Porsche is one of the premier sports car manufacturers in the world. Their 911 series of cars maintain a unique, iconic design that has only changed slightly since their inception, which is a strong indicator that they got the design right on the very first try. The 911 is the main vehicle that Porsche is known for, but it is not the only one.
An automaker with the history and pedigree of Porsche is known for many more things than just one type of car, as special as that car may be. If you want to learn what else Porsche is known for, then continue reading this article. If you want to experience what they are known for personally, then you should rent a Porsche and find out for yourself. It is an experience that you will not forget.
The Porsche 911
The Porsche 911 debuted in 1963 as the successor to Porsche’s very first model, the 356. At its launch, many of the styling cues we associate with Porsche were already there; that includes the sleek fastback styling, the rear-mounted engine with the trunk in the front, and the distinctive headlamps. The 911 was mainly designed by Ferdinand “Butzi” Porsche, with some input from his father, Ferdinand “Ferry” Porsche, the founder of the Porsche car company.
The first 911s were 6 cylinder vehicles but Porsche realized that there was still a market for an entry-level vehicle similar to the now-departed 356. Thus the 912 was born. It was a four-cylinder version of the 911 that was introduced to the American market in 1965. Even though all the vehicles use the 911 nomenclature, Porsche uses a separate number system to distinguish the various 911 generations from each other, the current 911 is also known as the Porsche 992 for example.
The first generations of the Porsche 911 used air-cooled engines, but that changed in 1998 when the company switched to water-cooled engines. The Porsche 996 was the first water-cooled 911, and this was a change that was met with much outcry from hardcore Porsche fans, but it was a necessary change. That is because it was the only way that Porsche could meet the stricter contemporary emission and noise standards while maintaining high performance. Once auto enthusiasts realized that Porsche’s legendary performance was not compromised by the switch, the clamor died down.
The Porsche 911 is the only sports car model that persists to this day from the time it debuted, where other makers routinely introduce successors to their previous models, the 911 is constant. In fact, there have been over one million Porsche 911s built since its debut. No other sports car model even comes close.
They Are More Than Just Sports Cars
Porsche is known primarily for its sports cars, like the 911 of course, but also the Boxster, Cayman, and other defunct models like the 928 grand tourer and Carrera GT supercar. However, they have since branched out to make a much wider variety of vehicles. This started with the Porsche Cayenne SUV in 2002; at first, the automotive press and Porsche fanatics were understandably aghast that a revered sports car manufacturer would make a vehicle that is the polar opposite of a performance car.
The Cayenne was initially viewed as a sellout vehicle designed to take advantage of the popular SUV market. Once the doubters got behind the wheel, they discovered that it was no ordinary SUV, offering power and handling acumen far beyond the scope of contemporary SUVs. In other words, it was a true Porsche. It was also ahead of its time since automakers as varied as Lamborghini, Bentley, and Rolls-Royce have gone on to add SUVs to their line.
The Cayenne was the first four-door Porsche, but not the last as the Porsche Panamera luxury sedan was launched in 2009. At first, it faced the same doubts as the Cayenne, and like that vehicle, the doubts were quickly quashed once people actually drove it. Porsche made another SUV, this time a compact crossover called the Macan, there were fewer doubters this time around and the Macan has gone on to become one of Porsche’s best selling models. Now they are set to launch the Taycan, a four-door electric vehicle, and it is unlikely that anyone will be second-guessing Porsche when it arrives.
They Have An Impressive Racing Record
Porsche is the largest race car manufacturer in the world and also the most successful. They have won the prestigious 24 hours of LeMans race over twenty times. They have also won many rally races and are a force in amateur racing as well. Additionally, they have provided engines for Formula 1 teams like McLaren, which helped to propel them to victory. That proves that Porsche is capable of achieving motorsport success no matter what.
Experience The Porsche Legend For Yourself
Unless you become a professional race car driver, you may not be able to experience Porsche’s motorsport prowess for yourself. However, you can experience all of their other impressive accomplishments by renting a Porsche for yourself. Whether you are interested in the pure performance of their sports cars like the 911 or the Boxster or you prefer the comfort and luxury of a Cayenne or Panamera, any Porsche you drive is a testament to their history, legacy, and commitment to automotive excellence.
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