Hi all,

I ordered a new C4S cab earlier July and waiting for it. At the same time I was wondering how Porsche sequence their different 911 generations (993, 996, 997, 991, 991.1, 991.2, 992) , and I couldn’t find it on google. Apparently, the numbers are the type numbers which indicate the projects numbers since Porsche was founded. Could anyone share the reason that Porsche make this specific sequence to 911 generations?

 

991.1 and 991.2 is the same generation of 911 991 series
991.2 means it's a facelift upgrade edition of 991.

You can find same approach for other generations of 911
For example 997.1 means that is 997 model before facelift upgrade.

 

At one point I believe the main number denoted the project number within Porsche. Thus the 356 was project number 356 and the 911 was project number 911 etc. It's my understanding they also make marine and tank engines and of course very affordable sun glasses.

siberian

 

The bit that confuses me is if model numbers = project numbers, how did we go from 997 to 991? I'm pretty sure someone here will know . Else my math is pretty bad!

 

There is much more significance in the .2 variation than just a "facelift".

With the 997.2, Porsche moved from a port injected engine to a direct injected engine and introduced the PDK transmission, with the 991.2, Porsche introduced a 3.0L, turbocharged engine. Both of which are huge milestones for the 911.

 

I'm with you. What I meant was that initially, the 356, 911 and 917 etc. denoted internal Porsche Project numbers. Was that scheme abandoned at some point or were some designs made but only brought out later but with the original internal project number? Maybe someone will correct or clarify this?

siberian

 

Exactly, this is what I wanted to ask! Shouldn’t the project numbers go by chronological order? How does it goes from 964, 993, 996, 997 and back to 991??? Who didn’t they take 991 as type numbers an earlier generation?

 

I think it used to be sequential up until the 60s or 70s, but since then new numbers for their most highly visible projects (road cars and race cars) looks like they are chosen in part for marketing purposes.

 

Most companies randomize the internal code ID’s so there is no indication as to when it will launch. Not nearly so effective in the internet era as it was in past years.

 

I think this can shed some light

https://newsroom.porsche.com/en/prod...ber-12087.html

siberian

 

Thanks, Siberian! That's a must read if you're curious about this question.

 

I knew the original sequence numbers were actual internal project numbers but how it diverged afterwards I had no real idea as to how convoluted it all became Thanx

siberian

 

The 911 started out as the 901 until Peugeot threatened action. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Porsche_901

 

Yes, it's stated in the article above. The reason is they somehow copyrighted the second numeral as being ZERO as a Peugeot trademark, so Porsche just substituted a "1".

siberian

 

The key sentence from the Porsche newsroom article: "The tradition of the three-digit type numbers is being maintained – albeit with a certain degree of creative freedom."
964 > 993 > 996 > 997 then (creative freedom exerted) 991 > 992.
Similar story with BoxsterCayman: 986 > 987 then (creative freedom exerted) 981 > 982 (aka 718).

Picked up personalized licence plate 9xx to ensure it'll work with any Porsche sports car lol. (Although if we add another Cay/Box or 911 to the stable, wife's primary DD will wear 9xx plate and mine 9xy.)