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The Porsche 911 spans eight generations and counting. On paper, the latest 992 is measurably superior to every 911 generation, but just like the controversial water-cooled 996, it also brings a lot of innovation, perhaps too much for the Porsche purists. The 992-generation Porsche 911 is also the largest, heaviest model of the iconic, rear-engine sports car. This is frowned upon by some enthusiasts, especially those fond of the much lighter 997 and 991 that came before it. The 992.2 update brought with it the first hybrid Porsche 911 and it seems impressive, given that the mid-range GTS model is now about as capable as the range-topping 992.1 Turbo/ Turbo S variants thanks to the electric assist from the new T-Hybrid system. But what about the noise? How has this revolutionary bit of tech impacted the sound profile of the Hybridized 911? Does the all-new 3.6-liter mill sound better than the 3.0 unit found in the 992.1 GTS? Well, I did some digging on YouTube and Reddit, and here’s what I found.

Porsche as a brand has existed since April 1931. After a successful stint with Daimler and the consulting business that included the design and engineering of models like the VW Beetle and the 16-cylinder Auto Union Type 52, things finally started to fall into place, with Ferdinand Porsche’s dream of making the perfect sports car which came out in 1939. That said, the first mass-produced Porsche performance car – the 356 – did not arrive until well after WWII ended, debuting in 1948. Since then, the German marque has developed a stalwart image as one of the most prominent performance car manufacturers in the world. With a history spanning 93 years and counting, there are many iconic models, many of which were significant to Porsche’s development as a brand. Given Porsche’s storied history and rich motorsport heritage, the list of truly noteworthy Porsche models is impressively long. However, I managed to narrow it down to seven Porsche models, with each one being historically significant through the decades, and paving the way for future Porsches.

Making a lightweight production sports car is becoming increasingly difficult in modern days. With the ever-increasing safety and emissions requirements, cars are becoming more tech-heavy, as they feature more advanced and complex systems than their predecessors. Then, there is the electrification trends in the automotive industry, which even Porsche couldn’t evade. That said, the German autormaker still has a few tricks up its sleeve that ensure its sports car models remain relatively lightweight to most of their competitors.

There aren’t many sports cars that can match the heritage of the Porsche 911. The car first saw the light of day back in September 1963, at the Frankfurt International Motor Show. Since then, the 911 has been following the “evolution, not revolution” formula, which is why it is the only rear-engine sports car to this day. Each generation of the Porsche 911 has a version for everyone, which is why deciding on the perfect one is a difficult task.

Porsche’s sports cars are rich in heritage and go back in time even beyond the iconic 911. While models like the Porsche 911 have always had a multitude of variants, meaning there is a version of the car for everyone, depending on what power levels, drivetrain options, or body style that you are after. The rear-engine Porsche is not the only high-performance model. In more recent times, the entry-level Boxster and Cayman models have been the go-to Porsche sports car for everyone who isn’t quite ready to part with 911 money. Some would even go as far as saying that the mid-engine Porsche is actually the better sports car and that the mid-engine layout is the superior platform.

The days of the gas-powered 718 may be numbered, but let’s get this out of the way. It still remains a phenomenal performance machine out of the box. Whether you’re eyeing the Cayman coupe or the Boxster drop-top, you’re looking at a mid-engine sports car available with either manual or the neck-snapping PDK automatic that is practically begging to be unleashed on a winding coastal road. Now, some folks might scoff at the base model’s 2.0-liter turbo-four, but trust me, that little engine punches above its weight. But if you’re a certified horsepower fiend, the S and GTS trims with their 2.5-liter turbo units will have you grinning like a loon.

The Porsche 911 has finally taken the hybrid route for 2025, setting the tone for future sports cars of the German carmaker. The next-generation Porsche 718 goes even further by becoming fully electric, but the company is adamant that the 911 will feature an internal combustion engine for as long as possible, especially on the 911. While Porsche’s T-Hybrid powertrain, effectively, schooled sports car manufacturers on how to properly hybridize a performance car without making it too heavy, many people frown upon the notion of an electrified sports car. With the 992.2 Carrera GTS being able to match and, in some aspects, even surpass the 992.1 Turbo S (starting MSRP of $230,400), the 992.2 Turbo S will also rely on the same hybrid setup, although with around 710 horsepower, instead of the 532 seen in the GTS. That said, if you are looking for something that has the pedigree and performance but doesn’t come with a complex hybrid powerplant, here are three Porsche 911 Turbo S alternatives that will deliver the thrills.