VIDEO: Porsche 911 model, variant line-up explained

The Porsche 911 cuts a silhouette that is distinct, yet to the uninitiated, one that makes it difficult to distinguish between model variants. There are 24 different versions of the Neunelfer currently available, and in this video, just short of five minutes in length, Porsche aims to explains the differences as concisely as possible.

The basic concept begins with the 911 Carrera, which offers a 2+2 seating configuration and a horizontally-opposed six-cylinder engine since the model’s inception. In the latest, facelifted 991-generation model, a 3.0 litre biturbo flat-six produces 370 hp and 450 Nm of torque. The name ‘Carrera’ comes from the Carrera Panamericana road race held in Mexico, one of the world’s most dangerous races.

The 911 Carrera Cabriolet pairs similar underpinnings to a soft-top for an open-air motoring experience, and are typically rear-wheel drive. However, Porsche also sells cars with the Carrera 4 moniker, whereby the ‘4’ suffix signifies four driven wheels for improved traction in compromised road conditions.

Meanwhile, the Carrera S and Carrera 4S are uprated versions of the base Carrera, which in its iteration, have engines that are augmented to 420 hp and 500 Nm. the ‘S’ suffix also signifies higher levels of equipment, which can include rear-wheel steering, among others.

The Carrera T nomenclature makes a comeback for this generation, where T stands for ‘Touring’ in reference to the 911 T of the late Sixties, as well as representing the Carrera line in its purest form (lighter weight, shorter gear ratios), says Porsche. This resides between the base Carrera and the Carrera S in the model hierarchy; in current guise, it produces the same power as the base Carrera.

Next up is the 911 Carrera GTS, which is the sportiest and most generously specified version of the mainstream Carrera range. Here, the 3.0 litre biturbo flat-six mills of the 991-generation car are uprated to the tune of 450 hp and 550 Nm of torque, and like the rest of the Carrera range, are mated to either a seven-speed manual or dual-clutch PDK automatic transmission.

The 911 Targa is among the more distinct variants, featuring an aluminium roll-over bar initially designed as a safety feature to protect its occupants in case of a roll-over incident. All 911 Targa models are now offered with all-wheel drive exclusively.

Before today’s mainstream adoption of forced induction, the Turbo was unique in offering turbocharging and its introduction in 1974, was the first series production Porsche to do so. From its beginning, the Turbo models have been identifiable by wider tracks front and rear, as well as a more prominent rear decklid spoiler. Two variants are on offer today, the Turbo and Turbo S, the latter with 580 hp and 750 Nm of torque. Both are available in coupe and cabriolet body styles.

The GT line of 911 models are developed with much inspiration from motorsports, where the name originated from the sports car racing class which required homologation with equivalent road-going models. First coming to light in the late Nineties, the 911 GT3 of today is unique within the line-up in continuing to offer a naturally-aspirated engine, now producing 500 hp and 460 Nm of torque from a 4.0 litre displacement.

This also gave rise to the GT3 RS, an even more track-focused variant with more pronounced aero elements and slightly more power than the standard GT3, with 520 hp. The latest iteration offers buyers an even more focused weight-loss regime with the Weissach pack, which brings select carbon-fibre panels and magnesium wheels.

Sitting atop the 911 family tree, performance-wise, is the GT2 RS, with a biturbo 3.8 litre flat-six driving just the rear wheels with 700 hp and 750 Nm of torque for a 0-100 km/h time of 2.8 seconds and a top speed of 340 km/h. Like the GT3 RS, the modern-day Widowmaker can be optioned with the Weissach pack for further weight loss. The GT2 RS is the fastest, most powerful 911 made yet.

Plenty of choice within the range, then. How would you specify your ideal Porsche 911?

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