Ron Minson

So was the 959 ever considered a 911? I did not see it on Edward's list?

Edward

From it's coilover suspension to AWD (which eventually showed up on the 964), to its twn turbo and water cooling (IIRC ...getting old), the 959 was a rolling testbed of R&D for Porsche and always referred to as a "959" to my memory. But someone here's gotta have the real answer to that ...I'm too tired to look it up

Edward

ked

959 is / was a 911.

Rod.

Paul Frere's book (Porsche 911 Story) includes the 959, calling it "undoubtedly the most spectacular development of the 911 concept". The introduction by Prof. F. Porsche also says it was developed directly from the 911.

Rod.

Edward

Well there you go

Cowhorn

Interesting posts. My point about the 911 designation (not really MY point as I learned it from reading books on 911's; I need to do a bibliography) being based on the engine type (flat 6) and the engine position (distal to the rear axle) is sound. I am aware of the internal designations for the 911, 944, etc. But the question is what makes a 911 a 911 as opposed to a 944, 924, 928? What do all the 911's (911, 964, 993, 996, 997) have in common? I believe the correct answer is engine configuration and position. I don't think it is the silohuette, suspension, or cupholders that differentiate a 911 from the other cars, past and present. I am not sure I am being clear, but does anyone else have an answer to the question (structural, not philosophical) what makes a 911 a 911?