M136ID. 7. The 911

There is no other car in history, that have been able to sell in the same basic form for over 4 decades as the Porsche 911 have been able to. And it still remains a classic, as well as an iconic sports car till date, and still in production. The car was the brainchild of Ferdinand “Butzi” Porsche, and was designed in the year 1959. The car proved to be a capable machine on the track as well as tarmac.

After the success of the 356, Porsche wanted a more powerful, sporty, and expensive luxury car. The 911 got some of the 356’s styling features, but it also had a more modern look, a roomier interior and a six-cylinder engine with more power. The First 911 was unveiled at the Frankfurt Motor show in the year 1963. It was originally named the 901, however, Peugeot earned the copyright to the name x0x, and thus, Porsche had to rename the car to 911, as it is known till date.

When it went on sale in 1965, it featured a 128-hp, air-cooled, rear-mounted engine, an innovation at the time that helped keep the weight more central and, thus, improved handling. As time went by, engines were improved but the shape remained largely untouched for the next 26 years.

From the very day it went on sale, in the year 1964, the 911 established itself as an Icon for its performance, sophistication and affluence, of athleticism and power. It has also been an incredibly successful racing car. The car took part in a number of racing events, and was incredible victorious in many occasions. The participation in races resulted in the development of legendary cars such as the RSR’s, the 935’s and the super iconic 959’s.

The 911’s design evolution over the decades has been incremental, or an improvement of perfection rather than a radical revolution. While many cars have been on sale for a long time, none have ever been able to retain such a singular personality.

*Reference – Askmen.com by Matthew Hussey – [Online]available from <http://uk.askmen.com/cars/galleries/porsche-911-history.html,>

Edmonds [Online} available from <http://www.edmunds.com/porsche/911/history.html,>

* Image [Online] available from <http://automobili.pl/2010/10/24/najstarsze-porsche-w-usa/&gt;

M136ID. 6. The 356

It all began during the war, when Ferdinand “Ferry” Porsche set out to develop a more sportier, and luxurious car as compared to the Bettle. They code named it “The 356”, and began development in their workshops in the town of Gmund.

The first design drawings were completed in July 1947. Professor Ferdinand Porsche, who had just returned from prison for war crimes in France, looked at the design and gave his valuable approval. It thus led to the manufacture of the first iconic Porsche car ever. It began with a small series of 52 cars being produced.

The car was the brain child of Ferry Porsche (son of the famous Ferdinand Porsche). He designed the first project 356 car – the 356-001. The car had a tubular chassis, a 1100cc engine, and was very light weight, and thus a quick car for its time.

The body was designed by Irwin Komenda, who was an Austrian born designer, who contributed substantially to the Volkswagen, and Auto union race cars of the day. Though the car changed from a mid-engined layout to a rear engined one, the tubular chassis gave way to a unitized pan and body construction, and a myriad of details evolved over the22 year run of the model, the overall design and instantly recognizable shape of the car remained the same – a timeless classic.

The original 356-001 car took part in races, achieving victory in the 1100cc class.

*Reference – Porsche 356.co.uk [online] available from <http://www.porsche356.co.uk/a105.html,>

* Image – [Online] available from <http://www.articlearn.com/porsche-356-sports-car/&gt;

M136ID. 5. KEY CARS

KEY PORSCHES:-

The official “date of birth” for the first Porsche is considered being June 8, 1948. Number one, a two-seat 356 with a 1.1 litre centre engine, 40 HP weighing 650 kg. The following 50 speciemens of the so-called 356/2 were hand built in Gmünd/Kärnten (Austria). These cars almost resembled the classic 356 and are today, if at all to be found, almost priceless.

In late 1949 the Reutter company in Stuttgart (Germany) are given the assignment to build 500 body works for an adjusted model of the 356. This became the classic 356. With a 1.1 litre engine and 40 HP, it reached because of the good aerodynamics a speed of 140 kph, and was sold at a price of DM 12.000. At that time Ferry Porsche thought that it was impossible to sell more than 500 cars, a more than pleasant mistake. On March 15, 1954 car no 5.000 left the factory.

In 1953 the famous Porsche label badge is seen for the first time. In April 1965 the last Porsche 356 leaves the assembly line after 17 years of production. All in all 81.003 Porsche 356 were built together with about 1.194 in various Carrera versions.

1959 saw the beginning of the development of a new Porsche. On September 12, 1963, a new generation Porsche designed by “Butzi” Porsche, a prototype called 901 was introduced at the IAA. Not until August 1964 did it become possible to deliver the first 901 (911) to customers. In late fall of 1964 the French car producer Peugeot objects to the name 901 because the combination of three – with a zero in the middle – was patented. Porsche responded right away, changing the name to 911 and offered the car to the German and international markets at a price of DM 21.900.

The 911 was “born” in the year (1963) its look still survives. It became one of the biggest sports cars in the world and is – together with the 356 – the foundation of the success Porsche has had so far.

Then came along the Iconic 959, 944, 914 etc. And then we saw the amazing Carrera GT supercar, which was the next most amazing car Porsche released after the 959. And recently, Porsche took a radical step and produced the Cayenne SUV, which though brought a lot of from Porsche enthusiasts, became a sales success, and established Porsche as one of the most profitable car manufacturers. Finally, came the Panamera 4-door saloon, which again for Porsche was a landmark event.

*Reference – Dennig cars.com [Online] available from <http://www.dennigcars.com/history_of_porsche.htm&gt;

* Image – European car.web [Online] available from <http://www.europeancarweb.com/news/epcp_1102_porsche_boxster_s_black_edition/photo_04.html&gt;

M136ID. 4. BRAND IMAGE

IMAGE

Porsche cars have a virtually untarnished reputation and are considered among the finest performance vehicles in the world. It’s a reputation that’s well-deserved. With razor-sharp handling and power aplenty, Porsche vehicles offer a driving experience like no other. It’s little wonder that, for many, the marque has come to define the sports car category. For years, the only Porsches available were sleek sports cars, but the manufacturer recently expanded its lineup to include other types of vehicles.

The brand has its roots in the Porsche Engineering Office, founded in Stuttgart, Germany, by Ferdinand Porsche in 1931. Porsche brought with him years of experience as an automotive engineer; in the ’20s, while employed with Daimler, his skill was tapped to create Mercedes’ iconic SS and SSK sports cars. Porsche has long had close ties with Volkswagen, and the first Porsche vehicles were small two-seat sports cars that were largely based on VW chassis. From 1948-’50, most of these early Porsche cars (the brainchild of Porsche and his son Ferry) were actually built in Austria before production was switched to Zuffenhausen, Germany. Ferdinand’s first real production car was the VW Beetle, so it was no surprise that his sports cars used those components and had their air-cooled engine mounted in the rear.

The 1950s saw the birth of two icons, the 356 Speedster with its low-cut windshield and the lightweight, midengined 550 Spyder. Both cars helped Porsche rack up a multitude of wins on the racetrack. In the mid-’60s, the 356 made way for the revered 911. Powered by an all-new six-cylinder engine, the coupe scored two consecutive wins at Monte Carlo. Following in the footsteps of its predecessors, the 911’s air-cooled flat-six engine was located in the rear of the vehicle.

By the time the ’70s rolled around, Porsche had introduced the 914 (the “affordable” Porsche with a midengine design and a targa top), the mighty 911 turbo, the disrespected 924 (powered by a weak front-mounted, water-cooled inline four) and the flagship 928 (front-mounted V8, four-seat coupe). The ’80s saw the birth of the 956, a car that went on to become the most successful racecar of all time. The twin-turbo, all-wheel-drive 959 was also launched; it became the first sports car to win the Paris-Dakar Rally and the street version could hit nearly 200 mph. The athletic 944 debuted in 1983, as did a convertible version of the 911, something that had been missing for some years. The ’80s also saw the rebirth of the 924, now with some muscle courtesy of the 944’s strong-for-the-time (147-horsepower) inline four.

By the early 1990s the 928 had been discontinued and the 944 was replaced by the similar 968. Because of a lack of dynamic product and a tough market climate, Porsche was suffering financially. The company’s savior, the Boxster, debuted in 1997 and brought back the spirit of the old 550 Spyder. In 2003, Porsche did what purists considered a sin as the company brought an SUV, named Cayenne, to the market. However, once those enthusiasts discovered the Cayenne’s sporting performance (especially in 450-hp turbo form) all was forgiven. Two years later, Porsche brought out the ferocious (605-hp) Carrera GT supercar. Modern offerings even include a four-door luxury super sport sedan, the Panamera.

Throughout its history, Porsche has exhibited amazing resilience, weathering changes in the economic climate and remaining fully independent from any larger automaker. Today, the ever-robust company continues to be known for making vehicles that raise the bar when it comes to performance.

• Reference – Edmonds.com [Online] available from <http://www.edmunds.com/porsche/&gt;,
• Images from Windows themes [Online] available from <http://windows7themes.net/windows-7-porsche-theme-1.html&gt;

M136ID. 3. Porsche Timeline

PORSCHE TIMELINE:-

1875 – Ferdinand Porsche born on September 3.

1906 – Porsche becomes technical director at Austro Daimler.

1909 – Ferry Porsche born on September 19.

1931 – Ferdinand Porsche opens engineering and consultation on engine and vehicle design’ in Stuttgart on April 25.

1934 – The company Dr. Ing. h.c. F. Porsche KG receives an official order for the design and construction of a German Volkswagen.    Only one year later, the VW prototype is test driven.

The ‘Ur Beetle’ is assembled in the garage of the Porsche villa in Stuttgart.

1935 – Ferdinand Alexander Porsche is born on December 11 in Stuttgart as the eldest son of Ferry Porsche.

1948 – The 356 is the first sports car to bear the Porsche name. ‘No. 1’ is roadcertified in June. Only one month later, the lightweight mid-engine roadster wins its first class victory at the Innsbruck Stadtrennen.

1950 – Porsche KG returns to Stuttgart-Zuffenhausen and commences series production of the Porsche 356.

1951 – Company founder Ferdinand Porsche dies on 30 January at the age of 75. With the class victory of a 356 SL at the 24 Hours of Le Mans, the young sports car manufacturer Porsche wins international acclaim.

1964 – The Porsche 911 launched in the previous year as the ‘901’ goes into series production.

The Porsche 904 Carrera GTS likewise designed by Ferdinand Alexander Porsche is acclaimed for its exceptional design and outstanding performance.

1975 – With the 924, Porsche for the first time produces a front-engine sports car in transaxle configuration. Porsche becomes the first car maker to employ a double-sided galvanising process for body steel.

1977 – Conceived as successor to the 911, the Porsche 928 takes new paths in technology and design. Serving as power plant of the luxurious high performance sports car is a light-metal alloy V8 engine.

In addition to successfully defending its title in the World Championship of Makes with the Type 935, Porsche once again wins the 24 Hours of Le Mans with the Type 936.

1985 – The high-performance, high-tech Porsche 959 is presented at the Frankfurt Auto Show. Shortly thereafter, it wins the Pharaoh’s Rally. In the following year, the 959 is likewise victorious in the Paris–Dakar Rally.

1989 – The Porsche 911 Carrera appears for the first time with the novel ‘Tiptronic’ automatic gearbox system. Body versions offer a choice of Coupé, Cabriolet and Targa.

1991 – Porsche becomes the first car maker in Germany to equip all production models with an airbag for driver and front passenger as standard equipment.

1997 – Under the motto ‘Evolution 911’ a new generation of the Porsche 911 Carrera is presented. For the first time, it is powered by a water-cooled four-valve 6-cylinder horizontally opposed engine.

To satisfy high demand, the Boxster is now also produced by Valmet Automotive in Finland.

1998 – On 27 March, Ferry Porsche dies at the age of 88. The decision to initiate production of the third series is announced – the Cayenne is on its way. With the 911 GT1,

Porsche logs a double victory in Le Mans and can now chalk up a total of 16 overall wins.

1999 – With the 911 GT3, Porsche rounds out the 911 series with an exceptionally sporty version. The Boxster S, a higher performance version of the mid-engine roadster, is available.

The Porsche Ceramic Composite Brake (PCCB) is presented as a world first.

2001 – The new 911 GT2 is equipped with the PCCB Porsche Ceramic Composite Brake as standard and generates 462 hp. The new generation of the 911 Carrera receives a 3.6-litre engine with variable valve lift.

Available as new versions are the 911 Carrera 4S and 911 Targa.

2002 – Porsche presents its third series: the sporty and off-road Cayenne SUV. The revised Boxster, thanks to VarioCam technology, achieves lower consumption and emission ratings with simultaneous power boost.

2003 – Series production of the Porsche Carrera GT starts up in Leipzig. By 2006, a total of 1,270 units of the fast (up to 330 km/h) high-performance sports car are built. In addition to the new Porsche 911 GT3 and 911 GT3       RS,        the 911Turbo Cabriolet and the 911 Carrera 4S Cabriolet further expand the product line.

2004 – The new generations of the 911 and Boxster sports car series are introduced in both Basic and S versions.

2007 – With the Porsche 911 GT2, the fastest and most powerful roadgoing 911 is launched in November. The new Cayenne GTS offers greater performance and agility, and an even more direct response.

The uprated 4.8-litre V8 engine delivers 405 hp to the road. And the ALMS success story continues with the 2nd generation RS Spyder: 12 runs, 11 class victories, 8 overall victories, Team,

Constructor’s and Driver’s World Championship.

2009 – Ferry Porsche would have celebrated his 100th birthday – and would have been proud: the new Panamera brings sportscar technology to the automotive premium class and a highly dynamic interpretation of ‘luxury’.

The new 911 GT3 and 911 GT3 RS offer the most uncompromising interpretation of the 911 idea to date. The new 911 Turbo proves that, at Porsche, exceptional efficiency and outstanding performance are inseparable

concepts: featuring direct fuel injection (DFI), Variable Turbine Geometry (VTG), VarioCam Plus and Porsche Doppelkupplung (PDK) double-clutch transmission, it generates 500 hp from just 11.4 l/100 km.

And the new Boxster and Cayman models are more powerful and efficient, too. The Porsche Museum opens in Zuffenhausen – right next to the company’s headquarters.

2011 – At the Detroit Auto Show, Porsche will present the 918 RSR racing lab for the first time. Porsche is using it to test its hybrid technology on the race track and to show how far the idea of Porsche Intelligent Performance

can really go. After all, if hybrid technology is to be used as a drive type for race cars, it must prove itself on the race track.

Porsche presents the new generation of the sports car icon that is the 911. Porsche Identity. For and in the 21st century. And with it, a truly distinctive design.

A technology that was born on the race track. With an emotional impact that has been standard since 1963.

• Reference – Porsche.com [Online] available from <http://www.porsche.com/usa/aboutporsche/porschehistory/milestones/&gt;