Since its release in 1963 at the Frankfurt Motor Show, the Porsche 911 has become one of the world’s most revered high-performance sports cars. The 911’s cabin and exterior are timeless, with the most iconic silhouette in the business. And the 911 delivers legendary power, matched with signature exhaust snarl and off-the-mark acceleration.
Simply put, the 911’s standing in the motor world is undeniable. Porsche enthusiasts understand the finer points of what makes the 911 such a unique automobile, but for casual observers, it might be more of a challenge to differentiate the 911 from other high-performance sports cars.
What exactly makes the 911 so special? From its storied heritage, to the 911’s continued excellence in racing, there’s no mistaking that the Porsche 911 is in a class of its own.
Porsche 911 Performance: Achieving Near Super Car Status
The Porsche 911’s heritage is steeped in racing excellence, and that’s truly what sets the 911 apart from other sports cars. Throughout its history, the 911 has delivered unbridled power, and that continues today with the latest iterations of the 911.
An Exhilarating Drive. One of the fastest production cars in the world, the Porsche 911’s unique rear-engine helps to boost traction so that no torque is wasted. Plus, with the world’s best throttle control, the 911 delivers what feels like an endless supply of acceleration. Even today, the 2017 911 continues to improve. The 911 Carrera, with its 3.0L biturbo six-cylinder delivers up to 370 horsepower and tops out at 183 MPH. The 2017 911 R, which will be available in a limited run, achieves 500 horsepower and can accelerate 0 to 60 in 3.7 seconds.
Stop-on-a-Dime Brakes. You might not being thinking about the stopping power of your 911. Instead, you’re probably more curious as to how fast you can make it go. But the 911’s unique rear-engine design enables more of the braking to occur in the rear. Some estimate it’s about 40 percent, compared to 20-30 percent in front-engine vehicles. The result: The 911 has the ability to fly, but in a pinch, it can stop on a dime, while maintaining precise tracking.
Signature Racing Sound. Part of the allure of a sports car is its snarl, and throughout its history the 911 has delivered one of the most distinctive exhaust sounds in the industry. It’s symphonic, load and iconic.
A Closer Look at the 911’s Timeless Design
Few vehicles are as recognizable as the Porsche 911. From its silhouette, which even today takes design cues from the original 911, to its inspired cabin, no other vehicle’s has stood the test of time as well as the 911.
Iconic Exterior. The 911 has the classic fast-back sports car shape, and it has throughout its history. Many vehicles have imitated it, but none have yet been able to put it off so masterfully. Upfront, the 911 has long featured those signature circular headlamps and downward sloping front end, with the roofline sloping dramatically towards the rear.
Driver-Centered Cockpit. The 911 is built for performance-driving, and when you sit behind the wheel, you’ll instantly feel like you’re at the helm of a 747. The five binnacle analog gauges are still a mainstay of the cockpit, as well form-fitting bucket seats and an ergonomic dash layout.
Not many vehicles have been celebrated for more than 50+ years like the Porsche 911. But the reason it’s happened is simple: Porsche has continually worked to refine and improve the 911. This year, that commitment is on display with the recent introduction of twin turbochargers that deliver an added performance boost.