Defined by its unique engine position as much as it is its history, Porsche is nothing if not cautious with its approach to design. Instantly recognisable as a Porsche 911, the shape is so familiar that it’s pretty much entered the lexicon of modern iconography. The chassis they power has been honed to the point of obsession and the results speak for themselves, on road and track. The layout might be unusual then, but its engines are now 3.0-litre units and all turbocharged. Yet the flat-six boxer engine, and more importantly its rear location, is essential to the 911’s DNA and appeal the 911 is a Galapagos Tortoise that’s built a raft and not let its evolutionary quirks stop it from conquering the world. Part of that is down to its unique make-up, Porsche persisting with an engine concept and layout that, were it not for the company’s engineering determination, should have slid backwards up an evolutionary cul-de-sac many, many decades ago. It might be the default choice and fairly omnipresent as a result, but you’ll not care when you’re driving it, as any 911 is special from behind the wheel. Even the entry-level Carrera is an engaging, exciting car to drive, yet for all its thrilling sports car attributes it’s also a capable GT car, and, thanks in no small part to the practicality of its cabin, a high performance car that can genuinely be used every day. That’s not just down to the volume of choice, but also the breadth of ability any of them offer. It is difficult to think of a more complete sports car than the Porsche 911. There’s a 911 for everyone then, and, it seems everyone wants one, for good reason too. As if that lot isn’t enough there’s the track-focused GT3 and even more intense GT3 RS, while the four-wheel-drive Turbo (in Coupe or Cabriolet body styles) heads the comprehensive range. All of those can also be had as a conventional folding cloth-roofed Cabriolet, or the Targa with its incredible folding hardtop. It’s these coupes that are the focus here.
#2017 PORSCHE 911 ENGINE MANUAL#
The coupe range is introduced by the Carrera, followed by the faster Carrera S and the GTS above that, with rear- or four-wheel drive and manual or automatic transmissions to choose from. Part of that is attributable to the sheer proliferation of models Porsche offers.
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That has undoubtedly helped it maintain its enduring success, though there’s real authenticity to the 911, as it has won pretty much every race it’s eligible to compete in - its success on the track has been matched by huge sales. It’s been around forever, Porsche’s perseverance with the rear-engine format giving its some unique attributes, not least its ability to offer rear seats, which makes it among the more practical and complete sports car offerings out there. The Porsche 911 is the benchmark in the sports car class, the car that all others are measured against.