Author: Peter Matthews
Few carmakers can match Porsche’s pursuit of unparalleled speed. And so introductions such as the new Macan range, a comparatively slow and compact SUV with four seats, belie the manufacturer’s prowess for raw pace. But then the Stuttgart company brings out hybrid supercars such as the 918 Spyder. It reminds us of the Porsche tradition that has been around for more than 80 years.
The brand has gone from strength to strength. Sales in 2011 were double those of 2002. Porsche is looking to grow into the family-friendly market with the new Macan. And it has produced one of its most exciting cars ever with the hybrid 918 Spyder.
These are exciting times for a manufacturer that began as a vehicle consultation and development company. Founder Ferdinand Porsche didn’t build his first car until 1939, eight years after starting the company.
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Growth slowed down following World War II. Porsche had to share parts and development with Volkswagen during these years as Germany recovered. It also had to overcome the death of founder Ferdinand Porsche in 1951. Control of the company passed on to his son Ferry. His role in the creation of the original 911 in 1963 is his defining legacy.
The 911 series has spawned several classic models. Tom Cruise, Steve McQueen and David Beckham have named it among their favourite cars. Several 911 models feature in our countdown of the fastest Porsche of all time.
911 Carrera S
Top speed: 188 mph
0-60 mph: 4.5 seconds
The Carrera S was a modern evolution for the 911. It adopted technological updates such as powered steering, seventh gear and a paddle shift. Performance is strong: the Carrera S has a top speed of 188 mph and goes from zero to 60 mph in 4.5 seconds. But it’s still the slowest of Porsches in our countdown.
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911 Speedster
Top speed: 189 mph
0-60 mph: 4.4 seconds
By name, by nature – although the 911 Speedster is ninth in this countdown. Only 356 exist in homage to the original 356 Speedster built in 1954. It has a 3.8-litre V6 engine providing 402 bhp at 7300 rpm. Top speed is 189 mph and it goes from zero to 60 mph in 4.4 seconds.
911 Carrera GTS
Top speed: 190 mph
0-60 mph: 4.4 seconds
The 911 Carrera GTS draws from the GT3 and the Carrera 2S. It came out in December 2010 with a price tag of £76,758. Borrowing elements from different cars has meant there is little to distinguish the Carrera GTS. But it serves as a fast all-rounder by its own right. Top speed if 190 mph and it goes from zero to 60 mph in 4.4 seconds.
Panamera Turbo S
Top speed: 192 mph
0-60mph: 3.8 seconds
Porsche debuted the Panamera Turbo S along with the Panamera Turbo S Executive at the Tokyo Motor Show 2013. It has a 4.8-litre twin-turbo V8 accounting for 570 bhp at 6000 rpm. Top speed is 192 mph and it takes 3.8 seconds to go from zero to 60 mph. Deliveries of the new model will start in January 2014.
911 GT3
Top speed: 195 mph
0-60 mph: 3.5 seconds
The new 911 GT3 lands at the midpoint of the fastest Porsche countdown. It packs a 3.8-litre flat-six engine developing 475 bhp at 8,250 rpm. The Porsche Doppelkupplung (PDK) paddle shift allows gear changes that take place in milliseconds, providing faster acceleration. Top speed is 195 mph and it goes from zero to 60 mph in 3.2 seconds.
911 Turbo S Cabriolet
Top speed: 195 mph
0-60 mph: 3.2 seconds
Porsche’s new cabrio debuted at the LA Auto Show in November 2013 and is available from early 2014. It has a 3.8-litre flat-six engine developing 553 bhp. The Turbo S Cabriolet will set you back £149,511 but at least it’s quick. That extra horsepower means the car can go from zero to 60 mph in 3.2 seconds with a top speed of 195 mph.
911 Turbo S
Top speed: 196 mph
0-60 mph: 3.1 seconds
Top speed for the 911 Turbo S falls shy of 200 mph but it goes from zero to 60 mph in a frightening 3.1 seconds. That acceleration is the same as the legendary McLaren F1 supercar. The 911Turbo S derives its speed from the 553 bhp of a bi-turbo 3.8-litre flat-six.
Carrera GT
Top speed: 205 mph
0-60 mph: 3.8 seconds
The Carrera GT breaks the 200 mph barrier thanks to a Le Mans-inspired 5.5-litre V10 engine that develops 558 bhp. Only 1,270 of these exist. Speed and exclusivity are the defining concepts behind the Carrera GT. The car has been in the news because of an accident that killed Fast and Furious actor Paul Walker in 2013. US chatshow host Jay Leno was also involved in an accident involving the car in 2005.
911 GT2 RS
Top speed: 205 mph
0-60 mph: 3.4 seconds
The RS variant of Porsche’s GT2 is lightening quick. Top speed is 205 mph and the car does zero to 60 mph in 3.4 seconds. The GT2 RS packs a twin-turbo flat-six engine that develops 611 bhp. Production was limited to 500 units with each carrying a price tag of £164,107.
918 Spyder
Top speed: 211 mph
0-60 mph: 2.8 seconds
Porsche has barely finished making the 918 Spyder but the supercar will be the company’s quickest. It is a plug-in hybrid that breaks the three second barrier for covering zero to 60 mph. Top speed is 211 mph. The 918 Spyder combines a 4.6-litre V8 with an electric motor to develop a combined 887 bhp. Porsche has described it as a gene pool for future sport cars.
