2009

Porsche’s rich heritage is a great place to draw inspiration for special-edition models. This is particularly true for the 911, which is the definitive Porsche sports car. The German automaker knows this too well, which is why every generation of the Porsche 911 gets a variety of limited-edition special variants. Back in 2009, Porsche introduced the 997 Sport Classic – a model that combines traditional traits from classic, air-cooled 911s with modern tech. More recently in 2023, the brand introduced a new iteration of the Sport Classic, based on the 992 generation. Conceived by Porsche Exclusiv Manufaktur that allows for limitless customization options, both vehicles follow the same philosophy, leaning heavily on the 911’s heritage. That said, the two 911 Sport Classic variants are very different and while the 992 is superior on paper, this doesn’t necessarily translate to a better driver’s car. I took a deep dive into both 911 Sport Classic models to determine, which is more worthy of the two, in finding a spot in a 911 enthusiast’s garage.

The Porsche 911 Turbo S is at the top of the food chain when it comes to fast Porsche sports cars, suited for daily use. The 992 Turbo S is mind-bendingly fast and able to embarrass plenty of more expensive models. The rear-engine sports car has always had a reputation for being relatively lightweight, refined, and usable as far as sports cars go. While the company continues to adhere to the same philosophy (for the most part), there is one dreaded aspect of the Porsche experience – the Porsche tax.

Ruf, the legendary German tuner known for breathing fire into Porsches, recently unveiled its off-road-ready Rodeo at the Monterey Car Week. While it certainly was a head-turner and one of the highlight models this year, it’s not the first time that the German tuner has gotten its feet wet with a high-riding model. Enter the Ruf Dakara, a forgotten hero from the mid-2000s that deserves a place in the Super SUV Hall of Fame.

Porsche’s 987 generation of the Boxster arrived for the 2005 model as a successor to the highly criticized 986 generation. Four years after the 987’s launch in 2005, Stuttgart introduced the 987.2 generation in 2009. For its new generation, the roadster gained a new 2.9-liter engine with a horsepower rating of 255 and a seven-speed PDK (dual-clutch) automatic transmission.

For the 2009 model year, Porsche refreshed the iconic 911, ushering in the 997.2 generation. The Targa 4S, a unique model combining the classic Targa top with all-wheel drive performance, received notable updates, both inside and out. A more powerful 3.8-liter flat-six engine replaced the previous 3.6-liter unit, while subtle exterior changes modernized the timeless 911 silhouette.

The 2009 Porsche 911 Carrera marks the introduction of the 997.2 generation, bringing subtle yet significant updates to this iconic sports car’s sixth generation or 997 generation. This rear-engine and rear-wheel-drive coupe is the base trim in the 911 lineup, available in both hardtop and convertible configurations. It gains a new MA1/02 3.6-liter naturally aspirated boxer-six engine with direct fuel injection, boosting output to 345 horsepower and 288 pound-feet of torque and improved fuel economy. Porsche offers two transmissions for this trim, including a standard six-speed manual and a new seven-speed PDK dual-clutch automatic transmission, replacing the Tiptronic S from the 997.1 generation.