Electrification means that the future of our favorite performance cars hangs in the balance.
It goes without saying that the Porsche 911 is one of the greatest sports cars of all time, and the instantly-recognizable masterpiece turns 61 years old this year. However, with electrification on the rise and sweeping through the whole automotive industry, the Porsche 911 and sports car favorites like it are bound to change, but how will that change take shape? Porsche reflects on the rich history of the 911 throughout its 61 years and the changes its engine went through, and gives insight into what the 911 of the future will look like.
The original 1963 Porsche 911 featured Porsche’s first six-cylinder engine, in a boxer layout and mounted at the rear. At the time, the engine developed nearly 130 horsepower and was responsible for pushing the 911 towards a 130-mph top speed. However, it would be those basic principles, along with the 911’s iconic silhouette, that would go on to be the requirements for the 911 for the next 61 years.
1974 saw the introduction of the Porsche 911 Turbo, which used turbocharging to significantly increase the power and performance the 911 was capable of. Innovative boost pressure regulation meant that the turbocharger was also excellent for daily use and that it was efficient enough to meet stringent American regulations. In addition, its 256 horsepower made it one of the fastest cars of its time.
The most monumental change happened in 1997, separating the history of the legendary sports car into two eras: air-cooled and water-cooled. The 996 generation of the 911 introcued a radically different look and design, along with a water-cooled engine for the first time. In addition, the 997-generation 911 Turbo introduced pioneering Variable Turbine Geometry turbochargers to the mix in 2006, and the VTG innovation continues to be integral to the incredible performance of the Porsche 911 Turbo to this day. Also, 2008 saw the introduction of the PDK, the first dual-clutch transmission in a production sports car, which also sees use throughout today’s 911 lineup.
However, the future is on the horizon, and the 911 will yet again break boundaries and shift paradigms in the automotive industry. How? With a hybrid six-cylinder engine that promises hair-raising performance and adherence to evolving emissions standards. With sporty character and performance being top priorities, Porsche promises that the near-future 911 will be the same special sports car fans have adored for 61 years, but even more trailblazing in its approach to performance.
