The full name of Porsche is Dr. Ing. h.c. F. Porsche AG, which can also be decomposed into Doktor Ingenieur honois causa Ferdinand Porshe Aktiengesellshaft. This engineering company was founded by the legendary German designer, Doctor of Engineering Sciences Ferdinand Porsche in 1931. The headquarters of the Porsche company and its main manufactory are located in the German city of Stuttgart. The Porsche family remains the main shareholder of this company to this day.
In terms of profit from the sale of each car, Porsche is among the highest profitable automakers in the world. In 2010, these cars were even recognized as the most reliable on the planet.
The Ferdinand Porsche company specializes in the production of luxury sports cars, and more recently SUVs. Porsche production is highly dependent on the Volkswagen Group. Side by side, the companies develop uniform vehicle designs and participate in motorsports. Over the years, engineers from both brands have jointly developed a manual transmission synchronizer, an automatic transmission with the ability to manually shift (later the system developed into a push-button switch on the steering wheel), a turbocharger for production cars, a turbocharger with a variable geometry turbine impeller for a gasoline engine, an electronically controlled suspension and much more. .
50.1% of Porsche shares are owned by Porsche Automobil Holding SE, and since December 2009 49.9% have been owned by the Volkswagen Group. Porsche is a public company with some shares listed on the Xetra global electronics system and the Frankfurt Stock Exchange. The largest private shareholder of the brand is the Porsche and Pich family. Since 1993, Wendelin Wiedeking has been President and CEO of Porsche. The company set an absolute revenue record in the 2009/2010 financial year - 7.79 billion euros. During this time, the Stuttgart company sold 81,850 sports cars, while the production capacity in that year ensured the production of 89,123 cars.
The company holds regular competitions among different classes of cars, and is also the founder of reputable cup competitions. This direction of Porsche activity is consecrated in the computer game Need for Speed: Porsche Unleashed.
The Porsche emblem was designed by Franz Xavier Reimspiss in 1952, when the brand's cars were first delivered to the American market. Prior to this, Stuttgart cars had a simple “Porsche” inscription on the hood.
The history of Porsche in 1931 - 1948 From idea to mass production
By the time Ferdinand Porsche released the first car under his own name, he managed to accumulate tremendous design experience. Founded by Ferdinand on April 21, 1931, Dr. Ing. h.c. F. Porsche GmbH has already produced a 16-cylinder Auto Union racing car and a Volkswagen Käfer (aka VW Beetle). The latter for a long time remained the best-selling car in the world.
The first Porsche car appeared only in 1939 - it was the Model 64, the progenitor of the entire family. This copy is based on many components borrowed from the Volkswagen Beetle.
Throughout the Second World War, Porsche produced military products - staff cars and amphibians. Ferdinand himself worked in a team with other designers on the development of heavy tanks of the Tiger family.
After the end of World War II in 1945, Ferdinand Porsche was arrested on charges of war crimes. In conclusion, the great designer spent 20 months. At the same time, Ferdinand's son Ferdinand Anton Ernst (better known by his short name Ferry) decides to mass-produce his own cars. In Gmünde, the first prototype of the Porsche 356 is assembled by Ferry and several engineers he knows. The car receives an open aluminum body. Active preparation for mass production of this machine begins. In 1948, the car successfully passed certification for public roads. Ferry followed his father's example and based the Porsche 356 on components from the Volkswagen Beetle, including its suspension, gearbox, cooling system and, of course, its four-cylinder engine.
But the first mass-produced Porsche cars were fundamentally different from their prototype - the engine was installed on the rear axle, due to which they reduced the cost of production and freed up space for seating two more passengers. The new body had very good aerodynamics CX 0.29. Only in 1950 did Porsche return to its native Stuttgart.
The history of Porsche in 1948 - 1965 Brand Prosperity
Porsche's return to Stuttgart was marked by a switch to steel body panels. The plant mainly specializes in the assembly of coupe and convertible cars. At first, 1100 cc engines with only 40 hp were produced, but by 1954 the choice expanded significantly: the range was supplemented by engines 1300, 1300A, 1300S, 1500, 1500S. The design is constantly being improved, the volume and power of engines is growing, a synchronized gearbox, disc brake system and new bodies are appearing - roadsters and hardtops.
Porsche is gradually phasing out Volkswagen units, replacing them with their own. For example, the 356A, produced from 1955 to 1959, was already equipped with a four-cam engine, a pair of ignition coils, and many other original components. Series A is replaced by series B (59 - 63 years), and the latter is replaced by series C (produced from 1963 to 1965). All modifications are produced in an amount of a little more than 76,000 copies.
In parallel, the development of a racing modification of the Porsche 550 Spyder, 718 and others is underway. In 1951, 75-year-old Ferdinand Porsche suffered a heart attack from which he died. The designer could have lived longer, but the time spent in prison greatly undermined his health.
The history of Porsche in 1963 - 1976 Takeoff of the 911
By the end of the 50s, the development of the Porsche 695 prototype was being completed. Management opinions about this car were divided: the 356 had a good reputation, so the transition to the production of a new model for a small family company was associated with great risk. However, the design developed in 1948 was outdated, and there was almost no reserve left for its renewal.
In 1963, something happens that predetermined the future of Porsche - at the Frankfurt Motor Show, an open presentation of the Porsche 911 takes place. The main points in the design of the car do not change: a boxer engine at the rear, rear-wheel drive and classic body lines inherited from the Porsche 356. The design of the car was developed by the son of Ferdinand Anton Ernst - Ferdinand Alexander Porsche (nicknamed "Butzi"). Read more information about this car in the article "". At first, it was assumed that the car would come out under the index "901", but another company, Peugeot, had already reserved a combination of these numbers for itself. The transition to the 911 index by no means puts an end to the 901 index - it is used in the company's intra-factory nomenclature until 1973.
In the first two years of mass production of the Porsche 911, the model was only available with a 2.0-litre, 130 hp engine. In 1966, the conveyor assembly of the Targa modification (an open body with a glass roof) begins. In 1965, the production of Porsche 356 convertibles ends.
In the late 1960s, the wheelbase of the 911 increased. Engines with increased displacement and mechanical injection system appear in the range. The pinnacle of evolution of the 901 is the modification of the Carrera RS 2.7 and the Carrera RSR of the 70s. The dictionary of the Stuttgart company replenished the word Carrera in the mid-1950s - then this name was given to the sports version of the Porsche 356, which perpetuated the memory of the victory in the Carrera Panamericana race in 1954, which glorified the German brand in North America.
At the end of the 60s, the Stuttgart manufactory masters the production of another sports car - the Porsche 914 with an unusual assembly line history. During this period, Volkswagen decides to expand its lineup with at least one sports model, and Porsche is just finishing the development of a successor for the model with the index 912 (a cheaper version of the 911 with an engine from the 356). The companies join forces and in 1969 release the one-of-a-kind Volkswage-Porsche 914. The model is equipped with a 4- or 6-cylinder engine. But the project does not live up to its expectations - a rather unusual appearance and unsuccessful marketing (in particular, the indication of Volkswagen-Porsche in the name) have a negative impact on sales. As a result, for 7 years, the Volkswagen-Porsche 914 is produced in the amount of 120,000 copies.
The history of Porsche in 1972 - 1981 Led by Ernst Fuhrmann
In 1972 Dr. Ing. h.c. F. Porsche KG becomes a public company, and the Porsche family loses direct control over all of its affairs. Despite this, the Porsche family still has a share of shares that exceeds that of the Piech family. Ferdidand Alexander Porsche and his brother Hans-Peter found their own Porsche Design company, which produces exclusive watches, glasses, bicycles and many other prestigious items. Ferdinand Porsche's nephew, Ferdinand Piech, moves to Audi and then to Volkswagen, where he later holds the post of CEO.
The first head of Porsche, who is not a member of the Porsche family, is Ernst Fuhrmann, who previously headed the engine development department. Upon taking office, Fuhrmann replaces the 911-series with a sports car with a classic layout (front-engine and rear-wheel drive), which becomes the Porsche 928. An 8-cylinder engine is placed under the hood of the car. Under Führmann's leadership, Porsche begins series production of another front-engined car, the Porsche 924.
After the premiere in 1974 of the Porsche 911 Turbo at the Paris Motor Show, the development of the entire line actually stopped until the early 1980s. By this time, the modernized 930 series has kept up, having lasted in production from 1973 to 1989 (when Fuhrmann loses control of the company). But Ernst's projects continue to be produced even after a change in management: the last front-engined Porsche car rolled off the assembly line in 1995.
The replacement for the Porsche 914 ripens in 1976, and not one, but two at once - 924 and 912 (with a Volkswagen 2.0 engine). The last car turns out to be unsuccessful. The history of the Porsche 924 is very similar to the history of the 914, but with a happy ending - Volkswagen continues to harbor illusions about the prospect of releasing an affordable sports car and invites Porsche engineers to develop such a car. They get complete freedom of action, but on one condition: to ensure compatibility with the engine and gearbox developed in the bowels of the Audi design department. Work on the project does not have time to end, as there is a change of leadership in Volkswagen: the German concern is headed by Tony Schmucker, who doubted the feasibility of the project due to the oil crisis that erupted in 1973. Then Porsche decides to completely buy out the protracted project from Volkswagen.
Compared to the mastermind of the 911, the Porsche 924 gets a completely different design, modern design, classic layout and close to ideal axle weight distribution. The car is equipped with economical 4-cylinder water-cooled engines. The Porsche 924 immediately sells well, which the sports car owes to constant updates and additions to the family. Just three years after the start of sales, the turbocharged Porsche 924 appears, and after another three years, the model's successor, the Porsche 944, comes out.
In general, the Porsche 944 is still the same 924 with evolutionary changes: many important indicators are improved, and the most noticeable change in appearance is the protruding wings inherited from the special version of the Porsche 924 Carrera GT. Both machines have been produced in parallel for six years. In 1988, they were discontinued with a total circulation of almost 150,000 copies.
The Porsche 944 had a noticeably more advanced engine than the 924. By and large, the sports car inherited the V8 engine from the 928 model, working with other proprietary components. For 9 years, Porsche produces 160,000 copies of the 944 in all modifications: S, S2, Turbo and even Cabriolet. The latest evolutionary round in this model is the front-engined Porsche 968, produced from 1992 to 1995.
Führmann's biggest mistake was the rejection of the 911: between 1978 and 1995, only 60,000 928s are produced, while several times more 911s are sold during the same time. Judging by the sluggish commercial start of the Porsche 928, one could conclude that the 911 series was indispensable.
When in 74-82 years. the 924 and 928 models developed in priority, in the 911 family there was a complete lull. With the change of generations, the Porsche 930 is equipped with new energy-absorbing bumpers and a base engine with a displacement of 2.7 liters. Since 1976, it has been replaced by a 3.0-liter unit. Starting next year, the line is being simplified: the release of the 911, 911S and 911 Carrera modifications is being phased out, instead of which a single one is produced - 911SC with a smaller power reserve. A new 3.3-litre engine with a power reserve of 300 hp is being prepared for the 911 Turbo version. This version becomes the most dynamic car of its time: the coupe could accelerate to the first "hundred" in just 5.2 seconds, with a top speed of 254 km/h.
The history of Porsche in 1981 - 1988 Led by Peter Schutz
With the assistance of Ferry Porsche, Fuhrmann nevertheless resigns, and his post passes to Peter Schutz, the American manager of Porsche. Peter returns the 911 to its unspoken flagship status. By 1982, the Porsche 911 Cabriolet kept up with his efforts. A year later, the role of the base model is transferred to the Porsche 911 Carrera with a 231-horsepower engine as the driving force.
A novelty for 1985 is the Porsche 911 Supersport, built on the basis of the regular Carrera (the running gear and body are borrowed from the Turbo version, wider rear fenders and a large spoiler are installed). A year later, the Porsche 911 Turbo is available in SE version with retractable headlights and a sloping front. At the same time, Porsche is releasing a lighter version of the 911 Carrera Clubsport, the successor to the Carrera RS of the 70s. The Clubsport version itself later formed the basis of the modern GT3.
The origins of the Porsche 959 go back to 1980, the year the World Rally Championship establishes a new "Group B". Almost all cars are accepted into the group without restrictions, except for the need to release it in an amount of at least 200 copies. Takes part in the new group and Porsche. Schutz attracts the best engineers of the company to the development of new items. The technical stuffing is based on a 2.8-liter 6-cylinder engine with two turbochargers, which produced 450 hp. The transmission of the sports coupe is all-wheel drive, and each suspension shock absorber was controlled by a computer (it was also responsible for the distribution of torque between the axles and the change in ride height).
The body of the Porsche 959 is made from Kevlar, a very lightweight and durable plastic composite material. Even at the stage of pre-series copies of the Porsche 959, it participates twice in the Dakar Rally, and in the 86th it takes two first places in the overall standings.
A little later, the inevitable "Group B" closes: several drivers and spectators die tragically, which prompts the FISA motorsport federation to abandon the group. From 86 to 88, the Porsche 959 is produced in quantities of more than 200 copies.
In general, the 959 project only brings losses, but the ideas tested in it later form the basis of new technologies for production cars: a simplified all-wheel drive transmission is subsequently put in the Porsche 964 (serial production from 1989 to 1993). Modern turbocharging inherits from the 959th Porsche 964 Turbo and 993 Turbo. A similar front end, headlights and air intakes were later used in the Porsche 993, produced from 93 to 98. The same air intakes are installed on the Porsche 996 Turbo (this is already 2000 - 2006) with similar front bumpers and rear fenders. The proprietary PASM adaptive suspension (which all modern Porsches are equipped with) is also built on the basis of a complex system first used in the Porsche 959.
The history of Porsche in 1989 - 1998 Time for a change
During this period, front-engined veterans and classic Porsche 911s completely leave the assembly line. In their place comes the new Boxster cabriolet and 911 Carrera. Since then, the latter has been equipped with an automatic transmission and all-wheel drive.
Most of the changes in the Carrera happen to the body: a new frame is being developed, aerodynamics are seriously improved (CX is reduced to 0.32) and an active rear spoiler appears. The archaic torsion bar suspension is a thing of the past, and the engine capacity is increased to 3.6 liters. The rear-wheel drive car is called the Carrera 2, and the all-wheel drive car is called the Carrera 4. The sports version of the Clubsport is renamed back to RS. The first three years of Turbo are equipped with a proven 3.3-liter engine, but since 1993, the coupe has been equipped with a 3.6-liter version (it produced 360 hp).
Limited editions of the Porsche 911 America Roadster and the semi-racing Porsche 911 Turbo S are produced. During the same period, 62,000 copies of the Porsche 964 rolled off the assembly line.
The economic crisis of the early 1990s finds Porsche not in the best shape: production volumes are rapidly declining, losses are growing. In 1993, another change of leadership takes place: the company is headed by Wendelin Wiedeking (he comes after Arno Bon, and he, in turn, was Schutz's successor). Since the same year, mass production of the fourth generation of the flagship model Porsche 991 has been mastered.
Only this time the model evolves significantly. The car is equipped with built-in aerodynamic bumpers, new lighting equipment and a body with smoother shapes. The engine is once again subjected to a slight forcing, and the rear suspension is seriously improved. The regular coupe is built on the basis of the Targa, while the Turbo gets a successor with all-wheel drive and a seriously upgraded 3.6-liter twin-turbo engine. Wide rear fenders and an even larger rear spoiler are a traditional feature of the Porsche 911 Turbo. This followed from an increase in power to 408 hp. and the need to use larger intercoolers.
In 1997, the Porsche 911 Turbo S is released, which is equipped with an even more powerful power plant and minor changes in body design. But the fastest and most expensive modification of the 993 was the road racing GT 2. With this car, Porsche planned to compete in the newly formed BRP Global GT Series championship (turbocharged cars were allowed to the championship). Therefore, the standard engine does not seriously change, unlike the rest of the elements: the sports car gets rid of the "ballast" in the form of an all-wheel drive, and its body is improved for racing needs. In 1998, the GT2 engine is improved - a dual ignition system appears, and power is increased to 450 hp. The sports coupe turned out to be far from the most successful, as it often flew off the road, which is why it was given the nickname "widowmaker", which literally translates as "leaving widows".
1998 is a period of losses and gains. In the summer, the last air-cooled 911 is produced at the Porsche plant in Zuffenhausen. For all the time, 410,000 copies of such cars are produced (the 993rd contributes 69,000 copies to this figure). At the same time, Porsche is celebrating 50 years since its founding. In March, 88-year-old Ferdinand Anton Ernst Porsche passes away. In recent years, he no longer took any part in the affairs of the company and since 1989 he lived on an Austrian farm in Zell am See.
Porsche history. 1996 - 2001
By the end of 1996, the efforts made by Wiedeking became apparent: in 1996, the first Porsche 986 Boxster roadster rolled off the assembly line, which became the new face of the brand. The design for the car is being developed by Harm Lagaai, who led the exterior design of all Ingolstadt cars from the 1990s through the first half of the 2000s. In creating the appearance of the Boxster, he relied on the exterior of the company's earlier models - the open Porsche 550 Spyder and the Porsche 356 Speedster.
The name of the novelty is a combination of two words - boxer (the so-called boxer engines) and roadster (roadster, double open coupe). Compared to its predecessors, which often received open versions based on closed ones, the Porsche 986 Boxster is initially designed as an open car.
The Boxster gets one single engine, a 2.5-litre 6-cylinder boxer unit. This continued until 2000, when a 3.2-liter unit became its companion (they equipped the Porsche 986 Boxster S). The new compact roadster was relatively inexpensive, which is why it was very warmly received by the public. Until 2003, the new roadster leads the annual sales of the Ingolstadt company, until it is overtaken by the Porsche 955 Cayenne, which debuted in 2002.
The first SUV of the brand is becoming so popular that the production capacity of the brand's only factory is not enough and it orders the production of part of the components for SUVs from Valmet Automotive (Finland).
After the success of the Boxster, the 911 is once again attracting everyone's attention. At the Frankfurt Motor Show in 1997, the presentation of the new Carrera takes place. It immediately becomes known that the novelty has a lot in common with its younger brother, starting with the similarity of the front end, ending with teardrop-shaped headlights, a similar interior and the overall design of the engines. Due to such solutions, development and production costs are reduced, which is very useful, since the financial resources of the brand by the end of the 90s were still far from desirable.
Carrera in the 996th body gets a good supply of power and a noticeable increase in dimensions, but this does not prevent the model from remaining a first-class sports car. For example, since 1998, Evo magazine (British edition) alone has recognized the Porsche 911 in the back of 996 and 997 as "Sports Car of the Year" six times in a row since 1998.
1998 brings the convertible and Carrera 4 to the world, and in 1999 the public meets two big news at once: the first generation GT3 for amateur competitions and the new flagship in the lineup - 996 Turbo. Both of the latest models get engines based on the design of the GT1 unit (1998 sports prototype).
The GT3 is equipped with a naturally aspirated version of the engine, while the Turbo is equipped with a twin-supercharged version. The flagship not only gets the most powerful engine, but also a special appearance: the bumper and lighting equipment are changed especially for it, and this is not taking into account the unique spoiler and wide body with holes in the rear fenders. The new 3.6-liter liquid-cooled engine could run without a large radiator, which could eliminate the Whale-tail rear spoiler from the design. The compactness of the new design is noticeably increased. The GT3 had nothing of the kind, although the sports car was not deprived of its features: a lightweight body, lowered suspension and no rear seats.
The Porsche 996 GT3 was produced between 1999 and 2004. The assembly line of his improved modification GT3 RS is established in 2003 and closed in 2005. The Turbo version has been produced for 5 years since 2000. In 2004 and 2005, Turbo Cabriolet and Turbo S versions with a 450-horsepower engine are sold.
In terms of ideology, the 2001 GT2 was more of a modified version of the Turbo, rather than its road-racing modification, as it was before the generational change. The reason for this was the tightening of the world motorsport regulations, which banned turbocharging. Structurally, it was still the same Turbo, only with a rear axle drive, a large rear wing and a different front bumper. First, the car is equipped with a 462-horsepower engine, and later it is replaced with a 483-horsepower counterpart.
In November 1999, Porsche announces a 60 percent increase in production of the Porsche 911 Turbo, preceded by increased demand for the model. Buyers were forced to wait for their sports car for several weeks. If earlier it was supposed to produce a car in the amount of 2,500 copies, then as a result, the production volume is adjusted to 4,000.
Based on an analysis of sales in Latin America (250 vehicles in 2000), Porsche decides to double sales. Analysts from Stuttgart make such optimistic forecasts based on a study of demand dynamics over the past 5 years. The popularization of brand cars is entrusted to the head of the Latin American division of Porsche, Thomas Starzelli.
Porsche's first SUV, called the Cayenne, is officially announced at the September auto show in Frankfurt. During the preliminary presentation of the model, the president of the brand, Wendelin Wiedeking, spoke, who said that with the Cayenne a new era was beginning in the history of the Stuttgart company. New products and the correct policy of the company allow not only to stay afloat, but also to increase sales. The United States is becoming a particularly important market for the new SUV and all other cars: this market brings Porsche 50% of the profits.
By the end of 2001, Porsche is preparing an update for the Boxster roadster (the restyled version will debut in 2002). The main changes affect only the design of the car. So, the front and rear bumpers, the ellipsoid exhaust pipe and the front air intakes are subject to modifications. There are some changes in the interior.
At the end of October, Porsche resumes production of the Targa modification, however, based on the Carrera coupe. The car gets a glass roof and a rear lift glass like a hatchback. By pressing a button on the dashboard, a servo is activated that moves the roof back by 50 cm, forming an open area of \u200b\u200balmost 0.5 square meters above the head of the driver and his passenger. m. Like any other Carrera, the Targa modification receives a 3.6-liter boxer engine with 320 hp, paired with a manual or Tiptronic S automatic transmission. The sports car develops a top speed of 285 km / h and picks up the first " hundred" in 5.2 seconds.
Porsche history. 2002
At the beginning of the year, Wendelin Wiedeking announces at the Detroit auto show that they are almost ready for mass production of their new flagship supercar, the Garrera GT. For the first time, it is planned to produce only 1,000 of these cars.
At the auto show in Geneva, the official presentation of the Porsche Cayenne, built on a modified platform from the Volkswagen Touareg, is being held. The Stuttgart masters are developing all-wheel drive for their SUV on their own (the system is called Porsche Stability MANagement).
The SUV gets quite impressive body dimensions: 4.78 m long, 1.93 wide and 1.7 high. Porsche is positioning its debutant not so much as an SUV, but as a sports car with increased capacity and cross-country ability. The sporty spirit in the Cayenne gives out both the shape of the body and the low ground clearance. By the way, the front of the first-generation SUV strongly resembled the Porsche 911 sports coupe.
From the very beginning, the Cayenne has been available in S and Turbo versions. Under the hood of the first put a 340-horsepower V8 engine, issuing 420 Nm of torque. The Turbo version uses a 450-horsepower version of the same engine with a torque of 620 N m. The Turbo version also featured a more luxurious interior trim. The motors work in conjunction with a Tiptronic S semi-automatic gearbox.
Porsche Cayenne gets pretty good dynamic performance: even in the "base" it accelerates to 100 km / h in 7.2 seconds, while the Turbo version takes 5.6 seconds. The maximum speed is 242 and 266 km/h respectively.
In May, the American division of Porsche AG reports a 17% drop in sales compared to last year. Worst of all is the demand for the Boxster roadster - minus 31%: for example, in April 2002 in the United States, a roadster in all modifications was sold in the amount of only 934 copies, while in 2001 they were sold here in the amount of 1,361 copies.
In the same month, tests of the restyled Porsche 911 GT3 are being completed. The current generation was released in 1999, and the GT2 version was introduced in early 2001. The GT3 is based on the 911 Carrera. The new Porsche 911 GT3 is equipped with a six-speed manual gearbox and a 3.6-liter six-cylinder engine that produces 370 hp. The car develops 310 km / h of maximum speed. Traditionally, the GT3 gets a spartan interior, as it has been a real racing car in all generations.
On 24 August, the grand opening ceremony of the new Porsche factory takes place in Leipzig. Porsche has invested $127 million in the construction of the new plant. The Porsche Cayenne sports utility vehicle becomes the number one model for the plant. The plant's annual production capacity is 25,000 vehicles. Later, the production of the flagship supercar Porsche Carrera GT is being established here.
Porsche history. 2003
The year 2003 begins for the brand with a reshuffle in the senior management of the American division of Porsche: Fred Schwab resigns, and Peter Schwarzenbaur, who previously managed the company's sales markets in Spain and Portugal, takes his place.
In February, Porsche is approaching the start of series production of its latest model, the Carrera GT. Deliveries of the first cars to customers begin by the end of the year. The Germans presented the conceptual model of this supercar back in 2001, and the premiere of the serial modification is planned for the 2003 Geneva Motor Show.
Everything is going according to plan: in Geneva, Porsche rolls out its supercar with a completely new design, not devoid of corporate style. In the bowels of the new supercar, a 5.7-liter engine with a capacity of 612 hp is working. and a torque of 590 Nm. To transfer all this power to the wheels, Porsche engineers have developed a special six-speed transmission. With this filling, the supercar accelerates to 100 km / h in 3.9 seconds, and to 200 km / h in 10 seconds. This roadster becomes the most powerful production car of the German company. The widespread use of carbon fiber has reduced the weight of the supercar to 1,380 kg. The speed limit for the Carrera GT is 330 km/h.
In mid-August, Porsche will announce the facelifted Porsche 911 GT2, which will go on sale in October. In comparison with the previous modification, the power and speed of the sports coupe are increased. The main innovation is the boosted 3.6-liter turbocharged engine, which produces 483 hp, which is 21 hp. more than before. From zero to one hundred, the updated GT2 accelerates in just 4 seconds, and the “maximum speed” reaches 319 km / h. The suspension and braking system are also being upgraded.
The body of the updated GT2 is complemented by a new powerful carbon fiber rear spoiler and an upgraded aerodynamic body kit. 18-inch wheels appear as standard. The updated supercar is sold in Europe at a price of 184,674 euros.
In October, Porsche celebrates the 50th anniversary of the Porsche 550 Spyder. In honor of this car, a special edition of the Porsche Boxster S 50 Jahre 550 Spyder roadster is being produced. The special series differs from the base car in a special package.
In this version, the power of the 3.3-liter engine is increased by 6 hp. - 266 "horses". The maximum speed is brought to a symbolic 266 km / h. Throw up to 100 km / h is given to the car in 5.7 seconds. Another difference of the special series is the suspension lowered by 10 mm.
The sports coupe gets a special body color, new 18-inch wheels, special trim, xenon head optics, climate control and high-quality sound. Exactly 1,953 Porsche Boxster S 50 Jahre 550 Spyders are produced.
Porsche history. 2004
The year begins with a series of spy photos of the new Porsche 911 Turbo on the road. Porsche is reporting six-month sales growth and is recalling 22,000 Cayenne SUVs for the possibility of pinching the parking brake lever on nearby wires, which is fraught with electronic malfunctions.
In March, Porsche Chairman of the Board Wendelin Wiedeking receives the Best Executive Award.
April brings a series of spy photos of the new generation of the Porsche Boxster at the Nürburgring road test. The premiere of the roadster is planned for autumn. At first, it is assumed that the main innovation of the Boxster with the change of generations will be the appearance of the Coupe modification, but in reality, a new representative of the lineup, the Cayman, is being built on the roadster platform.
In mid-April, Porsche confirms the development of a four-door GT coupe with a production debut planned for 2008. In reality, the car only matures in 2009 and it becomes the Panamera. The management of Porsche initially had ambitious plans for this model, since 16 years have already passed since the presentation of the first concept!
In May, Porsche officially presents the new generation of the legendary Porsche 911 (body 997). As expected, the design does not change much, and the technical stuffing is very significant. Externally, the new generation is moving closer to the classic design (this is a big merit of the returned round headlights). The sports coupe gets a new front bumper with turn indicators and foglights. The rear of the body is also slightly changed.
A modernized 3.6-liter 325-horsepower engine is put into the “base”, with which the Porsche 911 accelerates to a hundred in 5 seconds at a maximum speed of 285 km / h. Under the hood of a more powerful version of the Carrera S, a 3.8-liter 355-horsepower engine is already installed, accelerating the new coupe to 100 km / h in 4.8 seconds at a “maximum speed” of 293 km / h.
The partner for any engine is the latest six-speed gearbox. Cars are equipped with a modernized PASM active suspension with several modes of operation. It enters the equipment of the Carrera S immediately. And in the basic modification of the Porsche 911, the PASM suspension is installed as an option. Sales of the new generation Porsche 911 begin in the summer.
At the end of May, the new generation of the Porsche 911 is replenished with the most powerful Turbo S modification with up to 450 hp. engine, which is 30 horsepower more than the 911 Turbo. The increase in power is the merit of a more efficient turbocharger, an upgraded engine control unit and a new intercooler. With a manual transmission, the Porsche 911 Turbo S accelerates from 0 to 200 km/h in just 13.6 seconds with a top speed of 307 km/h.
Porsche 911 Turbo S comes standard with Porsche Ceramic Composite Brake with 350mm discs and six-piston calipers. The fastest Porsche 911 is sold in Germany for 142,248 euros. A similar convertible gets a price tag of 152,224 euros.
In August, Porsche publishes statistics for the last financial year. During the reporting period, the automaker sells 15,299 vehicles, which is 15.7% more than the financial year 2002/2003. The largest growth is recorded for the Cayenne SUV, which sold as many as 5,872 copies, which is 74% more than a year earlier. Other models, on the contrary, sold worse.
On September 9, Porsche officially announces the new generation of the Porsche Boxster and its "charged" modification of the Boxster S. The premiere of cars is announced at the Paris Motor Show, and sales begin by the end of the year.
The Porsche Boxster features a modernized body design. The front part of the roadster is changing dramatically, which is more in line with the style of the new generation Porsche 911. The novelty is equipped with a different front bumper with large air vents. The rear fenders are supplemented with new air intakes. The width of the car increases, which positively affects its handling and spectacular image.
Under the hood of the base Porsche Boxster of the new generation is a 6-cylinder 2.7-liter boxer engine with 240 hp. (previously 12 forces were less). This Boxster accelerates from zero to one hundred in 6.2 seconds at a top speed of 256 km/h. The modification of the Porsche Boxster S already receives a 3.2-liter engine that produces 280 hp. (an increase of 20 strength). Acceleration from zero to one hundred for such a roadster takes 5.5 seconds with the possibility of acceleration to a maximum of 268 km / h. Both modifications are available with a five- and six-speed "mechanics", or with a five-speed "automatic" Tiptronic S.
The first version of the Boxster is available with 17-inch wheels, and the second with 18-inch wheels. The Porsche Boxster starts in Germany at a price of 43,068 euros and the Boxster S from 51,304 euros.
In September, Porsche will announce an updated 2005 Cayenne SUV (deliveries begin in December). The most obvious change is the panoramic roof with three sliding elements, which allows you to open the space above only the front, only the rear or above all the seats in the cabin at once. A panoramic roof becomes an option on all models and is offered for $3,900.
At the same time, the Cayenne Turbo is updated, which received an increase of 50 hp. (500 hp). The increase in power becomes the merit of the upgraded intercooler. The dynamics of acceleration to 100 km / h is reduced to 4.9 seconds, and the “maximum speed” jumps to 267 km / h. Optional on all 2005 Cayenne models is a rear-view camera complete with a 6.5-inch display on the dashboard. Porsche is asking $1,680 for this option.
Another announcement at the end of September is the Porsche 911 GT3 Cup, based on the new generation of the Porsche 911, specially built for professional racing. This modification becomes a ticket for many sports teams in the world of racing. In the GT3 Cup, engine power is increased to 400 hp. and 400 Nm of torque. Another novelty of the novelty is a sequential six-speed gearbox and a ceramic clutch. Behind the sports car gives out a huge spoiler, increased by 60 cm in width. The second adjustable spoiler is installed under the front bumper.
On test runs at the Nürburgring, the Porsche Carrera GT sets the world speed record for the 22.6-kilometer track in 7.32.44 minutes.
In November, the American press publishes spy photos of the next-generation coupe-cabriolet version of the Porsche 911. Prototypes of the car come across on road tests.
Porsche history. 2005 year
The coupe, built on the basis of the Porsche Boxster, is separated into an independent model called the Cayman. The premiere of a new representative of the model range of the Stuttgart brand is being prepared for the autumn auto show in Frankfurt.
In January, Wendelin Wiedeking admits that Porsche bought a hybrid powertrain from Toyota, which is planned to form the basis of the hybrid version of the Cayenne. The head of the Stuttgart brand considers this unit the only way to meet the strict exhaust standards.
In March, the future of the Porsche Panamera becomes more and more clear. Declared the choice for the machine front-engine layout and 340-horsepower V8 engine, issuing 300 hp. The concept arrives at the Frankfurt auto show, and the production model is launched in 2009. The assembly of the model is subsequently mastered at the new Porsche plant in Leipzig, where the Cayenne SUV and the flagship Carrera GT are already produced without it.
In the summer, road tests come across a restyled Porsche Cayenne SUV, which goes on sale in the spring of 2006. There are no revolutionary changes in the design: new bumpers, other optics, etc. The suspension, steering and other components are slightly modernized. The range of engines is replenished with a new unit, which replaces the base V6 with a volume of 3.2 liters. New VR6 from Volkswagen puts out 280 hp instead of the previous 250.
2005 ends with the closure of the Carrera GT project. The last copy of the model leaves the assembly line on December 29, which brought the total number of supercars produced to 1,250. In total, the car lasted only 2 years in the series.
Porsche history. 2006
At the beginning of the year, Porsche announces the start of sales of the most powerful Cayenne Turbo S, equipped with a 4.5-liter twin-turbo V8 engine that produces 521 hp. An increase of 71 hp becomes the merit of increasing the degree of boost and some changes in the engine control unit. The torque also grows - 720 N m instead of the previous 620 N m. Due to this, the dynamics of acceleration to 100 km / h is reduced to 5.2 seconds. The Turbo S version is 15,500 euros more expensive than the Turbo.
By the middle of the year, the release of the “budget” Cayman coupe, equipped with a 2.7-liter engine with 245 hp, is being mastered. Even with this engine, the car has a top speed of 258 km/h.
In autumn, intensive road tests of the 4-door car begin. According to preliminary statements, the length of the car will be about 5 meters, about the same as the BMW 7-series and Mercedes S-classe. The cabin can comfortably accommodate 4 people and place all your belongings in the trunk (volume 450 liters).
With the update of its Cayenne crossover, the Stuttgart company dragged on until the end of 2006. Official photos of the restyled car are released on December 5, while the car itself arrives at the Detroit Auto Show in January 2007.
In the restyled crossover, the design of the front of the body changes - other headlights, a huge air intake in the bumper, new fenders, a hood, and more. The rear part changes accordingly. The range of engines is changing, all-wheel drive is being finalized. Special active stabilizers appear in the suspension, which eliminate the strong roll of the SUV in corners. The new Porsche Cayenne goes on sale on February 24, 2007.
Porsche history. 2007
At the beginning of the year, some online publications publish new computer drawings of the four-door Panamera coupe, which by this time is closely starting road tests on the Nurburgring track, where all brand cars are traditionally honed. In these pictures, the Panamera was as close as possible to its real appearance.
At the Geneva Motor Show in March, Porsche is showing several new products at once, including the restyled Cayenne SUV (which was talked about so much at the end of 2006). Most of all, the interest of the public deserves engines for a restyled crossover. So, the base 3.2-liter unit, which produced 250 hp, is replaced by a 3.6-liter engine with a power of 290 hp. Well, the most popular 4.5-liter engine is being replaced with a 4.8-liter unit with a capacity of 385 hp. (with a turbine, he already gave out 500 hp). The most powerful modification of the Cayenne, after restyling, began to accelerate to a maximum of 275 km / h and gain 100 km / h from a standstill in 5.1 seconds.
Porsche's other Geneva premiere is a bright orange Porsche 911 GT3 RS built for racing. The declared title corresponds to a 3.6-liter boxer engine with a return of 415 hp. The sports car gets rid of excess cargo in the form of passenger seats and unnecessary panels in the interior, but they install a roll cage and a fire extinguisher. The 911 GT3 RS is equipped with an adjustable carbon fiber rear wing. At Porsche dealers in Germany, the sports car is sold at a price of 133,000 euros.
On March 7th, Porsche officially unveils its fastest convertible, the 911 Turbo Cabriolet. This roadster is powered by a 3.6-liter boxer engine with 480 hp. and 620 N m (turbocharged version). The 0-100 km/h acceleration of the convertible is 3.8 seconds, and the maximum speed reaches 310 km/h, which at one time made the Porsche 911 Turbo Cabriolet one of the fastest serial convertibles in the world.
In June, the Stuttgart company shares information about plans to launch a new generation of the Cayenne SUV in 2010. This time, the forecast turns out to be surprisingly accurate - the new Caen appears on time. The second generation of the SUV, as before, is based on the platform from the Volkswagen Touareg (this time the second generation). At the same time, more economical and environmentally friendly engines are being developed.
By the end of June, photo spies are sharing a few photos of the restyled Boxster convertible on a road test at the Nürburgring. The changes, quite naturally, do not become revolutionary: restyling is limited to new bumpers and slightly different headlights. The undercarriage of the cabriolet is also being slightly modernized.
July. The first official pictures of the 911 GT2 sports car are published, which at one time becomes the fastest mass-produced 911. The coupe is driven by a 3.6-liter turbocharged boxer engine that produces 530 hp. and 684 Nm of torque. The new coupe featured a record low weight of 1,440 kg, which predetermined amazing dynamics: 3.6 seconds to 100 km/h and a top speed of 328 km/h. The public presentation of the fastest Porsche 911 GT2 is held at the Frankfurt Motor Show in September.
By the end of the year, one of the most sensational news is the award of the head of Porsche Wendelin Wiedeking in the amount of 70 million euros, which made him the richest top manager of his time.
Porsche history. 2008
In February, Porsche is introducing a new racing supercar, the 911 GT3 Cup S. The sports car borrows a lot from the standard 911, but comes with a completely new aerodynamic body kit, an active rear wing, a completely different suspension and brakes. And in the cabin of the GT3 Cup S, little remains of a production car. The fastest Porsche 911 is powered by a 3.6-liter engine with 440 hp, paired with a 6-speed gearbox. The "hottest" 911 is sold for 250,000 euros. The circulation of the novelty is very modest - only 265 copies.
The next month brings news of Porsche's plans to release the first ever diesel car. This responsible role is assigned to the off-road Cayenne, which is equipped with a 300-horsepower unit developed by Audi.
In the summer, even before the official presentation of the Porsche Panamera, information about prices appears. AutoBild predicts a price tag of at least $127,000 for the car, and only for a car with a base 3.6-liter engine.
Meanwhile, the first spy photos of the Panamera salon are published. Photos give out incredible luxury and stunning style of the future car.
In September, road tests of the new generation Cayenne will start, which is again reported by photo spies.
On September 16, Porsche begins to intrigue fans with photos of individual parts of the Panamera four-door coupe.
Restyled Boxster and Cayman co-platforms are being prepared for the Los Angeles Auto Show. A full-fledged change of generations is predicted by 2012, and in restyled versions of cars they are limited to changing optics and adding a branded strip of LEDs to the head light. Updated cars are equipped with a modernized aerodynamic body kit, new design rims and twin exhaust pipes. From now on, cars are equipped with manual gearboxes and robotic PDK with two clutches.
November. The long-awaited heavy-fuel Porsche Cayenne comes out. The version is equipped with a V-shaped turbocharged "six" with a capacity of 240 hp. and 550 Nm of torque. With the efficiency of the engine, everything is in order - only 9.3 liters of diesel per 100 kilometers. The partner for the new engine is the adapted “hydromechanics” Tiptronic-S. In Europe, the diesel version of the Cayenne is sold at a price of 47,250 euros.
November 24th. A series of first official photos of the Porsche Panamera is published. The length of the new four-door coupe is 4970 mm, slightly less than the Mercedes-Benz S-classe and BMW 7-series. The salon turned out to be really very spacious for the driver and all passengers.
As expected, under the hood of the most modest Panamera they put a 3.6-liter gasoline engine developed by Volkswagen minders, delivering 300 hp. The next step is the V8 unit with a displacement of 4.8 liters. In the atmospheric version, it develops 405 hp, and with a turbocharger - 500 hp. There is no diesel. Instead of diesels, economy lovers are offered a hybrid version that combines a gasoline V6 and an electric motor. The choice of gearboxes is limited to the standard "mechanics" and the newfangled "automatic" dual-clutch with manual shift.
Porsche history. year 2009
The new Porsche Museum in Stuttgart opens in January. For 5 months it is visited by 250,000 people. The exposition of the new museum consists of more than 80 sports cars. For comparison, in the old museum there were only 20 cars of the brand.
End of January. Porsche introduces the facelifted 911 GT3 coupe, the most powerful modification of the 911 model, designed for track races and not for public roads. Externally, the updated sports car practically does not change: except for the headlights, bumpers and spoiler.
But the technical stuffing is undergoing a more serious modernization: if earlier the sports car was equipped with a 3.6-liter boxer engine, then with restyling it already has a 3.8-liter and 435 hp. Such a powerful engine accelerates the 911 GT3 from 0 to 100 km/h in 4.1 seconds and a top speed of 312 km/h.
Among other changes in this Porsche, we note a more powerful braking system and adjustable spoilers. In Europe, the 911 GT3 starts at €116,947.
On March 10, the 250,000th Porsche Cayenne rolls off the assembly line at the Leipzig plant. An all-terrain vehicle with a diesel engine turned out to be jubilee. By this time, the crossover existed in seven versions. The 250,000th Cayenne went to a buyer in Austria.
The official presentation of the previously announced four-door Panamera coupe is held by the Stuttgart company in April at the auto show in Shanghai.
In June, Porsche begins a project to revive the legendary Spyder, a convertible from 1953-1956. The future superhybrid Porsche 918 Spyder is based on the platform from the Volkswgaen BlueSport concept.
End of August. Porsche is upgrading the track 911 GT3 RS, which is also roadworthy. The modernization turns out to be very thorough: what is it worth replacing the old 3.6-liter engine with a new 3.8-liter engine that produces 450 hp. The car is equipped with only a six-speed “mechanics”, optimized for shorter shifts, which obviously reduces the maximum speed of the car in favor of faster acceleration. To improve the sporting qualities of the GT3 RS put a special suspension PASM. The body of the car becomes wider, which increases its stability when cornering.
Beginning of autumn. Porsche releases a unique model - 911 Sport Classic, released in the amount of 250 copies. This car has been developed for 3 years by Porsche Exclusive for the most demanding customers of the brand. The exclusive coupe is equipped with a new roof, a redesigned “stern” (based on the Carrera S) and a distinctive front fascia. The coupe is distinguished by a special ducktail rear spoiler (from the 1973 Porsche Carrera RS 2.7).
The engine of the 911 Sport Classic is also special - a 3.8-liter unit with direct injection, delivering 408 hp. Only a six-speed manual transmission is available for the car. Ground clearance is reduced by 20 mm, a mechanical rear differential lock appears and 19-inch wheels of special design appear. The exclusive 911 Sport Classic arrives at the Frankfurt Motor Show in September.
Porsche 911 GT3 RS (body 997). 2009 - 2013
In addition to the 911 Sport Classic, Porsche is showing the 911 Turbo, 911 GT3 RS and 911 GT3 RS Cup in Frankfurt. All cars are equipped with a 3.8-liter engine, which has become a special pride of the engineers of the Stuttgart brand. Moreover, they really have a reason for pride, since they developed this engine from scratch.
November. By the middle of the month, Porsche is showing the fastest version of the 911, designed exclusively for racing competitions. The name of the special version is the Porsche 911 GT3 R, in which the drivers of the Stuttgart brand take part in next year's championships. In addition to racing teams, cars are offered to everyone at a price of 279,000 euros.
The Porsche 911 GT3 R version is based on the 911 GT3 Cup presented in Frankfurt. In comparison with the progenitor, the weight of the car is reduced to 1,200 kg, and its heart is a 4.0-liter six-cylinder unit that develops 480 hp. Only a six-speed "mechanics" is available with the engine.
In early December, a new generation of Porsche Cayenne gets caught in the lenses of photo spies. The official presentation of the new generation of the SUV is planned for the March Geneva Motor Show.
The Porsche Panamera exceeds all expectations: the Leipzig plant produces the 10,000th Panamera, despite the fact that the serial production of the car started only 3 months ago! Another thing is also interesting: initially, Porsche planned to produce only 20,000 four-door coupes a year.
Porsche history. 2010
In March, the official presentation of the most powerful road 911 in history, the Porsche 911 Turbo S, takes place. The model is proclaimed the pinnacle of the development of the current generation of a sports car and the company no longer plans to continue working on the project.
The 3.8-liter unit of this car produces 530 hp. and 700 N m, which is a great merit of the new turbocharging. A dash to 100 km/h is given by the Porsche 911 Turbo S in 3.3 seconds, and up to 200 km/h in just 10.8 seconds. Engine power is enough to accelerate the sports coupe to a maximum speed of 315 km / h. The coupe and convertible versions are immediately presented.
One of the main sensations of the Geneva Motor Show is the Porsche 918 Spyder concept. From the very first presentation, no one doubted the prospects for launching such a machine in a series. The car inherits a lot from the previous flagship in the form of Carrera GT.
The supercar gets a spectacular appearance and no less spectacular technical component. The driving force of the concept is a hybrid power plant based on a 3.4-liter gasoline V8 that produces 500 hp. and two electric motors with a total power of 218 hp. This provides the lightweight model with dynamic acceleration to 100 km/h in 3.2 seconds and a top speed of 320 km/h. What is most surprising is the average fuel consumption - only 3 liters per "hundred"! On electric power alone, a supercar can travel 20 km.
Porsche's next big premiere in Geneva is the second generation Cayenne. The car turned out just great! He inherited all the related features of the first-generation thoroughbred Stuttgart crossover. Changes in the cabin are also predictable, but this does not get boring.
What is even more interesting, the hybrid modification of the Cayenne is immediately announced, with a 333-horsepower 3.3-liter gasoline engine and an electric motor with a capacity of 47 hp. With the change of generations, the Cayenne is getting very economical engines into the range. In comparison with its predecessor, all engines become more economical by an average of 23%. The 3.6-liter six with 300 hp has the most modest consumption. In the atmospheric version, the power of this 8-cylinder unit is 400 hp. (previously 385 hp), and in a turbocharged one - already 500 hp. The characteristics of the diesel engine do not change: 3.0-liter volume and 240 hp. power.
All engines are aggregated with a new eight-speed automatic transmission. All crossover modifications receive a switchable start-stop system.
The latest high-profile Porsche presentation in Geneva is the 911 GT3 R hybrid “combat” coupe. This sports car is based on a four-liter petrol “opposite” that produces 480 hp. Paired with this internal combustion engine, two electric motors of 60 kW each work.
At the end of March, photo spies catch a camouflaged Porsche 911 of the new generation through their lenses, the development of which ends only by the end of 2011. Such a long work on the car is simply explained - this is the key model of the brand. No revolutions are foreseen in the design. But at the same time, the coupe gets rid of all the old body parts! In addition, the suspension is drastically reconfigured as the coupe increases in length and width.
In the summer, Porsche still decides to mass-produce a flagship model based on the 918 Spyder Concept, but immediately becomes aware of its small-scale production and terrible high cost.
By the end of the year, Porsche creates a new version of the 911, the Porsche 911 Carrera GTS, which becomes the stop option for the entire line. The engine for the model is chosen quite predictably - a 3.8-liter unit with a capacity of 408 hp. The new coupe is very different both externally and technically. The coupe sits on black-painted 19-inch RS Spyder wheels. The lining of the front of the coupe, the spoiler edge, the side sills, the doors and the rear cover change greatly. Particular attention in the sports car bothered a special resonant intake system with six dampers. Porsche 911 Carrera GTS immediately available in coupe and convertible.
At the same time, a new modification of the Porsche 911 Speedster was being built, released in honor of the 356 Speedster model, which was on the assembly line in the 50s. In technical terms, the special version strongly resembles the Porsche 911 Carrera GTS. The novelty is produced in an exclusive edition of 356 copies.
In November, talk about Porsche's plans to release a compact crossover, the junior version of the Cayenne, will not subside. The leadership of the Stuttgart brand for a long time can not make a final decision. And when the project is given the green light, at first it is assumed that the new crossover will be called Cajun, but later it is changed to Macan.
In the same month, another batch of spy photos of the new generation of the Porsche 911, which is undergoing a road test at the Nürburgring, keep up.
Also in November, photos of the new “hot” Porsche, the Cayman R, are published. The sports car not only gets an increase of 10 hp, but also becomes 55 kg lighter. The 3.4-litre Cayman R engine is boosted to 330 hp. Not only is a stiffer suspension installed, but also a reinforced braking system.
All the work on weight reduction and increase in power leads to a reduction in the acceleration dynamics to 100 km / h to 4.9 seconds (which is 0.2 seconds faster than the Porsche Cayman S). The new central-engine coupe with "mechanics" accelerates to a maximum of 282 km/h, and with "automatic" PDK up to 280 km/h. Car sales begin in February 2011.
Porsche history. 2011
January. The main novelty of Detroit is the Porsche 918 RSR concept, which has become a further development of the 918 Spyder Concept. The model pleases not only with its spectacular appearance, but also with technical perfection. The new "Spider" is powered by a 3.4-liter V8 gasoline engine with a power reserve of 500 hp. As before, his partners are two electric motors with a total power of 218 hp. The huge torque of the electric motors allows the 918 RSR to accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h in 3.2 seconds.
The 918 RSR already looked ready for series production at this show. It combines all the engineering experience of the company in recent years, all the most modern and technological.
At the end of February, the company will present a limited edition of the 911 Black Edition coupe, produced in the amount of 1,911 pieces. A similar series is being prepared for the Boxster, which was released in a circulation of 987 copies and was called the Boxster S Black Edition. Black cars are different in almost everything, from bodywork and interior trim, ending with new air intakes, 19-inch wheels and more.
The Geneva Motor Show becomes the venue for the presentation of the second serial hybrid in the Porsche range, the Panamera S Hybrid. Just like the hybrid Cayenne, the main violin role still goes to the gasoline 3.0-liter supercharged V6 engine, which develops 333 hp. The 47 hp electric motor plays along with this "violin". The engines can work both together and separately, however, on one electric traction, the power reserve is only 2 km (with the prospect of acceleration to a maximum of 165 km / h).
In total, the hybrid Panamera S Hybrid develops 380 hp, thanks to which its maximum speed reaches 270 km / h, and acceleration to 100 takes 6.0 seconds. The average fuel consumption declared by the manufacturer is 6.8 liters of fuel per 100 km. Sales of the Porsche Panamera S Hybrid will start in the summer.
April. There is an official presentation of one of the fastest Porsche cars - 911 GT3 RS 4.0., which comes out in the amount of 600 copies. Yes, the most powerful exclusive did not turn out, but its 4.0-liter, 500-horsepower unit was enough to make it an enviable sports car. The four-litre unit in the 911 GT3 RS 4.0 is said to be the largest engine ever used in a production 911. What's more, it achieves the highest output of any naturally aspirated engine at 125 hp. per liter of working volume. The power reserve gave the dynamics of acceleration from standstill to 100 km / h in 3.9 seconds.
May. A new generation of Cayman comes across in the lenses of photo spies on road tests. The Boxster co-platformer is planned to be shown in 2012. At the end of May, Porsche aims to create an environmentally friendly image for itself, for which the concept of the electric car Boxster E, which develops 121 hp, is created. The concept model takes an eternity to 100 km / h - 9.8 seconds, which is very mediocre even for a golf class. The maximum speed is generally discouraging - only 150 km / h. The Germans are resolutely declaring their plans to replenish their lineup with a decent electric car in the coming years.
Mid August. The first official photos of the new generation Porshe 911 are circulating, while a public presentation is scheduled at the Frankfurt Motor Show. The design does not change too much, but this should not be surprising: with the appearance of the 911, Porsche has never allowed itself radical experiments. But in the cabin there are very significant changes: the interior inherits a lot from the Panamera, and important buttons are placed on the central tunnel.
The novelty has a slightly increased wheelbase, and new engines appear in the range. So, in the 911 Carrera they put a 3.4-liter engine with 350 hp. (the same is put in the Boxster S). The Porsche 911 Carrera S is equipped with a 3.8-liter unit with 400 hp. In both cases, power is sent to the rear axle via a 7-speed manual or PDK dual-clutch automatic transmission.
By November, the convertible on the basis of the new 911 is also ripe. The highlight of the convertible is not only the stunning design, but also the roof, which folds in just 11 seconds. The roof is made of a special composite material sheathed with fabric. The roof structure uses a lot of magnesium, which provides a significant lightening of the entire structure. The convertible is produced in two versions: the 911 Carrera with a 3.4-liter boxer engine with 350 hp and the 911 Carrera S with a 3.8-liter 400 hp engine.
In December, road tests of the early prototypes of the brand's new crossover, the Macan, begin. Then it is also being tested in the shell from the Audi Q5, which is not surprising, since the cars have an identical platform.
Porsche history. year 2012
Contrary to the expected Cajun name for the new crossover, Porsche still chooses the name Macan. At the beginning of the year, it becomes known that although the platform will be common with the Audi Q5, the Stuttgart craftsmen are making a completely original suspension, steering, wheels, stabilization system and brakes for the car.
The third generation of the Porsche Boxster roadster arrives at the 82nd Geneva Motor Show. In technical terms, the development of the Boxster proceeds smoothly and over and over again this sports car approaches Porsche's ideas of ideal and impeccability.
But if the previous generation of Boxster was just a deep restyling of its predecessor, now we are talking about a fundamentally new Boxster with a body index of 981. First of all, the wheelbase is increasing - 2,475 mm (plus 59 mm), although the dimensions increase only by 5 mm - 4 374 mm.
Porsche Boxster (body 981). 2012 - 2016
As before, two engines are offered for the Boxster - both six-cylinder boxer ones. The base Boxster gets a 2.7-liter unit that produces 265 horses and 280 Newton meters. With manual transmission, acceleration to 100 km / h takes this modification 5.8 seconds. With the "robot" PDK, this exercise takes him 5.7 seconds. The Boxster S modification is equipped with a 3.4-liter engine with a capacity of 315 hp, with which the dynamics of acceleration to one hundred is reduced by a second. The maximum speed of the most powerful "Boxster" is 279 km/h, while the "regular" one is 264 km/h.
On April 3, Porsche announces the sad news: Ferdinand Alexander Porsche, who once created the legendary 911 model, dies at the age of 76. Almost all his life he designed cars, and he headed the project to create the Porsche 911 in 1962. In addition to this legendary sports car, he also created such sports models as the Type 804 Formula and 904 Carrera GTS.
On April 10, Porsche will present the Cayenne GTS. The modification receives a V8 engine with a power of 420 hp. The forced unit, a slightly different aerodynamic body kit and a stiffer suspension increase the top speed of the Cayenne GTS to 261 km/h. Already in the base there is an air suspension with adjustable ground clearance. The interior in the car is leather, and some elements are sheathed in Alcantara.
In May, on road tests, an almost uncamouflaged Porsche Macan comes across, the official presentation of which is carried out only a year later. In the summer, car tests begin at the Nürburgring.
On August 6, Porsche shows the production 918 Spyder roadster for the first time at a private event in New York, a video of which is uploaded to YouTube. A few hours later, the video is removed from the video hosting, but vigilant fans manage to take screenshots. In appearance, there are no radical changes in comparison with the concept: the massive rear spoiler disappears, another diffuser appears, and the exhaust pipes “move” behind the head restraints.
In September, Porsche officially announces the most powerful diesel version of the Cayenne S Diesel. The car is equipped with a 4.2-liter eight-cylinder biturbo engine producing 382 hp. and 850 N m. With this engine, the Cayenne S Diesel accelerates from zero to 100 km/h in 5.7 seconds with a top speed limit of 252 km/h. In mixed mode, the car consumes 8.3 liters of fuel per 100 kilometers. With this consumption, with a full 100-liter tank, the range reaches 1,200 km. Modification comes to the Paris Motor Show this fall.
A little later, Porsche shows the first photos of the Cayenne Turbo S, the fastest crossover in its history. Under the hood of the modification they put a turbocharged V8 engine with a displacement of 4.8 liters with a capacity of 550 hp. and 750 N m. The most powerful version of the Porsche Cayenne is distinguished by “tinted” optics, a slightly different aerodynamic body kit, stylish 21-inch wheels and a sports suspension with active stabilizers. All this provides the car with acceleration to a hundred in 4.5 seconds.
In December, official information about the new Porsche 911 GT3 Cup, built on the basis of the seventh generation of the 911 GT3, is made public. The sports car is built specifically for racing in the Porsche Mobil 1 Super Bowl. The heart of the car is a 3.8-liter six-cylinder boxer that produces 460 hp. The car is equipped with a redesigned brake system, polished and ventilated brake discs, six-piston aluminum monobloc calipers and more. The safety of the pilot was well taken care of: in the event of a rollover or collision, he is protected by a new roll cage and bucket seats with special protective padding.
Porsche history. year 2013
The Germans show the seventh generation of the Porsche 911 GT3 in Geneva. The debutant is driven by a 3.8-liter atmospheric “opposite”, developing 475 hp, with which it takes 3.5 seconds to accelerate to a hundred and a top speed of 315 km / h. This Porsche becomes the first GT3 available exclusively with the PDK "robot", while the "mechanics" are consigned to oblivion. This GT3 is also equipped with a fully steerable chassis for the first time: at speeds up to 50 km / h, the rear wheels also turn in antiphase, which improves maneuverability. At high speed, the rear wheels turn slightly towards the front wheels, increasing the stability of the machine.
On April 20, Shanghai hosts an open show of the Porsche Panamera S E-Hybrid with an extended range and enhanced interaction with your car through a special smartphone application. The power of the machine is increased to 416 hp. (one electric motor develops 95 hp). On one electric traction, the car can easily travel 36 km with acceptable acceleration dynamics and a maximum speed of 135 km/h. But if you connect the internal combustion engine to work, then the dynamics of acceleration to 100 km / h will be only 5.5 seconds, and the maximum speed will be 270 km / h.
In May, the story of a new generation of the legendary Porsche 911 Turbo and Turbo S begins, which are discussed in more detail in ours.
On September 10, 2.5 years after the first show of the Porsche 918 Spyder concept, the serial flagship supercar of the Stuttgart brand leaves for the stand. This car is immediately declared the most powerful, fastest and technically advanced in the history of Porsche. The 918 Spyder uses technology from the future.
Porsche 918 Spyder Super Hybrid
The serial supercar differs little from the concept. In both cases, the cars were built in a durable carbon-fiber monocoque and a subframe of the same material. The roof of the Porsche 918 Spyder consists of two removable halves that can be folded into a 100-liter boot.
In the “stern” there is a 4.6-liter gasoline V8, created using Porsche RS Spyder technology and delivering 608 hp. The rear wheels rotate through a seven-speed PDK "robot" with two clutches. This ICE has two assistants working with the front wheels (however, only at speeds up to 235 km / h, after which the supercar becomes rear-wheel drive again). The total power of the power unit is 887 hp. The supercar accelerates to “hundreds” in 2.8 seconds, to two in 7.7 seconds, and to three in just 22 seconds. The physical maximum for the new Porsche flagship is 345 km/h with an average fuel consumption of just 3.0 – 3.3 liters.
Read about other key moments in the life of Porsche in the main sections of our website and on the page.
Manufacturer country: Germany
PORSCHE(Dr.Ing. h. c. Ferry Porsche AG), a German automobile company. The headquarters is located in Stuttgart.
The company was founded by the famous designer Ferdinand Porsche Sr. as a design bureau in 1931 in Germany. In 1936, the Type 22 racing car was developed for the Auto-Union company. After the successful Auto-Union racing car, the first versions of the future “people's car” for all time were born - the famous Volkswagen Beetle, which had more name - Type 60.
In 1937, the “Third Reich” needed a racing car to participate and, of course, win the Berlin-Rome marathon, scheduled for September 1939. It was then that the Porsche project received the support of the National Sports Committee. Work boiled over.
It was for this event that on the same Zhuk base, or rather KdF (name until 1945), three Porsche prototypes Type-60K-10 were built with an “engine” forced to 50 “horses” ( instead of the standard 24 hp). But the war prevented this model from being published.
The war years were devoted to the fulfillment of state orders - the manufacture of staff vehicles, amphibians, tanks and self-propelled guns.
In post-war Germany in 1948, the company launches the first car under the name "Porsche" - a small sports "Porsche 356" with a forced Volkswagen engine and a streamlined coupe. Not having time to take its first steps, the car was able to win the race a week after the “birth”. Serial cars "Porsche-356" were already rear-engined. "356" was produced until 1965 and served as the basis for the Carrera model ("Carrera").
Considering the merits and good results shown in 1951 by the 356, Ferry tries to build a pure sports car. They became in 1953 the Porsche 550 Spider. It was this car that repeatedly won one victory after another. Thanks to his participation (and victory) in the Carrera Panamericana auto race in Mexico in 1953, the custom began to be called by this name the fastest models of the company.
By 1954, the first "Spider" appeared with a straight windshield and a soft top.
The very first Porsche Carrera saw the light of day in 1955. In addition, this modification received a power plant, fully developed by Porsche specialists. The same “heart” was transplanted to the “550” models. After that, the laurels fell down on the creators of the machine.
The coming year 1956 brought two events at once: an updated version of the “356th” appeared - model “356A”; in the sports series, a more “calm” modification “550A” appeared.
Two years later, a completely new, both externally and internally, Porsche 718 racing model was born. At the end of 1958, the Spider, so beloved by everyone, came to an end. Its place was taken by a more powerful model "356D".
In 1960, the latest version of the 550s dynasty, the 718/RS model, was released. In parallel, there was also a closed version of the joint development of Porsche and the Italian Abart.
As for serial cars, the most important step in the development of the range of models was the Porsche 356B, which was easily recognizable by its high bumpers with large vertical bulls. The car had three modifications. The most powerful one is “Super 90”.
In 1961, the 356 GS Carrera successfully competed in the Gran Turismo class. In the spring, the last and fastest car from the Carrera family appeared - the Carrera-2.
In 1963, a few more changes were made, and the model "356C" was obtained.
For about 15 years, the Porsche 356 has been one of the most prestigious sports cars in the world. However, over time, it became less and less consistent with modern requirements. Something completely new was needed, to match the times. This car turned out to be another masterpiece of Ferdinand Porsche - the world famous Porsche 911. Ferry's son, Ferdinand Alexander, took part in the creation of this car. The new car was first shown to the public at the Frankfurt Motor Show in 1963.
In the world of sports, too, there was a worthy replacement. The successor to the RS Spyder and 356 GS Carrera models was the 904 GTS, which had the features of a racing car. These features were continued in the next model - "906", created in 1966. In turn, it was she who became the ancestor of a large series of cars that achieved many successes in prototype competitions in the late 60s (models “907”, “908” and “917”) and were distinguished by exceptional reliability and good style.
In 1965, a cheaper modification of the Porsche 912 was released with a 4-cylinder Super 90 engine.
In 1967, the Porsche 911 Targa finally went on sale. Buyers were now offered a coupe, a Targa model (index “T” in the model name), a luxury model marked “E” and a modification “S” - especially for the USA, where the company returned after a year's absence.
In 1975, the Porsche 924 model was released, which was considered the most economical sports car in the world.
In March 1977, the “928” model was released (already with an “8-cylinder” of 240 hp), which also managed to become the “Car of 1978” in Europe.
In 1979, the more powerful “928S” model appeared with a 300 hp engine. The speed of the car reached 250 km / h, which is 20 km / h higher than the maximum rate of the “924th” model.
In 1981, the Porsche 944 became a further development of the 924 model. 220 HP also affected the speed - 250 km / h.
Three years later, at the Frankfurt Motor Show, a prototype of another masterpiece of minds was presented - the “959” model. Having collected everything possible and impossible, she personified the most modern sports car from Porsche.
Throughout the decade, the class of prototypes was replenished with new successful models: “936”, “956” and “962”, which repeatedly collected laurels in the “24 Hours of Le Mans” races, “959th” reigned in the Paris-Dakar marathon .
To add variety and, to an even greater extent, to increase popularity in 1988, the Porsche 944 S2 Convertible was introduced to the auto community.
In the late 1980s, the 911 Spyder appeared. Three decades passed before the name "spider" was reanimated. As for the turbo version, it saw the light already in the new decade, or rather, in 1991.
In 1992, the Porsche family was replenished with another model with an engine in front - the 968. She replaced the entire 944 range, which by this time had ceased to be produced.
Another gift from the Porsche designers was the debut in 1993 at the Frankfurt Motor Show of a new generation of the 911 model - type 993. Two years later, a Porsche appeared with a 408-horsepower boxer turbo engine. In the same year, the “928” and “968” models, which did not justify the hopes, completed their journey.
In 1995, the Porsche lineup was replenished with the seemingly unusual Porsche 911 Targa with a glass roof that retracts electrically under the rear window.
In order to consolidate its post-crisis position in the sports car market and in the class of "inexpensive" cars, in 1996 Porsche introduced a completely new type of car - the Boxster model. The model has a soft (automatically folding) top. On request, you can get the option with a hard top. Finally, a “cheap” competitor of the great “911” has appeared.
July 15, 1996 was a significant day in the history of the company: the millionth Porsche was produced. They became "911 Carrera" in the police performance.
As for the company's field of experimental development, its concept cars, there were very few of them. Firstly, this is the Porsche Panamericana (1989) with a completely new body a la Targa, which has found its application in the modern 911 model with the same body, then the Porsche Boxster ( 1993), which subsequently influenced the birth of the serial version, and the C88 project (1994), which personified the next idea of \u200b\u200bthe “people's car” for the PRC.
The highlight of 1999 is the GT3 (in the back of the 996), which replaced the Spartan RS. The GT3 now leads the way in all road car and club races. In terms of dynamics, this model is very close to the great “turbo” - 4.8s.
Next year - the triumph of the new turbo based on the 996 model. With a modest 420 hp. it reaches “hundreds” in 4.2 s. And confirms its direct relationship to the rank of supercars.
The latest novelty is the Carrera GT. It's more of a prototype, like the 959. The ten-cylinder V-twin engine made of light alloy accelerates to hundreds in less than four seconds, and to 200 km / h in ten seconds. Think about these numbers for a second!
Unusual and stunning, unique and recognizable, and the character of its owner, stylish and pretentious, sporty and comfortable. Cars that cannot be confused with any other and impossible to forget. Cars with charisma and history. But what was it, the Porsche story?
How it all started
This story might not have happened if a boy had not been born, who was given the name Ferdinand. With this name Porsche, the history of the Porsche brand began. It happened in September 1875 in the city of Liberec. A baby was born in the family of Anton Porsche, a coppersmith, who was considered the best in the city in his difficult business. Already at the age of 16, Ferdinand began to seriously engage in electrical engineering. The end of the XIX century, in general, was marked by a craze of the population for any kind of technology. Self-propelled carriages were already replacing horse teams with might and main. What other dream could a teenager have? Of course, to design cars. He entered the university and graduated in 1898. And, without thinking twice, he began to try his hand at the invention bureau. The first place of work for the young specialist was the Lohner automobile plant in Vienna. I had to work hard for seven years in a row. Ferdinand's first successful work - a wheel with an integrated motor - helped the engineer gain fame. Automobile companies simply could not miss such a star, and in 1906 Austro-Daimler got a new chief designer. They, of course, become Ferdinand Porsche. His next brainchild is an artillery mount-tractor, the sight of which was active. But the design soul asks for speed and Ferdinand Porsche becomes a racer. Of course, because the author must feel the power of his creations. In the race named after the Prince of Prussia, the newly-minted racing driver drives an Austro-Daimler, which he made himself. In this race, he comes second, but the very next year he gets the palm. After more than ten years of hard work in the concern, thanks to the work of Porsche, they begin to assemble premium models AD-617 and ADM-1.
Work at Daimler-Benz
Ferdinand Porsche leaves to work for Daimler-Benz. Of course, he gets the post of chief designer. Professionally, Porsche begins to devote a lot of time to the development of engines. His attention was captured by compressor units. He is engaged in their development and modernization. Creates them for both racing and production cars. In this corporation, he was the first among those who came up with a Mercedes, which is gaining the attention of people with a good level of income. After the implementation of the plan, Porsche is also related to the legendary Mercedes K and S series. His ideas subsequently became the inspiration for the production of the flagship models of the SS, SSK and SSKL series. Ferdinand Porsche is invited to the main post of the design department of the Steyr Corporation. He returns to his small homeland. And in 1928, two unique models rolled off the assembly line. They called the novelties of that time Austria and Type XXX. True, these machines did not bring financial stability to the company. The designer feels the imminent collapse, and therefore decides not to stay long at Steyr and leaves the company.
On the way to a dream
Ferdinand Porsche was quite famous, and therefore in 1924 the Stuttgart Academy awarded the designer - neither more nor less - the degree of Doctor of Technical Sciences. At the age of 56, the famous carmaker takes his first step towards his dream - he opens his own design office. April 25, 1931 can be marked in red on the calendar. And the orders came in right away. All of them were quite prestigious. For example, the Zündapp corporation wanted the famous Porsche engineer to create. Another well-known company in those days, Wanderer, made an order to create an engine for a passenger car. Porsche not only carried out interesting orders for him, but also worked on other projects. So, in 1932, a talented designer produced a torsion bar suspension on trailing arms. This has become a new word in depreciation. The ambitious Ferdinand Porsche did not limit himself to this. The leadership of the Soviet Union even offered him the position of chief designer and, of course, all sorts of privileges. But the Austrian refuses and takes another position - the head of the design bureau of the Auto Union corporation. There he hatches the idea of a hitherto unknown racing car and it comes to life. From 1934 to 1937, this car "tears" everyone on the racetracks of Europe, setting records one after another. In the same years, Porsche reported to the German Ministry of Transport about his desire to produce a "people's car" ("Volkswagen").
First Porsche
During the war years, Ferdinand Porsche, with the help of the guys from his bureau, worked on the production of not cars at all, but weapons: tanks and self-propelled guns. When the war ended, he spent 22 months in prison. Then he learns that his offspring "Volkswagen" is already being produced. But at the factory where his idea was implemented, the designer was no longer useful, and therefore the inventor returned to his homeland. In 1945, he actively participates in the birth of the first-born - a sports car with a Porsche badge. In 1948, the long-awaited first-born with a numerical designation was born. "Porsche-356" - a joint child of a son and father. From this brainchild of Porsche, the history of the creation of the brand began. The engine, transmission and suspension of the Volkswagen Beetle were dressed in an aluminum body. The motor was placed under the rear axle. Two years later, a gift for the 75th anniversary of the talented automaker Ferdinand Porsche Sr. from his son becomes a black Porsche 356 Ferdinand in the back of a coupe. A year later, the founder of the company was gone, but this is only the beginning of the history of the world. His son took over the corporation. The first 50 copies of the Porsche 356 model were released quickly and easily. Transport, simple and light, fell in love with the consumers of post-war Europe. Moreover, in the first races, the car won a landslide victory. Almost immediately after birth. The car was decent. A few years later, the Porsche KG company settled in Zuffenhausen. And today the plant is located at this place. Serial production began precisely from the time the company moved. The Porsche and Volkswagen companies exchanged components, and therefore sold cars through a single network. The cars went into the series already in a steel body, which turned out to be cheaper. And the motor was already shifted behind the rear axle. The range was supplemented by coupe and convertible bodies.
Development of the company
It is no coincidence that a rearing horse has become the emblem of Porsche cars. This is a combination of the heraldic shield of the ducal house of Württemberg and the coat of arms of Stuttgart. This badge has become a reflection of Porsche. perfect sports car. For a PR company at that time, it was simply necessary to attract attention by participating in races. And most importantly - to win. To do this, Ferdinand Porsche Jr. creates a purely sports car. This happens in 1953. Then the Porsche 550 Spider saw the light. It was this representative of the line that more than once became the winner of sports competitions, winning palms one after another. He was nicknamed "Carrera" because of his victory at the car race of the same name in Mexico. From now on, the fastest models of the corporation began to be called that way. In 1954, numbers began to appear on the trunk, which indicated displacement. Then the first "Spider" was born. Its distinctive feature was an unusually straight windshield, as well as a canvas roof.
Company success
The first Carrera flew out of a Porsche garage in 1955. Employees of the corporation specifically for this project came up with a new "engine". He later became the heart of the 550 model. The success of the company has been enormous. In 1956, the 356 was updated. This version entered the American market. The line was replenished with the 550A model. A completely new externally and internally sports car "Porsche-718" went down the assembly line in 1957. It was lighter than its predecessors. The headlight sockets are hidden under the glass. All this was aimed at improving aerodynamics. The beloved "Spider" in 1958 was replaced by another car - a powerful horse 356D. In 1960, Porsche created the 718/RS. It is different from the previous dynasty 550s models. The car was equipped with an unbreakable windshield, and also supplemented with headlights. Porsche with the 356B coding played a big role in serial production. It could be easily recognized by the shape of the bumpers. Three sets were put up for sale. Power in the flesh was the "Super-90". In 1961, the fastest car of the Carrera line appeared - the Carrera-2. In 1963, the 356C was born.
Unique "911" and others
For decades, the Porsche 356 has been the most prestigious car on the world stage. But the time has come when the consumer wanted to change. Ferdinand Porsche just needed to create something completely new. Feeling the spirit of the times and realizing that further success depends on it, the inspirer of the company creates a car that many owners still dream of. This car was simply destined to become a masterpiece. This is a Porsche 911. The grandson of the founder of Porsche, Ferdinand Alexander, takes part in the creation of the car. In 1963, at the Frankfurt Motor Show, the canopy is removed from a brand new Porsche car. Power demonstrates a six-cylinder engine. It fit 160 "horses". Cooling was air. The stunning and unique Porsche 911 won the hearts of motorists all over the world. In the sports industry, the 904 GTS entered the arena. In 1965, the Porsche 912 rolled off the assembly line with a four-cylinder Super 90 engine. In 1967, motorists around the world began to dream of a Porsche 911 Targa convertible, which became the safest of its brethren. A few years later, the 911S underwent a change. The wheelbase has been increased by shifting the rear axle. The buyers were happy. The Porsche line of cars was replenished with new modifications. At the same time, a joint project of the mega-corporations of the automotive world Porsche and Volkswagen was created. Only this work could not be called successful. Despite all the disadvantages, "914/916" was sold under the brand name "Volkswagen-Porsche" for almost ten years.
A new milestone in history
In 1972, three companies that previously cooperated are merged into one large corporation - the Porsche AG joint-stock company. It included: a design bureau, Porsche and Volkswagen-Porsche. In the same 1972, there was a revival of Carrera. Received the name 911 RS, the car gained more than two hundred strong unit and hitherto unseen spoiler. The rear wing pressed the car to the ground at high speed. In 1974, the concern introduces the 911 Turbo. There is a presentation at the Paris Motor Show. A work of art enters the stage. A powerful engine of 260 "horses", a large spoiler and a stunning appearance. Aggressiveness and elegance - in one bottle. The Porsche car was equipped with bumpers with a rubberized part for a small impact in the color of the body.
New design
Porsche had to move on, he did not want to stop at the success already achieved. The solution was prompted by the spirit of the times. A completely new car was invented. The engine was in the front. The axle and box are located at the back. This was the Porsche 924. 125 horsepower in a light metal package; a body that does not look like its predecessors. The designers even hid the headlights in the back. Every effort was made to reduce resistance. The Porsche 924 Turbo entered the automotive arena three years later. 170 "horses" under the hood and, surprisingly, the smallest expense among sports competitors. In parallel, the 928th model was also released. 8 cylinders and 240 horsepower. Excellent aerodynamics, unique, always up-to-date appearance, Porsche character. Swivel headlights, integrated bumper. All this in a coupe body brought this model the title of "Car of 1978". He beat the rest of the Europeans. Thanks to this success, an even more powerful swallow appeared the next year. 928S. Almost 300 "horses" in a miniature car. She was able to accelerate to 250 km / h. Three years later, the Porsche 944 rolled off the assembly line. The flared nostrils of the wings, inherited from the special version of the 924 Carrera GT, have become a new breath. The appearance was unforgettable. Yes, and other indicators have improved. For 9 years, 160 thousand of these swallows were released. In various modifications. Among them - S, S2, Turbo, Convertible. The evolution of cars with an engine under the hood ended in 1992–1995. It was a model 968.
Group "B"
Group B is known to everyone who is fond of car racing and cannot imagine life without cars. This is a milestone in the history of motorsport. She brought changes to the lives of many people and automakers. The history of the Porsche 959 began with it. It happened in 1980. The company was attracted by liberal demands. No restrictions, only the release of 200 homologated copies. "Porsche" simply could not pass by. Engine capacity of 6 liters, 450 "horses", 4 shock absorbers per wheel, four-wheel drive, computerized torque distribution between the axles, floating ground clearance, Kevlar body parts. This is not a car, this is a dream. In 1986, she was presented in the Dakar Rally. And she takes the first two places. But Group B did not last long. The tragic death of pilots and spectators forced the leadership of the motorsport federation to close the race. But the consumer liked the car, and therefore more than 200 necessary copies were produced. Production ended in 1988.
The ideas that formed the basis of the Porsche sports car began to be used to assemble production cars. All-wheel drive was equipped with "964" and other versions, the turbocharging system went to cars of the "Turbo" line, the body was finalized for "993". The branded PASM adaptive suspension, which is now equipped with all modern cars of the brand, is an analogue of the one that was first installed on the Porsche 959.
Change of years
The flagships of the brand soon left the scene, they were replaced by completely innovative cars - the Boxster and the 911 (996) Carrera. The latter was equipped with 4-wheel drive and an automatic transmission. Improved dynamics, new frame, enlarged rear spoiler, 3.6-liter engine. Completed with Carrera and other drives. The turbocharged version was initially equipped with a proven engine with a displacement of 3.3 liters, and in 1993 a 3.6-liter version was also launched, containing 360 “horses”. The 911 Turbo S semi-racing car, as well as the 911 America Roadster, were limited editions. The limited edition sold out very quickly.
911 Turbo, Series 964
The modern look of the Porsche 911, aerodynamic bumpers, streamlined shapes, new lighting equipment - all these are the components of a huge step in the evolution of the famous model. The rear suspension has changed significantly, the engine has become more powerful. The Turbo version was equipped with all-wheel drive and a 3.6-liter twin-turbo engine. Larger intercoolers, a huge spoiler, 408 "horses", wide rear fenders. Power in the flesh. The epitome of auto-aggression with an elegant cover. At the age of 34, the history of this model turned another page. Porsche designers in 1997 gave the Turbo S an even more powerful engine. The pinnacle of sports production was the car that the craftsmen created for the BRP Global GT Series championship. The GT2 engine has become even more powerful. He got dual ignition, the power was up to 450 liters. With. It happened in 1998. This version was nicknamed "leaving widows" for frequent accidents. Also in 1998, in the summer, the last Porsche 911 with an atmospheric power unit rolled off the assembly line.
Legendary Boxster
In 1996, Porsche launched the Porsche 986 Boxster central-engined roadster. This car has become a new personification of the legendary brand. The car was equipped with a boxer engine with 6 cylinders of 2.5 liters. And only in 2000, it began to be equipped with another 3.2-liter engine, receiving the designation S. The car for relatively little money was well received by the consumer.
"Porsche 996 GT3"
Today, the Frankfurt Motor Show is one of the most famous in the world. All companies strive to present their new products at the event. This was the case in 1997 as well. Then Porsche introduced the new Carrera. She was very similar to her predecessor both externally and internally. The design of the heart of the car, the exterior, the headlights - all this was done in such a way as to reduce production and development costs. The car became even more powerful, increased in size, but continued to win the hearts of not only motorists, but also various authoritative sources. The car has repeatedly become the best sports car according to many magazines. In 1998, a convertible and Carrera 4 saw the light. And a year later, two more new Porsche cars. One of them was introduced for amateur competition - GT3 (this additional nameplate replaced RS) and the new 996 Turbo. The last two engines were very different from the previous ones. The basis for them was the design of the unit of the 1998 GT1 sports prototype. The Turbo version got the twin supercharged version, the naturally aspirated version was equipped with the GT3 version.
New breath
The most non-standard car for Porsche was presented in 2002. They became an SUV called Cayenne. For the production of this swallow, the corporation even erected a new conveyor - in Leipzig. Already in 2003, the production of this model was put on stream. This is a joint project of Porsche and Volkswagen. In many ways, it is similar to the Volkswagen Tuareg model. Of course, the consumers split into two teams; those who immediately fell in love with this car, and those who did not understand this step, because the car was not like other Porsches. There are several versions of the car: naturally aspirated V6 and V8, supercharged Turbo and Turbo S, as well as GTS and Turbo S with a 550-horsepower engine.
Legendary Porsches
The history of the Porsche company began a long time ago and will not end for a long time. No matter how in different years of existence the public met Porsche cars, sooner or later they always won the hearts of consumers. These stunning and unforgettable shapes, powerful engines, bold design solutions. Porsche was and remains the dream of many, the purpose of life, a manifestation of the status and character of its owner. Consumers should only wait for the new legendary Porsches, and they will definitely be.
Porsche
The full name Porsche Aktiengesellschaft is a German car manufacturer founded by the famous designer Ferdinand Porsche in 1931. The headquarters and main plant is located in Stuttgart, Germany. The main shareholder of the company is the Porsche family. Porsche is the most profitable car company in the world (in terms of profit from each car sold). In 2010, Porsche cars were recognized as the most reliable in the world. In Russia, the Porsche division is headed by Dr. Thomas Stärtzel.
History of the logo
When it comes to the origins of an iconic logo, the same car company can have two versions of the same story. And this hides from us the truth about Porsche and the logo of this German sports car manufacturer. Highly influential car distributor Max Hoffman met Ferry Porsche at a New York restaurant in 1951, according to Porsche Cars North America. During the discussion, Hoffman assured Porsche that his cars needed a powerful logo, something special and very elegant. A rough sketch was made in the same place and at the same time, on a napkin.
But the story told in Porsche Germany is different from this colorful story. This is how Max Hoffman asked Ferry Porsche to come up with a logo, but it was definitely not drawn on a napkin in a Manhattan restaurant, but by company engineer Franz Xaver Reimspiess.
The beginning of the company's activities
The company produces luxury sports cars, as well as SUVs. The production of Porsche cooperates to a large extent with Volkswagen. Side by side, with participation in motorsport, work is underway to improve the design of the car (and its components) as such: in different years, manual gearbox synchronizers, automatic gearboxes with the possibility of manual shifting (later with shift buttons on the steering wheel), turbocharging for a production car were developed , turbocharging with variable geometry turbine impeller in a gasoline engine, electronically controlled suspension and so on. 50.1% of the company's shares are owned by Porsche Automobil Holding SE, since December 2009 49.9% of the shares are owned by Volkswagen AG. Porsche is a public company, part of its shares are traded on the Frankfurt Stock Exchange and in the worldwide Xetra electronic system. Large blocks of shares are owned by the Porsche and Piech families. Since 1993, the President and CEO of the company is Wendelin Wiedeking. The company's revenue for the financial year 2009/2010 amounted to 7.79 billion euros, which is an absolute record for the company in its history. During the same reporting period, 81,850 vehicles were sold, and 89,123 were produced.
The company has also been active for a long time in organizing sports clubs (there are Porsche clubs in many European and American countries) and competitions among various classes of their cars, several cup competitions are regularly held. The computer game Need for Speed: Porsche Unleashed is dedicated to this area of her activity.
The founder of Porsche, Ferdinand Porsche Sr. (Ferdinand Porsche) was born in 1875 in the family of a plumber, and, having received an education, continues his father's work. But his interest in technology extends beyond sanitary technology, so already in 1898 he founded a design office in Vienna. The very first work of a young engineer - a motor-wheel for an electric car - brings him fame as a talented designer. As a result, in 1906 he became the chief designer of Austro-Daimler, where he first designed an artillery tractor with an active trailer.
1909 is marked by two events - the birth of a son, also Ferdinand Porsche (Ferdinand Porsche), Jr., who is often called Ferry Porsche; as well as the participation of the designer in the rally of Prince Heinrich of Prussia on a self-designed car, which brought him second place. A year later, in the same rally, the ambitious designer took first place.
In 1923, the company, under his technical leadership, began to produce cars of the highest class, and Porsche himself moved to Daimler-Benz, also to the post of chief designer. His main occupation there is the design and improvement of new compressor engines, including those for racing cars. In particular, Ferdinand Porsche took part in the development of the famous Mercedes S and K series.
The history of Porsche in 1948 - 1963 Brand Prosperity
Porsche's return to Stuttgart was marked by a switch to steel body panels. The plant mainly specializes in the assembly of coupe and convertible cars. At first, 1100 cc engines with only 40 hp were produced, but by 1954 the choice expanded significantly: the range was supplemented by engines 1300, 1300A, 1300S, 1500, 1500S. The design is constantly being improved, the volume and power of the engines is growing, a synchronized gearbox, disc brake system and new bodies are appearing - roadsters and hardtops.
Porsche is gradually phasing out Volkswagen units, replacing them with their own. For example, the 356A, produced from 1955 to 1959, was already equipped with a four-cam engine, a pair of ignition coils, and many other original components. Series A is replaced by series B (59 - 63 years), and the latter is replaced by series C (produced from 1963 to 1965). All modifications are produced in an amount of a little more than 76,000 copies.
In parallel, the development of a racing modification of the Porsche 550 Spyder, 718 and others is underway. In 1951, 75-year-old Ferdinand Porsche suffered a heart attack from which he died. The designer could have lived longer, but the time spent in prison greatly undermined his health.
1963–1975
One of the most important events in the history of Porsche took place in 1963 - the Porsche 911 was presented at the Frankfurt Motor Show. The design of the car, which was destined to become legendary, was developed by the eldest son of Ferry Porsche -
Ferdinand Alexander Porsche. The story has been preserved that the model was originally supposed to be called 901, but this was opposed by the French Peugeot, which owned the right to names of three numbers with a zero in the middle. The novelty was created in such a way as to have an updated design, but at the same time not deviate too much from the usual canons of the company. The result was recognizable forms that are successfully used to this day.
Interestingly, the creators themselves hoped to keep the 911 model on the market for at least 15 years. But more than 50 years have passed since the appearance of the model, and it still enjoys exceptional popularity. Moreover, according to Forbes magazine, the Porsche 911 is one of the cars that managed to change the world. Subsequently, the company created many more successful and very successful models, but not one of them has yet been able to repeat the success of the 911.
In 1965, a cheaper modification of the Porsche 912 was released with a 4-cylinder Super 90 engine.
In 1967, the Porsche 911 Targa finally went on sale. Buyers were now offered a coupe, a Targa model (index “T” in the model name), a luxury model marked “E” and an “S” modification - especially for the United States, where the company returned after a year's absence.
In 1975, the Porsche 924 model was released, which was considered the most economical sports car in the world.
1976–1981
In 1976, the 914 was replaced by the 924, also developed with Volkswagen. The German auto giant invited Porsche to develop an affordable sports car that was to be equipped with an Audi transmission. However, as a result of the oil crisis, management began to doubt the need to release a model. Then Porsche bought the project from Volkswagen.
The 924 was distinguished by its timeless appearance, classic layout, almost perfect weight distribution and economical four-cylinder air-cooled engines. Three years after the start of sales, the car received a turbocharged version.
After Peter Schutz was appointed to the position of head of the company, the Porsche 911 again becomes the favorite of the brand. In 1982, an open-top version appeared, in 1983, a 911 Carrera with a 231-horsepower engine.
In 1980, the Porsche 959 debuts with a 2.8-liter six-cylinder engine with two turbochargers, developing 450 hp. Body parts were made of Kevlar, the computer controlled the operation of four shock absorbers, the amount of ground clearance, and also distributed torque between the axles.
During the period 1974-1982, when the main priority was given to the development of the 924 and 928 models, there was an almost complete lull in the 911 series. With the change of generations, the 930 received new energy-absorbing bumpers and a 2.7-liter base engine. In 1976, it became a 3-liter. The following year, the line was simplified - instead of modifications 911, 911S and 911 Carrera, a single one was introduced, called 911SC and with reduced power. At the same time, the 911 Turbo received a new engine - 3.3 liters, 300 hp. With. Porsche 911 Turbo was one of the most dynamic cars of those years, it accelerated from 0 to 100 km/h in 5.2 seconds and reached a top speed of 254 km/h.
1981–1988: New director's contribution
Fuhrmann is fired by Ferry Porsche and replaced by Peter Schutz, the American manager of Porsche. Under him, the 911 models returned the unspoken status of the main car of the company. In 1982, a convertible appears, and a year later the 911 Carrera with a 231-horsepower power plant becomes the base one. New for 1985 was the Turbo-look (aka Supersport) version, which was a regular Carrera with a chassis and body from the Turbo model, which in turn had wider rear fenders and a large spoiler (sometimes called a "picnic table", "tray" or "whale tail"). The Turbo model itself, a year later, became available in the SE version, or the so-called Slantnose with a sloping front end and retractable headlights. At the same time, the lightweight 911 Carrera Clubsport, the successor to the Carrera RS of the 1970s and forerunner of the modern GT3, appears.
The history of the Porsche 959 began in 1980, when a new "Group B" was approved in the World Rally Championship. A number of companies were attracted by liberal demands - there were almost no restrictions, except for the release of 200 homologated copies. Porsche also decided to take part. Schutz came to the conclusion that it was necessary to show the full engineering potential of the company. The technical stuffing was at a high level: the power of the 6-cylinder engine (2.8 liters, two turbochargers) was 450 hp. With.; for each wheel of the all-wheel drive transmission, there were 4 shock absorbers controlled by a computer (it also distributed torque between the axles and could change the ground clearance); body parts were made from Kevlar, a lightweight and durable plastic composite material. At the development stage, the Porsche 959 twice participated in the Paris-Dakar rally marathon and in 1986 took 2 first places in the overall standings.
1988-1998
When automotive experts began to predict the inevitable end of the 911 era, in 1988 Porsche introduced the public to the third generation of the model - the 911 Carrera 4 (964) with a 3.6-liter air-cooled boxer engine and 250 “horses” of power.
After fifteen years of production, the 911 platform has been significantly upgraded. About 85% of the components have undergone changes, although outwardly the 964 did not differ significantly from its predecessor. Updated only aerodynamic polyurethane bumpers and spoiler. But the interior, one might say, received revolutionary changes that emphasized not only the sporty character of the car, but also its focus on comfort. The Porsche 964 was equipped with ABS, paddle shifters, power steering, airbags, and the chassis received light-alloy control arms with springs instead of a torsion bar suspension.
A revolutionary step in the development of the 911 model range was the introduction of the all-wheel drive Carrera 4. In addition to the Carrera Coupe, Cabriolet and Targa versions, since 1990 customers have been able to order the 964 Turbo. Equipped at first with the proven 3.3-liter boxer engine, in 1992 the Turbo received a 360-horsepower 3.6-liter engine. Now 964 Carrera RS, 911 Turbo S, 911 Carrera 2 Speedster are in great demand among collectors.
Like it or not, the 911 with the internal index 993 has become for many Porsche fans almost the only true love. Not least because of its expressive design. In addition, the 993 quickly gained a reputation for being extremely reliable and agile. This is the first 911 to have an aluminum chassis. The Turbo version was the first to feature a twin-turbo engine with low emissions. Hollow-spoke aluminum wheels, never seen before on any other car, were the innovation of the all-wheel drive Turbo, and the Porsche 911 GT2 was able to satisfy those drivers who were primarily interested in high speed. But the real reason Porsche fans are in awe of this model is the fact that the 911 993, produced from 1993 to 1998, was the last to be equipped with an air-cooled engine.
Nowadays
The beginning of the 21st century was marked by the start of work in new directions. The company began to produce not only classic sports cars, the principle of which was laid back in 1948, after the appearance of the 356 model, but also fundamentally new solutions. Such as the Porsche Cayenne sports crossover and the Porsche Panamera five-door sports car.
In 2002, a completely unexpected, but very impressive novelty was presented - the Cayenne SUV, which became one of the most popular models of the brand all over the world, including in Russia. The model was developed with the participation of specialists from the Volkswagen concern. A completely new platform was created for her, providing for a longitudinal engine, a body with subframes and completely independent suspensions of all wheels. Volkswagen Group has released its own version of the model - Touareg.
The Cayenne has become the brand's bestseller thanks to its reliable suspension, good handling and excellent off-road performance. The younger brother of the Cayenne, the Porsche Macan compact crossover, was introduced in 2013 at the Los Angeles Auto Show. The brand was inspired to create it by the success of its first SUV.
Porsche is the developer of a mass of productive technologies, turbines, automatic and mechanical gearboxes, all-wheel drive systems. The company owns hundreds of patents, each of which continues to be used in the design of cars.
The lineup today is represented by the following classes:
- serial sports cars - Boxster, Cayman and the legendary Porsche 911;
- sports cars with a V-shaped engine - Porsche Panamera in a three-door version;
- executive class - a powerful four-door Porsche Panamera sedan;
- crossovers and SUVs - Porsche Cayenne and Porsche Macan.
With such a model range, you can safely conquer any markets, which the corporation is successfully doing today. Also in the model offer often appear cars that have a limited series and cost incredible money. These are sports cars based on developments for motorsports. Their sale often has an auction character and is associated with the company's participation in various rallies.
1 Porsche bongs
Porsche produces hookahs for $2,000. Clothes, watches and pens from Porsche Design no longer surprise anyone. As for hookahs, or rather bongs from Porsche, they have a very elegant design and a considerable cost.
2. Bugatti, Lamborghini, Audi and Ducati
Porsche is owned by Volkswagen. The German concern also owns Bentley, Bugatti, Lamborghini, Audi and Ducati.
3 Porsche 911
Porsche has released 19 versions of the same car. We are talking about the Porsche 911, which was first presented at the Frankfurt Motor Show in 1963.
4. Egger-Lohner C.2 Phaeton
Porsche's first electric car. The world's first electric car was developed by Ferdinand Porsche in 1898, and was called P1 or Egger-Lohner C.2 Phaeton.
5. Porsche started with engine development
Porsche started with engine development and consulting services. Porsche only started making cars ten years after it was founded.
6. Tiger P and Ferdinand by Porsche
Porsche developed tanks during World War II. Porsche's most popular tank was called the Tiger P, or the Panzerkampfwagen VI Tiger (P) in its entirety, and later its chassis was used to make the Ferdinand heavy self-propelled artillery mount.
7. Professor Ferdinand Porsche was the driver of the heir to the throne
Professor Ferdinand Porsche was the driver of the Archduke and heir to the throne of Austria-Hungary Franz Ferdinand in 1902. The prince drove a Lohner-Porsche.
8. Red, black and white
Porsche cars can be painted in any color the buyer wishes. Most buyers still prefer red, black and white.
9. Heavy transporters and flatbed trailers
During the First World War, Professor Ferdinand Porsche designed heavy vehicles and flatbed trailers with wheels powered by separate engines. The power of these engines in the front wheels was 1.8 kW at 120 rpm.
10 Porsche Changed Model Numbers From 901s
Early versions of the Porsche 911 were actually 901s. Due to the fact that Peugeot numbered its models with three-digit numbers with a zero in the middle, Porsche had to change the model numbering from 901s to 911s.
11. Cayenne - the first SUV from Porsche
Porsche didn't make SUVs until 2003. The first SUV created by the company was the Porsche Cayenne. Thanks to the combination of luxurious design and worldwide recognition of the brand, it was actually destined for success.
12. Porsche cars weren't popular in the US
In 1952, Hollywood dealer John von Neumann ordered a Porsche Model 356 from Germany, unupholstered and unpainted, because he wanted to change the car to his liking. At that time, Porsche cars were generally not popular in the United States.
13. The design of the coat of arms Porsche sketched on a napkin in a restaurant
Porsche sketched the design of the famous company crest in 1952 on a napkin. The brilliant design came to his mind while dining with Max Hoffman at a New York restaurant.
14. The logo is inspired by the coat of arms of Stuttgart
The Porsche logo was actually inspired by the coat of arms of Stuttgart, once the capital of the free people's state of Württemberg. The horse symbolizes the origin of Stuttgart, which was founded in 950 as a horse farm.
15. The first Porsche showed up at the New York Auto Show in 1954.
The first Porsche appeared at the New York Auto Show in 1954 and was nicknamed the "Porsche Fast Roadster". The machine was imported to the USA by Max Hoffman.
16. "Keys to many miles of pleasure"
One of the first Porsche advertising posters in the US was released in 1950. It featured a female gloved hand resting on a Porsche gearshift lever. At the bottom was written the advertising slogan: "Keys to many miles of pleasure." The first advertising poster was printed by Porsche in 1948.
17. Aircraft engine PFM 3200
In 1950, Porsche created an aircraft engine based on the 1.6-liter engine from the 356. When mounted vertically, this engine could lift a helicopter into the air. The six-cylinder air-cooled engine was named PFM 3200.
18. Formula-1 1961
The first American to win a Formula 1 race in 1961 was Dan Gurney driving a Porsche. Dan himself improved his car.
19. Porsche withdrew from the race
Porsche somehow withdrew from the 12 Hours of Sebring. The organizers of the race announced that each participant must use the same gasoline, as well as place the same advertising on the back of the car. Porsche withdrew from the race.
20. Risky Business by Tom Cruise
Having accumulated considerable experience in projects such as the 16-cylinder racing Auto Union and the Volkswagen Kafer, the outstanding engineer Ferdinand Porsche founded his company in 1931. The first car of the German brand was the Porsche 64, in the design of which components from Volkswagen Kafer were used.
During the Second World War, Porsche participated in the development of heavy tanks "Tiger" and produced products for military needs: command vehicles and amphibians.
In 1945, Ferdinand Porsche was arrested and imprisoned on charges of war crimes. The engineer spent almost two years behind bars, but his work was continued by his son Ferdinand Anton Ernst, who assembled a prototype 356 with an engine in the base and an open aluminum body. This copy was ready for public roads by the summer of 1948. The first mass-produced Porsche cars had the engine behind the rear axle, which significantly reduced the cost of production and freed up space for two additional seats in the cabin.
Over the years, the design of Porsche cars has become more and more perfect, the volume and power of engines have grown, disc brakes and a synchronized gearbox have appeared on all wheels. The units from Volkswagen installed on the Porsche were replaced by elements of the company's own design. In addition, new bodywork options have appeared in the Porsche model line - roadsters and hardtops.
In 1951, Ferdinand Porsche, whose health had been significantly undermined while still in prison, died of a broken heart at the age of 75.
In 1963, the Porsche 911 was first seen at the Frankfurt Motor Show. The design of a modern sports car with classic body lines was developed by the grandson of the founder, Ferdinand Alexander Porsche.
In the early 70s, the German company ceased to be a family business, the legal status of the company changed. After the restructuring, the Porsche family partially lost control over the company's affairs, because the Piech family now also had a share of the capital in it. The first head of the company, who was not from the Porsche family, Ernst Fuhrmann made the unfortunate decision to replace the Porsche 911 with a classic sports car. But the sluggish commercial start of the new project showed the indispensability of the 911 model.
After Fuhrmann was fired, Porsche's American manager Peter Schutz took his place. He returned to the Porsche 911 the unspoken status of the main model of the German company. Among the high-profile novelties of the era of Schutz's reign is the Porsche 911 Carrera in the Turbo-look version with wide rear fenders and a large spoiler (in the common people - "tray", "whale tail" or "picnic table").
During the 90s, front-engined cars and classic 911 models disappeared from the Porsche line, and the conceptually new Porsche Boxster and 911 (966) Carrera appeared in their place. Due to the economic crisis, the German company suffered significant losses, and its production volumes fell catastrophically - Porsche was clearly not in the best shape.
Despite certain difficulties, under the leadership of the next manager, Wendelin Wiedeking, the fourth generation of the flagship of the German brand, the Porsche 993, entered the car market. . Once again, its engine was slightly boosted, but the rear suspension was improved quite noticeably.
In the late 1990s, the company released the Porsche 986 Boxster central motor roadster, which became the new face of the German brand. All work on its exterior was completely under the control of a talented Dutch designer named Harm Lagaay. The Dutchman took as a basis the appearance of the earlier open-top Porsche 550 Spyder and 356 Speedster models. The main difference from its predecessor was that the 986th Porsche was originally designed as a convertible, and not converted from a closed body version. One of the most unusual models of the beginning of the 21st century was the Porsche Cayenne SUV, built in collaboration with the Volkswagen concern and in many ways similar to the Volkwagen Touareg. To produce this car, the company built a new factory in Leipzig, and as it turned out, for good reason: Cayenne became the most sought-after product of this brand, despite the controversial design.
Porsche model range
In the Porsche lineup, there are no economical subcompacts, midsize and business class sedans, because this brand focuses on high-income buyers. The Porsche lineup starts with luxury cars (Porsche Panamera), continues with SUVs (Porsche Cayenne) and ends with a line of sports cars and convertibles. Many politicians, show business stars and just influential people prefer to have a car with the emblem of the Stuttgart coat of arms on the hood in their garage. Status, impeccable dynamic characteristics of Porsche, luxurious and original design - all these undoubted advantages make Porsche cars so popular in our country, especially in its pretentious capital.
Porsche cost
The cost of Porsche starts at two and a half million for the cheapest version of the Boxster and reaches ten million for the executive class Porsche Panamera Turbo S. For those who want to buy a Porsche SUV, it is worth counting on an amount of three to eight million. You can find the cost of a Porsche of any generation and any configuration in our catalog.
