Porsche Produces 100,000th 911
Ever notice how popular the latest generation Porsche 911 (code named 997) is? Everywhere you go, in crowded metropolitan areas, suburbs and even in the countryside, you’re never too far away from one of these rear-engine sports cars. It’s a fact that this particular generation is the fastest selling iteration of the iconic two-door in the brand’s history, marked by the passing of the 100,000th unit, which was recently produced at the brand’s Zuffenhausen factory. This figure was achieved in three years and three months, which is downright impressive for a car that commands a minimum price tag of six figures.
What’s made this goal achievable is that demand for the 911 hasn’t dwindled despite rising fuel prices and concerns over the environment. Actually, deliveries have increased since it was launched in 2004, giving those on top something to smile about. Porsche has been able to keep buyers coming back for more by gradually introducing new models and variants into its product range. Buyers can choose from multiple powerplants ranging from the base 3.6-litre six-cylinder to a larger 3.8-litre unit, plus the GT3 and the Turbo models. Add to that a choice of gearboxes (6-speed manual or automatic), driving the rear wheels or all, and three different body styles including a Coupe, Cabriolet and a glass-roofed Targa.
Perhaps what impresses us most is that the 997-generation hasn’t even hit its prime. There is still another model expected to join the ranks, the ultra-high performance GT2 that’s expected to arrive next year. The rear wheel drive, twin-turbo 911 probably won’t help boost overall sales by a great margin, but it just goes to show how Porsche is able to control and meter the interest in this particular model as well as the brand.
The 977 is also expected to undergo its first facelift for 2009. Though no details have been announced, it is expected that the look of the car will change slightly with new headlights, taillights and bumpers. From a mechanical standpoint, the 911’s legendary flat six will most likely gain DFI direct injection for increased performance and better fuel economy, while the Tiptronic six-speed automatic will be phased out in favour of a dual-clutch gearbox, a type of transmission Porsche has been expected to bring to market for quite some time now.
As for car number 100,000, it is a 911 Carrera S with the 3.8-litre, 355-hp horizontally apposed six mated to a 6-speed manual gearbox painted in Guards Red, a classic scheme for what’s destined to be a true collectible. Porsche won’t be keeping this commemorative unit for its own collection, mind you, but instead it will be heading off to a very lucky customer that lives in the Frankfurt, Germany area.