Changes to the Porsche 911 have always been more evolutionary than revolutionary. A time traveling 911 owner from decades ago could easily recognize a 911 from the 2020s as the direct descendant of one from the 1960s. But the seventh generation of the 911 (aka 991) marked numerous important updates for Germany’s most famous sports car.
Unveiled at the Frankfurt Motor Show in 2011, the 991 introduced an all-new platform for the 911 for only the third time in the model’s history. Compared to the 997 it replaced, it features a wheelbase nearly 4 inches longer and nearly 4 additional inches in overall length as well as better weight distribution.
The 991 can be divided into two basic series – 991.1 and 992.2 – over its 2012-19 production run. Initially, the 991.1 range started with a base model called the Carrera, which came with a 3.4-liter flat-six good for 345 horsepower and 288 lb-ft of torque and shifted by either a 7-speed manual or PDK transmission. The slightly hotter Carrera S got a 3.8-liter with 39hp and 325 lb-ft, while all-wheel drive versions called the Carrera 4 and 4S debuted in late 2012. A Carrera GTS introduced in 2014 came with 424hp, Porsche’s Sport Chrono Package, upgraded exhaust, lower suspension, torque vectoring, and upgraded lighting. In addition to the standard coupe and convertible, Porsche added the Targa 4, 4S and GTS to the lineup for 2014.
Further up the range, the Turbo and Turbo S models got a twin-turbo 3.8-liter engine mated to a PDK transmission and all-wheel drive. Turbo models delivered 513hp and 457hp, while the Turbo S came with 553hp and 516 lb-ft, or 553 lb-ft with an overboost function engaged.
For harder, track-oriented driving Porsche introduced the GT3 in 2013 and the GT3 RS in 2015. The 991.1 GT3 RS is recognizable thanks to front fender louvers above the wheels. For 2016, Porsche also sold 991 copies of a special model called the 911 R. Essentially a GT3 RS but more conservative without the rear wing, aero bits and roll cage, the R also came with a 6-speed manual and is distinguished by the special widely spaced stripes on its hood.
In 2016 Porsche also introduced the significant mid-cycle update for the 911, called the 991.2. On base cars, the 911 sprouted new bumpers, exhaust pipes and lights, but the most significant update was in the range of engines. They shrank in size but added performance thanks in large part to turbocharging. In the Carrera, this meant a 3.0-liter twin-turbo and the first time a base 911 came with forced induction. A new Carrera T (Touring) model also added performance upgrades and lighter weight with the base Carrera powertrain. A Touring Package was also available on the GT3 which, along with its 4.0-liter engine, was now available with the 6-speed manual that enthusiasts had been missing on the 991.1 GT3. Porsche also introduced a GT2 variant on the 991.2 platform, with an incredible 690hp and 553 lb-ft and a track-ready chassis.
Special Edition 991s included the 2016 Club Coupe, a 60-unit edition with retro cues like Fuchs-style wheels and ducktail rear spoiler. There was also a 50th Anniversary car in 2014 with 1963 built, and a 911 Speedster variant with 1948 built. Porsche built the last 991.2 in December 2019 before replacing it with the 911’s eighth generation – called the 992.
