrono package offered 10 seconds of over boost for unparalleled acceleration. Several changes were made for the 2010 model year-- enough to warrant a 997.2 designation. A seven-speed PDK transmission with launch control replaced the tip-Tronic automatic, and the engine was completely redesigned. The new 3.8-liter allowed the coupe to reach 500 horsepower with 480 lb-ft of torque. The ultimate 997.2 was the GT2 RS. It used over 23 pounds of boost to make 620 horsepower and 516 lb-ft. Power of this magnitude allowed the top speed to reach 205 mph.

 

Only a few cars in history have been as prolific as the Porsche 911. 2017 marks the 42nd year of the iconic sports car, making it a long-standing powerhouse in its size and class. Each version has its own special features and appeal, as listed and explained below.

 

The first generation is known as the 930 series, and it made its debut in 1975. For the first three years, the model was manufactured with a 3.0-liter flat six engine, but it was enlarged in 1978 to 3.3-liter, which lasted until 1989. Originally rated at 256 horsepower, continual improvements have positioned it as one of the most powerful production cars on the market. The most popular edition of the 930 was the Flachbau or Slant Nose. Taking inspiration from the 935 racer, this version offered contemporary styling and superior aerodynamics.

Ever increasing performance thanks to revised fuel injection allowed a 0-60 time to shock the world. In an era where six-cylinder cars could barely reach 60 mph before the end of an Interstate on-ramp, Porsche delivered a scalding 4.6 second time. To celebrate the end of an era and an upcoming new model, 1989 models received a new 5-speed manual, which was specially developed for the new body style.

 

After a thorough redesign, a new 911 was launched in 1991 as the 964 series. The 3.3-liter engine was revised with improvements to intake and exhaust for the first two years of production. A new 3.6 liter debuted in 1993 with 360 horsepower and 384 lb-ft of torque. The 90’s were a time of big changes in the world of high performance, and it was the first 911 to offer a much wider body than the base model Carrera.

For 1995 the entire 911 lineup was refreshed, and a new Porsche 993 turbo was released in 1996. The first 911 to feature AWD, the 993 series marks the ending of the air-cooled era. The first production car to break the 400 horsepower barrier, it sent 408 horsepower and 398 lb-ft to all wheels. The ultimate version was the 1998 911 GT2, which eliminated the front axles to save weight.

In order to meet new emissions standards, a new 911 was launched in 1999. The 911 twin turbo, the 996 arrived in 2001. The water cooled design allowed for tighter tolerances between cylinder walls and pistons, which means more power and less harmful pollutants. The 911 turbo 996 was rated at 415 horsepower and 415 lb-ft of torque thanks to variable valve timing. On the top of the lineup was the 996 GT2 with 489 horsepower and 484 lb-ft of torque. In terms of value, the 996 series 911 models offer incredible performance at a great price.

The current generation, which was first debuted in 2014, the 991 features an all-new interior and exterior. It marked the first times were used on the base model Carrera engines. The 2017 is rated at 513 horsepower and 487 lb-ft of torque, and the PDK is the only transmission offered. The 0-60 is now under three seconds with a top speed of 198 mph.

Each generation has a unique character, and enthusiasts will extol the virtues of their own Ad Infinitum. Once you have researched which model best suits your taste, contact our dealers to help you find the right one for you.

 

Generations