(EN) Blogger's Hobby : A Brief History of Porsche's 911

The Porsche 911 is a luxury sports car produced by the German automaker Porsche AG since 1963. It was designed as a replacement for the Porsche 356 and has since become one of the most iconic sports cars in the world. Over the years, the 911 has undergone numerous modifications, with the latest iteration being the 992 series introduced in 2019.

Throughout its history, the 911 has maintained its distinctive design, featuring a long hood and a rear-mounted flat-six engine, while incorporating new technology and performance enhancements. The first 911 models were powered by air-cooled engines, but in the late 1990s, Porsche switched to water-cooled engines. The 911 has been offered in several body styles, including coupe, convertible, and Targa, and has been the base for several high-performance models such as the 911 GT3 and 911 Turbo.

Over the years, the 911 has established a reputation for its handling and performance, making it a favorite among driving enthusiasts. Today, the Porsche 911 continues to be one of the most sought-after sports cars in the world and remains an important part of Porsche's lineup.

The Porsche 911 Turbo is a high-performance variant of the 911 that has been produced since 1974. It's characterized by its turbocharged engine and distinctive styling elements, such as a "whale tail" rear spoiler and wide body.

The first 911 Turbo (Type 930) was introduced in 1974 and was powered by a 3.-liter turbocharged flat-six engine that produced 260 horsepower. Over the years, the 911 Turbo has evolved, with the engine size and output increasing, along with the introduction of new technologies such as all-wheel drive and electronically controlled suspension.

In the 1980s, Porsche introduced the 911 Turbo (Type 964) which featured a more aerodynamic body and a 3.3-liter engine that produced 320 horsepower. The 993-series 911 Turbo, introduced in 1995, was the first to feature twin turbochargers and produced 408 horsepower. The 996-series, introduced in 1999, was the first to feature water-cooled engines and was offered with a 3.6-liter engine that produced 420 horsepower.

The 997-series, introduced in 2005, was offered with a choice of either a 3.6-liter or a 3.8-liter engine and was available in a variety of models including the Turbo, Turbo S, and GT2. The latest iteration, the 991-series, was introduced in 2012 and featured a 3.8-liter twin-turbo engine that produced 520 horsepower in the Turbo S model.

The Porsche 911 Turbo lineup continues to be one of the most powerful and technologically advanced sports cars on the market. It remains a popular choice among driving enthusiasts and Porsche collectors, offering exceptional performance, handling, and style.

RUF Automobile GmbH is a German automaker that specializes in high-performance Porsche vehicles. The company was founded in 1939 and is based in Pfaffenhausen, Germany. RUF has been modifying Porsche vehicles for over 80 years and is known for producing some of the most powerful and exclusive Porsche models.

A RUF Porsche 911 is a modified Porsche 911 that has been built and engineered by RUF. RUF offers a range of performance upgrades for the Porsche 911, including engine tuning, suspension upgrades, aerodynamic enhancements, and interior upgrades. RUF models of the Porsche 911 are often distinguished by their unique RUF body kits, RUF wheels, and RUF badging.

The difference between a standard Porsche 911, a Porsche 911 Turbo, and a RUF Porsche 911 varies depending on the specific models and the level of modifications performed by RUF. In general, a RUF Porsche 911 is likely to have more horsepower and higher performance capabilities than a standard Porsche 911 or a Porsche 911 Turbo, due to RUF's engine tuning and performance upgrades. Additionally, RUF models often feature unique styling elements, advanced technology, and custom interior features that set them apart from standard Porsche models.

Other than RUF, there's also Gemballa. Gemballa is a German automotive tuning company that specializes in customizing and upgrading high-performance sports cars, including the Porsche 911. Gemballa was founded in 1981 and is based in Leonberg, Germany.

Gemballa offers a range of performance and aesthetic upgrades for the Porsche 91, including engine tuning, suspension modifications, aerodynamic enhancements, and interior upgrades. Gemballa models of the Porsche 911 are often distinguished by their unique body kits, wheels, and badging.

Like RUF, Gemballa's modifications to the Porsche 911 often result in increased horsepower, performance, and style compared to the standard Porsche 911 or 911 Turbo. The exact differences between a standard Porsche 911, a Porsche 911 Turbo, and a Gemballa Porsche 911 depend on the specific models and the level of modifications performed by Gemballa.

A dark-street side of Porsche 911 tuning starts in Japan. Auto Garage TBK and Midnight Porsche are Japanese tuning companies that specialize in customizing and upgrading Porsche vehicles, including the Porsche 911. Japanese tuning companies are known for their innovative and cutting-edge approach to automotive customization, and these companies are no exception.

Auto Garage TBK and Midnight Porsche offer a range of performance and aesthetic upgrades for the Porsche 911, including engine tuning, suspension modifications, aerodynamic enhancements, and interior upgrades. Their models of the Porsche 911 are often distinguished by their unique body kits, wheels, and badging, as well as advanced technology and custom interior features.

Like RUF and Gemballa, Auto Garage TBK and Midnight Porsche's modifications to the Porsche 911 often result in increased horsepower, performance, and style compared to the standard Porsche 911 or 911 Turbo. The exact differences between a standard Porsche 911, a Porsche 911 Turbo, and an Auto Garage TBK or Midnight Porsche Porsche 911 depend on the specific models and the level of modifications performed by the tuning companies.

And lastly to the iconic modification scene of 911s, RWB. Rauh-Welt Begriff (RWB) is a Japanese tuning company that specializes in customizing and upgrading Porsche vehicles, including the Porsche 911. Founded by Akira Nakai in the 1990s, RWB has become well known for its distinctive and aggressive body kits and wide-body conversions for Porsche vehicles.

RWB's modifications to the Porsche 911 often include wide-body conversions, custom suspension upgrades, aerodynamic enhancements, and interior upgrades. The company's models of the Porsche 911 are often distinguished by their unique and aggressive body kits, oversized wheels, and RWB badging.