Porsche 911 997

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.

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.

The Porsche 911 is one of the most iconic sports cars in the world. The first-ever Porsche 911 was launched in September 1963. It was originally known as the Porsche 901, but the name was changed to 911 after the French government objected to the use of the number "0". The 911 has undergone many changes over the years. In this article, we’ve listed out the launch month and year for every generation of the Porsche 911, including air-cooled and water-cooled models with .1 and .2 models.

There cannot be a car movie without a great selection of performance cars. Many sports cars have gained popularity through pop culture, whether it is the big screen or video games. Porsche’s iconic sports cars also have their place in pop culture, with more than a few being featured in famous blockbusters from the movie industry. That said, not all movie cars share the same fate, and oftentimes, cars get destroyed in movies. No Porsche can truly be classified as an affordable car and this goes double for the German automaker’s sports cars.

For many, the 997-generation 911 is the last old-school Porsche. Essentially, an evolution of the controversial 996, the 997 (eventually) fixed all of the 996’s problems while exploiting the chassis to its full potential. It is the 997 generation that spawned some of the most iconic Porsche 911 variants. While the example featured here is one of the more mainstream versions of the rear-engine sports car, it has been tastefully modified. Now I know that adding forced induction to a naturally aspirated Carrera is not that uncommon, and many owners are opting for it, especially with tuners like RUF offering specially developed kits that enhance performance.

Only one car can give you the feel of a Porsche 911 and that’s a 911. Altering any aspect of this iconic sports car can dramatically change the driving experience, but that hasn’t stopped people from taking out the boxer engine and replacing it with something that at first glance, doesn’t belong there. The rear-engine Porsche sports car is considered one of the most refined and usable high-performance cars, that you can daily-drive. At least, in most of its iterations. Despite much praise, however, the 911 is not a perfect car, and certain generations are known to suffer from a few major issues.

I’m a fan of the Type 997, and outside of the current 992, it remains one of the best generations of the Porsche 911. Where the tech-laden 992 is ridiculously fast and a bit too clinical, the 997 hits the sweet spot between modern and analog. The 997, in general, is widely regarded by Porsche people as a comeback, as it fixed several drawbacks like poor reliability and a better interior of the infamous fried-egg 996.

Porche is one of the leading sports car manufacturers and an aspirational brand for many a car enthusiast. While Porsche emphasizes athleticism and performance across its entire lineup, it’s the German marque’s sports cars that best embody Porsche’s heritage and motorsport prowess. The "Turbo” moniker has become synonymous with the most capable Porsche models, especially when it comes to the 911. Porsche’s obsession with turbocharging comes from motorsports. Competition is a great thing that invites progress, often, through unconventional means.

Let’s face it, most Porsche people live in a world of meticulously maintained flat-sixes and the intoxicating symphony they unleash. But what if you crave a different kind of symphony? One with a high-strung, VTEC-fueled chorus? Well, I’m about to dive headfirst into a world that’ll make purists cringe: K-swapping a Porsche. Yes, you read that right. We’re talking about ripping out that iconic flat-six growl of a 996 or 997 and replacing it with the symphony of a Honda K-series engine. Blasphemy? Maybe. But hear me out, because this unorthodox setup can unleash huge gains.

Regardless of the generation, beyond the 911 Turbo models, the GT range is the next natural step. These track-bred cars have continued to evolve since the late 90s and early 2000s with the introduction of even more hard-core models with the likes of the GT3 RS and GT2. Given how most of these track-bred cars are limited-run models, they tend to command a premium over your average run-of-the-mill Carreras. I was curious to see how the GT3 market in particular has been faring over the past few years, given the wild ride we had with regard to pricing, through the pandemic, and here’s what I found.

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.

Each generation of the Porsche 911 has its highlights, whether through impressive engineering or a special edition. Porsche enthusiasts no longer separate the 911 into just air-cooled and water-cooled. 911s are also separated by the level of technology they offer, and the 997 is generally considered the last of the classic, more analog 911 generations. It is the Porsche 997 that offers some of the most driver-centric and visceral variants of the rear-engine sports car, and it is the swan song of many iconic Porsche 911 features.

The 2007 Porsche 911 Carrera 4S Cabriolet is a high-performance convertible that combines the thrills of open-top driving with the surefootedness of all-wheel drive. Part of the 997.1 generation introduced in 2005, this four-seater sportscar is powered by a rear-mounted 3.8-liter flat-six engine. Its performance credentials remain strong, with the engine generating 355 horsepower and 295 pound-feet of twist to help it clock 0-60 in 4.7 seconds and a top speed of 179 mph.

YouTuber Jack Morris, popularly known as Jack Ultramotive recently acquired a car he claims is the ’poor man’s GT3 RS. In one of his recent videos, he puts forward the question - has the GT3 RS finally become too mainstream? Which could explain its omnipresence on social media. Or are more people recognizing how good it is? He also explains he has never been partial to Porsches in general and his dream car has always been the Lamborghini Murcielago. Around eight months ago he realized that long-term dream and bought one.

Porsche purists are very particular about what you can and cannot do to a 911, especially if it is an air-cooled model. While this particular example of the German, rear-engine sports car is water-cooled, what the people at Street Bandito YouTube channel have done to it would, no doubt, irritate many Porsche enthusiasts. The Porsche 911 is considered, by many, to be the ultimate sports car that you can actually daily-drive, except maybe, the more track-focused variants like the GT3. Regardless, putting a V-8 engine, and an American one at that, into a 911’s tight engine bay is sacrilege in the eyes of the Porsche community. That said, there are certain scenarios where you could walk away with putting a pushrod V-8 engine in a Porsche 911, and this particular case comes pretty close to justifying the unusual engine swap.

We can all agree that amidst all variants of the Porsche 911, there are those that truly stand out. One person who is largely responsible for shaping Porsche’s identity as a builder of epic sports cars is Hans Mezger. The German engineer started working for Porsche as soon as he graduated from the Stuttgart Technical University and would stay there until his retirement in 1994. Now, that’s what I call a dream resume. Porsche has since moved away from the Mezger design, making all cars featuring these powerplants desirable collectibles. We are taking a look at what many Porsche fans consider to be peak 911. The last Porsche 911 to feature the iconic Mezger engine - the 2011 Porsche 997 GT3 RS 4.0.

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.

The 2007 Porsche 911 Carrera 4 Coupe is a two-door, four-seater sports car that combines classic 911 styling with all-wheel drive traction and stability. The Carrera 4 offers a compelling blend of performance, versatility, and luxury at an accessible price range. Available in Coupe, Convertible, and Targa body styles, this trim is highly versatile, serving well for buyers with different tastes.

The 2005 Porsche 911 Carrera Cabriolet was based on the 997 generation, succeeding the 996 (1999-2004) and running until 2013. This four-seat convertible packed a 3.6-liter flat-six engine producing 325 horsepower, paired with a six-speed manual or optional five-speed Tiptronic S automatic transmission. As the entry-level convertible in the 911 lineup, it offered an attractive blend of performance and open-top driving pleasure.