Porsche Model Numbers
Porsche model numbers are one of the most confusing
car identifiers of the motor industry. Over the last 40
years, Porsche have used most of the 9xx numbers to describe their cars,
though one or two recent models are better known by name rather than
their 9xx code, for example the Boxster (986) and the Cayenne (955).
The code numbers appear to be quite logical in some ways, but in
others are a complete mystery. Here a guide to some of the key
models from the last 40 years.
Porsche 911 (901) - 1963
1963 Porsche 911 (901)
The early Short Wheel Base (SWB) 911s of 1963 were
originally going to be marketed as 901s, but Peugeot soon put a stop to
this as they had the rights to the number (and a whole lot more 3 digit
numbers with a zero in the middle), so Porsche called their new coupe a
911, but retained the 901 for the model designation.
Porsche 912 (902)
The original 912 was a four cylinder version of the
901 and was released in 1965. 130kg lighter than the 911 (901), it
looked identical to the six-cylinder car, but had a smoother ride thanks
to a slightly softer suspension setup.
Porsche 914
Porsche 914
The 914 was a return to the mid engine layout and was
produced in collaboration with VW who benefited enormously from the
joint development, going on to produce the VW Golf, while Porsche
struggled to find their way again. Fundamentally, the 914 was a
great car, with its engine in the right place and with beautiful balance
as a result. But the Porsche version was too expensive to be an
entry level Porsche, and those with sufficient money still wanted to buy
the 911.
Porsche 911 (911) - 1969
Porsche 911 (911)
In 1968, when the 911 was re-vamped it took the 911
code within the company too. Most of these cars feature the famous
impact bumpers introduced in 1974 and are the picture most car
enthusiasts have of the 911 series.
Porsche 911 Turbo (930) - 1975
911 (930) Whale Tail
Featuring a turbo version of the 3 litre flat six
engine in a 911 body, the 930 produced 260bhp at 5,500rpm giving it a
0-60 time of 6 seconds. This car introduced the infamous Whale
Tail spoiler show above.
Porsche 924 - 1976
The first real front engine Porsche was a result of
the joint working with VW on the 914 and was destined to be another
saviour for the company. It provided volume sales, which they
hoped would lead to satisfied users moving up to their 911 range and was
remarkably successful given that it was driven by a VW four cylinder
engine previously used in the VW LT van.
Porsche 928 - 1977
This awesome looking front engine car was released as the
ultimate grand tourer in 1978. For many this is the best front
engine car the company have ever produced. Using a massive V8
water cooled engine which even at launch was almost 4.5 litres in
capacity and was capable of 240bhp @ 5,500 rpm and a massive 268lb/ft of
torque at 3600 rpm.
Porsche 928
The 928 evolved over a number of years through the S2,
S4 and S4GT variations, the latter being capable of 0-60 in 5.3 seconds
despite its weight of 1580Kg.
Porsche 924 Turbo (931) - 1978
The 1978 924 Turbo featured a 0.7bar KKK turbo to
increase power to 170bhp. And by 1980, the turbo eventually
evolved into the 924 Carrera GT with 210bhp @ 6000 rpm.
Porsche 924 Carrera GT (1980)
Porsche 911 (959) - 1983
Porsche 911 (964) - 1989
Porsche 911 (964)
In 1989 it was time for another major revamp of the
911 Series, the first for 21 years. Porsche gave it a new model
number - the 964, but retained the number 911 in the showroom. The
new model lost the old car's impact bumpers, in favour of a new
"big bumper" look. Early version of the 964 suffered
from reliability problems, but later version are highly regarded drivers
cars, even if they aren't the best looking 911s around.
Porsche 944 - 1982
The 944, an updated version of the 924 was introduced
in 1985 as demand for the 924 began to wane. The new car featured
a 2479cc straight 4 engine and producing 163bhp at 5,800 rpm.
Porsche 944 Turbo (951) - 1985
The 944 Turbo joined the stable in 1985 to boost the
944's power to 220bhp, and was followed in 1988 by the 944 Turbo S which
had an output of 250bhp.
Porsche 968 - 1992
An enhancement of the 944, the 968 had a 3 litre
(2990cc) development of the 944's straight four engine. Recession
was just around the corner though, and the nice looking tourer was
unable to make the impact it deserved.
Porsche 911 (965) - 1993
From 1993 to 1994 a turbo version of the 911 (964) was
produced under the model number 965.
Porsche 911 (993) - 1994
Porsche 911 (993)
The 964 model was to last for only a few years before
it was replaced in 1994 with the 993 - the last of the air-cooled 911
range (for now at least). Although the 964 reliability problems
had been overcome, Porsche needed a new model to bring the 911 range up
to date, and to many people the 911(993) series is the best of the
range.
Porsche Boxster (986) - 1997
Porsche 986 Boxster
Struggling to make a profit, despite the excellent 911
(993) in the showrooms, Porsche realised that it was time for something
different and brought out the Boxster in 1997. The car was
developed in parallel with the new 996 Coupe that was to replace the 911
(993), and to the front is identical with its sister car. Porsche
chose to position the car as an entry level Porsche, despite having had
problems with similar strategies in the past. The good news for
the public is that the brilliant little mid-engine two seater is
available for considerably less money than the slightly bigger rear
engine models.
Porsche 911 (996) - 1998
Porsche 911 (996)
A year after the Boxster's release the 996 was
out. The first water cooled 911 featured a bigger version of the
Boxster flat six. It was similar in looks to the 993 at the rear,
and the Boxster at the front.
Porsche Cayenne (955) - 2003
Porsche 955 Cayenne
New Porsche Model Numbers?
Porsche 911 (997) - 2004?
The next revision of the 911 is expected somewhere
between 2004 and 2006 - depending on whether the 911 or the Boxster is
the first to benefit from the facelift. Both will be developed
together; last time round the Boxster had to come first because it was a
completely new model, but this time round the flagship 911 is almost
certain to take the lead.
Porsche Boxster (987) - 2005?
Expected around 2005 or 2006, the 987 Boxster will be
a subtle revision of the current 986 series, though many expect a two
seater coupe version to be released the year after the convertible is
replaced. We're looking out for the latest news of Porsche's
greatest little car.
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