|The Early Years|
1900: The Lohner-Porsche Electric Car at the Paris Expo. The wheel hub motors devised by Ferdinand Porsche, then a young engineer and test driver, made the name Porsche famous worldwide.
1928: As Daimler Technical Director and Board member, among other things, F. Porsche developed the now legendary Mercedes SS and SSK supercharged sports car.
1931: Ferdinand Porsche founded the Porsche Engineering Office in Stuttgart. He thus laid the foundations for Dr.Ing.h.c. F. Porsche AG today.
1933: Commissioned by NSU, the Type 32 was designed, a predecessor of the Volkswagen.
1936: In spring, extensive test runs are carried out with the first VW prototypes. Starting from a backyard garage of Porsche's villa in Stuttgart.
1938: Under the direction of Ferdinand Porsche, the first assembly lines for Volkswagen are erected in Wolfsburg. The finishing touches have been put to the Type 60, which is ready for series production. But the Second World War got in the way. A jeep was created on the basis of the type 60. It was not until 1946 that the Volkswagen went into series production.
1947: Under Ferdinand Porsche Jr. A Grand Prix racing car is created in Gmünd, Austria on behalf of Cisitalia. The engineering office had been moved from Stuttgart in 1944.
1948: Under the direction of Ferry Porsche, a sports car is built in Gmünd based on Volkswagen parts: the 356. On June 8, 1948 the first sports car bearing the name Porsche is born. A roadster of light metal.
1948: every single bolt was just right
During the war Ferdinand 'Ferry' Porsche (who died on 27 March 1998 at the age of 88) and a handful of his proven, faithful employees had started work on development number 356 in their workshops moved to the town of Gmünd in Kärnten. The first design drawings were completed on 17 July 1947 and on 8 June 1948 the Kärnten state government issued a special permit homologating the car. Returning home after being held by the French as a prisoner of war and bailed out of custody by his family, Professor Dr.-Ing.h.c.Ferdinand Porsche, Ferry's father, stated right away that 'every single bolt was just right'. No 1 was then followed by a small series of 52 additional cars built in Gmünd, production in Stuttgart from 1950 - 1965subsequently amounting to 78,000 units of the 356 model Porsche No 1, a mid-engined roadster, is completed and homologated in the Austrian town of Gmünd. The engine displaces 1131 cc and develops maximum output of 35 bhp(26 kW). The first few 356 coupes are made of light alloy.
1948: Production of the first Porsche 356 cabriolets. The very first Porsche 356/1 developed by Ferry Porsche and his proven team is completed in the Austrian town of Gmünd and receives technical homologation on 8June.
1949: Presetation of the Cisitalia racing car
The Cisitalia racing car is presented at the Torino Motor Show, featuring a 12-cylinderdual-compressor boxer engine in midship arrangement, 1493 cc, 385 bhp at10600 rpm, top speed 300 km/h (186 mph), four-wheel drive with individual drive activation of the front wheels.
1950: Porsche returns to Zuffenhausen
Porsche returns to Zuffenhausen, near Stuttgart. Thus begins a new chapter in Porsche's history. In rooms rented from the Reutter carbody factory, production facilities are set up. Porsche becomes an independent automobile factory.
1950: Porsche builds a tractor with a two-cylinder aluminium engine (Type AP 17).
1951: Porsche introduces ring synchronmesh technology and registers more than 100 patents. By 1968 more than one million transmissions based on this Porsche technology were built each year the world over.
1951: The Porsche1300 (1286 cc, 44 bhp/32 kW) and 1500 (1488 cc, 60 bhp/44 kW) join the range, the latter quickly becoming a best seller.
1951: Porsche's first international success in Le Mans
Professeor Ferdinand Porsche Sr. dies, aged 75.
The Porsche 356 scores its first international success in motor racing, winning the 1100-cccategory in the 24 Hours of Le Mans.
1952: Chrome-plated aluminum cylinders in the 1.3-litre 356 power unit. Advantage: wear-free cylinder liners with good lubrication.
1952: Launch of the Porsche 1500 S (1488 cc, 70 bhp/51 kW).
1953: Yet another new model joins the range: the Porsche 1300 S (1290 cc, 60 bhp/44 kW).
1954: Porsche synchronmesh in all Grand Prix racing cars.
1954: Production of the first 200 Porsche Speedsters.
b1955: 1.6-litre (Type 678) aero engine. First German car with a curved laminated glass windscreen: the Porsche 356 Speedster. Introduction of the vertical shaft (the Type 547 Fuhrmann engine), a four-cylinder boxer displacing 1.5 liters and developing 100 bhp at 6200rpm.
1955: The Speedster becomes a genuine sales success. Production of the 356 A series starts in autumn with the proven 1300 and 1300 S power units soon joined by the 1600(1582 cc, 60 bhp/44 kW), 1600 S (1582 cc, 75 bhp/55 kW) and 1500 GS -the first Carrera marking the introduction of the new sports engine with four overhead camshafts - (1498 cc, 100 bhp/74 kW). The 1100-ccengines are dropped from the range.
1956: 550 A Spyder, first overall win in the Targa Florio.
1956: the 10,000th Porsche 356
Commemorating the 25th anniversary of the Company, the 10,000th Porsche 356 leaves the production hall. Porsche has already scored 400 victories in motor racing.
The 1.5 liter 550 Spyder, driven here by Richard von Frankenberg, becomes the 'shark in the pool of perch' in major races, where it competed against cars with more horsepower.
1957: The sporting and Spartan Porsche 1500 GS Carrera is joined by the more comfortable 1500GS de Luxe model.
1958: Output of the Porsche 356 A 1500 GS Carrera GT is boosted to 110 bhp/81 kW. The Speedster is replaced by the Convertible D with a larger windscreen and winding windows at the side. The 1300-cc engines are dropped from the range.
Already ten years after the première of the 356 more than 25,000 cars have been produced. Until the end of production 1965, there should be produced 77,361 items.
1959: The Carrera receives extra power and is now called the 1600 GS-GT, with the sports version offering more output (1588 cc, 115 bhp/85 kW) than the de Luxe model (105 bhp/77 kW). The 356 B series is introduced in autumn, the Convertible D being renamed the Roadster.
1961: Work starts on a new six cylinder engine
Behind closed doors, work starts on a new Porsche with a six cylinder engine. The body is designed by Ferdinand Alexander Porsche, Ferry Porsche's son.
1962: Porsche 356 B optionally available with three-point seat belts and backrest arrest mechanism. Formula 1 Type804: 1.5-litre 8-cylinder power unit, titanium connecting rods, gas-pressure shock absorbers, inner-action disc brakes. First Grand Prix win. Carrera 2 with inner-action disc brakes.
1963: Porsche 911
At the Frankfurt International Automobile Show, Porsche presents the 911. The underlying concept of an air-cooled flat engine in the rear is retained.
1964: Porsche 904with streamlined plastic bodyshell, drag coefficient 0.33.
1964: Production start of the Porsche 911.
1965: 911 Targa safety cabriolet.
1966: First drop safety test in Zuffenhausen with the Porsche 904. First emission test rig in Europe approved by the US Environmental Protection Agency for the California emission test. Porsche 906racing car with front and rear spoilers. Porsche 911 S2.0, world's first production car with inner-vented brake discs.
1968: Fuel injection and high-tension ignition introduced as standard features. Porsche 907 scores the Company's first overall win in the 24 Hours of Daytona. 909 hill-climb spyder: 430 kg, 275 bhp, suspension springs and fuel tank made of titanium, adjustable rear spoiler and beryllium brake discs. 910 spyder wins the European Hill-Climb Championship. 911 T wins Porsche's first World Rally Championship and first overall win in the Monte Carlo Rally.
1969: ABS tests in a 908/02 racing car. 908 and 917racing cars win Porsche's first Sports Car World Championship.
1969: Porsche 914-4 and 914-6
Presentation of the 914-4 and 914-6 mid-engined sports cars at the Frankfurt Motor Show.Porsche for the second time wins the World Championships for works cars. For the second consecutive year, the 911 wins the Monte Carlo Rallye.
1970: 914-6 fitted as standard with magnesium rims. 917 K 4.5-litrescores Porsche's first overall win in Le Mans. Introduction of perforated brake discs in the 908/3.
1970: The Porsche 917(4.5-litre 12-cylinder boxer engine) shown to the public for the first time in Geneva wins virtually all races the world over, including the World Championship of Makes and the Endurance World Championship.
1971: Powerplay is the name of the game.
Now power play is really the name of the game: Starting in September, the six-cylinder featured in the 911 grows once again, displacing 2341 cc and introducing anew power and performance league once again: 911 T (130 bhp/96 kW), 911 E(165 bhp/121 kW), 911 S (190 bhp/140 kW). Porsche also puts on the pressure with its 'small' model, building 11 916 sports cars featuring the ultra-powerful six-cylinder (2341 cc, 190 bhp/140 kW), following the two914/8 models with an 8-cylinder racing engine already built two years before (2997 cc, but varying in power: 260 bhp/191 kW and 300 bhp/221 kW).The 260-bhp 914/8 goes to Professor Ferry Porsche for his 60th birthday.
1971: 917 racing car with magnesium spaceframe and adjustable anti-roll bar. First acceleration sledge in Weissach. Hot-galvanized floor panels.
1971: Work starts at the Weissach Research and Development Centre.
1972: The Porsche 911Carrera RS 2.7 (2687 cc, 210 bhp/154 kW) and the Porsche 2.8 Carrera RSR(2806 cc, 300 bhp/ 221 kW) pave the way for further growth. Destined mainly for motor racing, these new models introduce a clearly visible aerodynamic body feature for the first time: the ducktail rear spoiler on the engine compartment lid. The Porsche 914 receives extra power, now featuring a larger four-cylinder from VW (1971 cc, 100 bhp/74 kW) helping the 'small' Porsche to remain a genuine best seller.
1972: Rollover and side-impact tests with the Porsche 911. Overall CanAm win with the Porsche 917-10 (12-cylinder turbocharged engine, 1000 bhp),the most powerful racing car to date. 911 Carrera RS first production car with front and rear spoiler (launch).
1972: Porsche goes public
Under the guidance of Ferry Porsche as Chairman of the Supervisory Board, Porsche goes public.
1973: Following the plant shut-down in summer the new model range reveals significant modifications in body design, the bumpers now complying with US regulations and featuring impact absorbers at either side. The 2.7-litre power unit(210 bhp/154 kW) is introduced as standard in the Porsche 911. New models are the Carrera RS 3.0 sports version (2994 cc, 230 bhp/168 kW) and the Carrera RSR 3.0 (2994 cc, 330 bhp/241 kW) featuring a large rear wing and flared wheel arches with special air intakes.Within the 914series a 1.8-litre version (1795 cc, 85 bhp/63 kW) replaces the former1.7-litre engine.
1973: Long-life car research project presented at the Frankfurt Motor Show. First crash facility with preliminary tests in Weissach. Inertia-reel three-point seat belts fitted as standard.
1974: The first 911 Turbo
With the 911 Turbo a new era begins: exhaust turbocharged autos.
1974: In autumn the first Porsche Turbo code-named the 930 (2994 cc, 260 bhp/191 kW) sees the light of day, providing the foundation for various racing models code-named the 935 in the years to follow, with maximum output up to 850 bhp. The 911is available in three versions with the same 2687-cc displacement engine but different levels of power: 911 (150 bhp/110 kW), 911 S (175 bhp/129 kW)and the Carrera (210 bhp/154 kW). The sales split is almost exactly 50:50.
1974: World's first production sports car with exhaust gas turbocharger: Porsche 911Turbo with contact-free ignition
1975: The first Transaxle sports car
Porsche introduces the 924, the first Transaxle sports car with the engine at the front, the transmission and drive wheels at the rear.
1975: The Porsche 911enters the 1976 model year with only very minor modifications. Output of the 'basic' version is boosted to 165 bhp/121 kW, the 911 S is dropped from the range. The Carrera 3.0 (2994 cc, 200 bhp/147 kW) is dropped after the plant shut-down in summer. In their last year of production, all models in the Porsche 914 range receive a two-liter power unit, with a reduction in compression and output to 95 bhp/70 kW. In autumn the 912 E (available only in the USA) also featuring a VW power unit (1971 cc, 90 bhp/66 kW) joins the 914 in the market.
1975: Porsche becomes the world's first carmaker to introduce the hot-galvanized bodyshell as standard.
1976: Porsche's new entry-level model is the 924, the first-ever Porsche with a water-cooled engine fitted up front - an engine supplied by Audi (1984 cc, 125bhp/92 kW). The 911 model range continues with a 2.7-litre power unit as well as the 3.0-litre in the Carrera, output remaining unchanged in both cases. The bodyshell hot-galvanized on both sides significantly extends the life-cycle of all Porsche models as of the 1976 model year.
1976: Start of 924production, overall production volume of the four-cylinder model series325,231 units (924, 944, 968). Two World Championships (Group 5 and Group 6) with the 935 and 936 racing cars.
1977: The Porsche 928
Production of the 'big Porsche', the 928, starts in Stuttgart: V8 light-alloy engine, Transaxle configuration, Weissach axle. To this day the only sports car in the world ever to win the title of Sports Car of the Year.
1977: The Porsche 928 launched in autumn 1977 is the new top model conceived as the successor to the 911. Its V8 power unit boasts American dimensions (4474 cc, 240 bhp/177kW). Starting in autumn, all models in the 911 range receive the 3.0-litreengine with the same output (180 bhp/132 kW) no longer comparable to the former performance figures due to the new emission standards in the market. The Turbo engine becomes larger and even more powerful (3299 cc, 300bhp/221 kW). Sales of the 924 remain at a good level, the 911 is a stable performer as before, and demand for the Turbo as well as the 928 continues to develop positively. From now on the 911 bears the model name 'Porsche911 SC'.
1977: Start of production of the Porsche 928 with soft front and rear ends, Weissach axle, light-alloy V8 power unit, Transaxle configuration, defect display, 1978Car of the Year, total production of the 8-cylinder model series 61,000units. Brake system with four-piston brake calipers and perforated brake discs standard on the911 Turbo.
1978: The 928 becomes the first and so far only sports car in the world to be voted Car of the year
1979: Output of the911 increases slightly to 188 bhp/138 kW. The 924 Turbo also comes close to this figure, at 170 bhp/125 kW. With its technical features remaining unchanged, the 928 sees an increase in production and sales, the 924remaining Porsche's best seller.
1980: Development of an all-new cockpit layout for the Airbus.
Fenders made of glass-fiber-reinforced polyurethane standard on the 924 Carrera GT.
Tire pressure control system in the Porsche 924 GTP Le Mans.
1980: The Porsche 924Carrera GT (210 bhp/154 kW) offers even more power than the 911, the 911 SC now featuring a 204 bhp/150 kW engine. The 928 remains unchanged, but is joined by the 928 S developing maximum output of 300 bhp/221 kW from 4664cc.
1981: On goes the trend to even more power and performance, the 924 Turbo now featuring a 177bhp/130 kW power unit. The 911 Turbo remains unchanged. At the Frankfurt Motor Show Porsche presents a concept Turbo Cabriolet (with four-wheel drive).
1981: Start of 944production featuring electronic fuel injection (Motronic), first heated oxygen sensor worldwide.
SAVE ambulance(Swift Ambulance Vital Emergency).
Porsche aero engine. Advantages: economy, single-stick operation, low noise level and minimum burden on the environment. Reliability of engine demonstrated by round-the-world flight to 55 countries, covering a total distance of more than 100,000 km.
TAG turbo engine made by Porsche (assignment by the TAG Group) for Formula 1:1.5-litre V6 turbocharged power unit, winner of the 1984, 1985 and 1986Formula 1 World Championships.
1982: Development of the double-clutch transmission raced in 1985 in the Group C 956 racing car, underfloor with ground effect, fully electronic engine management(Motronic), Denloc safety racing tires, hollow-spoke rims with tire pressure control system and six-cylinder horizontally-opposed turbocharged engine, combined air/ water cooling introduced later, cylinder head and cylinders welded to one another, winner of the World Endurance Championship(Group C).
1982: Porsche extends the range by introducing the 944 based on the 924 but featuring even wider wheel arches and a four-cylinder Porsche engine (2479 cc, 163 bhp/120 kW)- basically speaking half the 8-cylinder in the 928. The new model has a clear effect on sales of the 924, which start to go down for the first time.
1982: The Porsche 956, the most successful racing/sports car of all times, begins its victorious career.
1983: Start of 959development with program-controlled four-wheel drive, damper control and self-leveling, plastic skin, turbocharged engine with register-type turbochargers and intercooler, titanium connecting rods, six-speed gearbox.
1983: After almost 20years Porsche returns to a real convertible, the 911 SC Cabriolet becoming a best seller right from the start. Output of the 928 S is increased moderately to 310 bhp/228 kW.
1984: Offset crash tests with 50 per cent offset angle.
Heated oxygen sensor in all Porsche models worldwide.
All Porsche cars fitted as standard with activated carbon filter.
Manually controlled four-wheel drive in the Porsche 953 (based on the 911), first overall win in the Paris-Dakar Rally
1984: The 1984 model year launched in September 1983 once again introduces the 911 Carrera with an even larger engine (3164 cc, 231 bhp/170 kW). The Company's success curve points upwards, the 924 and 944 remaining the best-selling models. The 928 S becomes even more powerful, all 911 Carrera models are now also available in Turbo look.
1985: Door reinforcement worldwide.
Four-valve technology standard on the 928 S with catalytic converter.
Marine engine for racing boats, 8-cylinder bi-turbo engine (based on the 928), max output 700 bhp plus.
Ceramic portliners in the 944 Turbo.
ABS standard in the Porsche 928 S
1985: Launch of the Porsche 959, a spearhead in new technology. A limited number are built. In 1986, it is the first sports car to win the Paris-Dakar Rally.
1985: The 1984 model year launched in September 1983 once again introduces the 911 Carrera with an even larger engine (3164 cc, 231 bhp/170 kW). The Company's success curve points upwards, the 924 and 944 remaining the best-selling models. The 928 S becomes even more powerful, all 911 Carrera models are now also available in Turbo look.
1986: Porsche 944Turbo first European car fitted as standard with driver and front passenger airbags for the USA.
Second crashtest facility in Weissach.
Opening of the Weissach wind tunnel with slotted walls and boundary layer extraction.
First racing series with catalyst cars: 944 Turbo Cup.
911 Carrera with noise encapsulation in Switzerland and Australia.
Catalytic converter standard in all model series (except 911 Turbo).
1986: The four-valve Porsche 928 S4 goes into production with an increase in engine size and power (4957 cc, 320 bhp/ 235 kW). The new range consists of the 924 S/944(2457 cc, 150 bhp/110 kW), the 944 S (2457 cc, 190 bhp/140 kW) and the 944Turbo (2457 cc, 220 bhp/162 kW). The 911 Turbo is also available in both Targa and Cabriolet guise.
1987: Output of the924 S/944 models increases to 160 bhp/118 kW. The 944 Turbo S (2479 cc, 250bhp/184 kW) rounds off the small model series, the Porsche 928 S4 remains in production without any significant changes.
1988: Launch of the new 911 Carrera 4.
1988: Carrera 4 with four-wheel drive, metal-based catalytic converter, retractable rear spoiler, recyclable front and rear bumpers, engine with double ignition, aerodynamically optimized underfloor, electrothermal sensor for fuel level indicator.
928 S4 with TPC(Tire Pressure Control) and PLSD (Porsche Limited Slip Differential).
1988: The new generation of the 911 comes with the in-house code designation 964.Introduction of the new model starts with the 911 Carrera 4 featuring four-wheel drive. The 964 series is available first as a coupé, its six-cylinder boxer engine featuring double ignition, plus extra size and power (3600 cc, 250 bhp/ 184 kW). The old series remains in production with the 911 Speedster, strictly a two-seater with an extra-small windscreen. The Porsche 944 comes with a larger engine (2681 cc) and more power (165bhp/121 kW) and is joined by the 944 Turbo (250 bhp/184 kW). The four-valve power unit of the 944 is increased in size and output to 2990 cc, 211bhp/155 kW. The 944 S2 is available as both a coupé and cabriolet, the 944Turbo receives an all-new five-speed gearbox.
1989: The 911 is now available with rear-wheel drive as the Carrera 2 coming both as a Targa and Cabriolet. Tiptronic is introduced at the same time, automatic transmission with a torque converter and four gears also allowing a sequential gearshift by means of the selector lever. The large model series is rounded off as of spring 1989 by the 928 GT with even more power (330 bhp/243 kW). The 911Turbo is dropped from the range, production ceasing in autumn 1989.
1989: 911 Carrera 2 with Tiptronic.
Driver and front passenger airbags standard in all US models.
1989: Introduction of Tiptronic four-speed automatic transmission operated either manually (as a function of load) or serving as a fully automatic transmission. Featured for the first time in the new 911 Carrera 2.
1990: The new 911Turbo enters the market in September with a 3299 cc power unit and a slight increase in power (320 bhp/235 kW).
1990: All Porsche cars with asbestos-free brake pads, clutch linings and seals. 911 engine with plastic intake manifold.
1991: Porsche becomes first German manufacturer to fit all left-hand-drive models with driver and front passenger airbags as standard. Engine of the968 with Variocam camshaft adjustment (electro hydraulic), bypass intake manifold and brake system with optimized cooling air flow. High-torque three-liter normal-aspiration engine in production cars. 928 GTS with two-stage resonance-type intake manifold. Gradual changeover to water-soluble metallic paint. Porsche cars largely free of cadmium.
1991: The Porsche 968based in its design on the 928 replaces the 944. Output of the three-liter power unit is boosted to 240 bhp/176 kW. The 8-cylinder power unit of the Porsche 928 now featured in the GTS increases in both size and output (5397cc, 350 bhp/257 kW), just as the 911 Carrera RS competition model also offers a slight boost in power (260 bhp/191 kW).
1992: The Porsche 911Turbo comes with an even larger engine displacing 3600 cc and developing360 bhp/265 kW. The 968 is introduced in two-seater Clubsport trim with leaned-down equipment and a lower price.
1992: System detecting frictional engagement of road and tires developed as part of the European PROMETHEUS research program. Porsche cars largely CFC-free (foam plastics, air conditioning).
1993: Presentation of the first Boxster concept car at the Detroit Auto Show. Launch of the new 911 Carrera at the Frankfurt Motor Show.
1993: Towards the middle of the year Porsche presents the thoroughly modified 911 code-named the 993 within the Company and featuring an even more streamlined body, the new multi-link rear axle and a choice of either six-speed manual gearbox or four-speed Tiptronic. Engine capacity remains unchanged, output increase seven further (3600 cc, 272 bhp/200 kW). The new 993 is built initially as the Carrera coupé with rear-wheel drive.
1993: Multi-link rearaxle in lightweight construction with subframe in 911 Carrera.
1994: Tiptronic S double-function transmission with driver-adaptive control, gears shifted from steering wheel. Driver-dynamic four-wheel-drive system consisting of four-wheel drive, automatic brake differential and driving-dynamic limited-slip differential in 911 Carrera 4. Porsche becomes the first manufacturer to introduce water-based paint for repair/touch-up purposes. Automatic cruise and distance control system developed as part of the European PROMETHEUS research program.
1994: The new Carrera4 enters production featuring a new drive concept with power transmitted to the wheels via a viscous coupling. As the 'basic model' for racing Porsche builds the 911 Carrera RS with an extra-light body, a larger, fixed-position rear spoiler and a more powerful engine (3746 cc, 300bhp/221 kW). In spring 1994 Porsche begins production of the 993 Cabriolet.
1995: 911 Turbo with bi-turbo engine, first car worldwide fitted as standard with on-board diagnosis II, hollow-welded 18-inch hollow-spoke wheels (a Porsche patent),lightweight spoiler cover in advanced RTM technology. New Targa roof concept with electrically operated, extra-large glass roof. 911 Carrera with Variocam system (combined with a two-stage resonance intake manifold). 1996
Introduction of the mid-engined Boxster with electrically operated soft roof open/closing in 12 seconds and the largest luggage compartment of all roadsters in the market. High standard of safety.
1995: The new 911Turbo displaces 3600 cc and develops maximum output of 408 bhp/300 kW. It also features the four-wheel-drive concept of the Carrera 4. The even more dynamic GT2 version of the Turbo, in turn, comes exclusively with rear-wheel drive and offers even more power (430 bhp/316 kW). In September the 911 Carrera also receives extra power (285 bhp/210 kW), and at the same time a new Porsche Targa with a sliding glass roof enters production.
1995: The new 911Turbo with its bi-turbo engine becomes the first production car in the world with on-board diagnosis II, friction-welded hollow-spoke wheels and the lowest emission rating of all production cars in the market.
1996: Production starts of the all-new Porsche Boxster mid-engined roadster after only 3 1/2 years of development (counting from the completion of the car's specifications). Weissach celebrates its 25thanniversary.
1996: Presentation and production start of the all-new 911 Carrera with water-cooled six-cylinder boxer engine at the rear. Consistent lightweight construction.
1996: Public launch of the Boxster at the 1996 Paris Motor Show. A mid-engined roadster, the Boxster reveals Porsche's new generation of power units with very convincing facts and figures (2480 cc, 204 bhp/150 kW). Six water-cooled cylinders in horizontally opposed arrangement, four overhead camshafts with VarioCam, four valves per cylinder and integrated dry sump lubrication are the technical highlights.
1997: Presentation of the new Porsche 911 with a water-cooled six-cylinder boxer engine
1997: Porsche presents an all-new 911 with slightly larger body dimensions but still in the same classic style as its predecessor - plus further improved suspension and a more powerful version of the new water-cooled boxer engine(3387 cc, 300 bhp/221 kW). The Porsche Carrera 4S, Targa and Porsche 911Turbo remain in production unchanged until March 1998.
1998: The 911Cabriolet based on the new model is presented to the public in March, its roof opening and closing electro hydraulically at the touch of a button. An aluminum hardtop comes as standard, as do the sidebags on both doors.