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Porsche Model Names
Every Porsche model has an official name or an in-house type number but even name has a meaning from the past and present.
Porsche-Code for recent models
- Boxster: An artificial name used since 1993 and derived from Boxer (engine) and roadster
- Carrera: (e.g. 911 Carrera) Originally, “Carrera” was the name of the Type 547 four-camshaft engine designed by Dr Ernst Fuhrmann. Porsche later used this suffix for the most powerful engine versions, such as the 356 A 1500 GS Carrera or the 911 Carrera RS 2.7. However, Carrera has almost become established as a synonym for the 911 model series. The name comes from the Carrera Panamericana, a Mexican endurance race in which Porsche secured major successes with the 550 Spyder.
- E-Hybrid: (e.g. Cayenne S E-Hybrid) Apart from the combustion engine, the E-Hybrid models also have an electric motor on board, which provides more thrust while simultaneously emitting less CO2.
- Executive: (e.g. Panamera 4S Executive) The Executive models of the Panamera have a body extended by 15 cm, which primarily benefits the passengers sitting in the rear.
- GT: (e.g. 911 GT2) the suffix Gran Turismo (GT) signifies a motorsport derived road version of the model; the designation has its origins in motor sport since it was possible to homologate vehicles for the GT class. Used for the first time with the 1955 356 A 1500 GS Carrera GT, Porsche returned to the designation in the 1989 928 GT, in 1995 with the 993 GT2 and in 1999 with the successful 911 GT3 range.
- GT Cup: (e.g. 911 GT3 Cup Car) Near-production racing version. Not street legal, used for example in the Porsche Carrera Cup.
- GTS: (e.g. 911 Carrera GTS) GTS stands for Gran Turismo Sport and is originally a homologation class from motor racing. The 904 Carrera GTS received this epithet for the first time in 1963. In 1991, the 928 GTS revived the tradition. The GTS suffix is currently used to designate the especially sporty and exclusive models of a Porsche model series.
- RS: (e.g. 911 GT3 RS)The RS stands for RennSport (=racing sport) and is a street-legal model that has been derived from the motor racing version. The designation is, however, also used for particularly sporty models.
- RSR: (e.g. 911 Carrera RSR 2.8 model year 1973) The RennSport Rennwagen (RSR) [literally: racing sport racing car] is a purely competition version and is not street legal.
- S: (e.g. 911 Carrera S; Macan S) S for “Super” or “Sport”: a version with a more powerful engine. Today the S consistently stands for “Sport” and, in addition to the extra-sporty engine, additionally includes enhancements to the equipment compared with the basic model.
- Speedster: (e.g. 911 Speedster) In the Speedster models, the windscreen is significantly lower when compared with the basic model, which gives the car a more streamlined silhouette. In return, the driver has to sacrifice comfort in the equipment provided.
- Spyder: (e.g. Boxster Spyder) The designation originally comes from the coach-making term for lightweight, open carriages for two people. In a similar way to the term Roadster, Spyder at Porsche designates open mid-engine sports cars. The 918 already has a legendary predecessor in the 550 Spyder from 1953.
- T: (e.g. 911 Carrera T) Although it was also available as a Targa version, the T in the 911 T from 1967 stood for “Touring” – and hence for a less expensive entry-level version of the classic vehicle with a weaker engine. With the 991, the T made its return. The 911 Carrera T is a lightened base model, specced with a few driver focussed bits.
- Targa: (e.g. 911 Targa) The 911 Targa is an open version of the 911, characterised by its distinctive roll-over protection bar and its fixed roof section. The name comes from the legendary Sicilian road race Targa Florio and means “plate” in English.
- Turbo: (e.g. The 911 Turbo) These models have an engine with exhaust gas turbocharger, which produces a powerful boost in performance. The original 911 Turbo was launched in 1974 has been the King of the 911 range ever since.
- 4: (e.g. 911 Carrera 4) Models with all-wheel drive
Historic models
- CS or Clubsport: Available from 1992, the Club Sport (CS) version of the 968 had the same engine but had undergone streamlining for extra sporting character: without window lifts, rear seating and air conditioning, it may have been less comfortable but was significantly lighter and therefore faster than the 968.
- L: L for “Luxury”. The third version of the original 911 received this suffix in 1967.
- LWB/SWB: LWB stands for long wheelbase, SWB for short wheelbase. From 1964 until 1968 the 911 had a shorter wheelbase. F-model cars from 1969 onwards are long wheelbase cars.
- MFI: Mechanical fuel injection system.
- Pre-A: 1948 until 1955 built Porsche 356s.
- SC: Introduced in the model year 1964, the 95 hp 356 SC (Super C) was intended to mark the end of the series. In a similar way to this, the 911 SC (Super Carrera) was introduced in 1977, and was initially also intended to be the last 911 model. However, the series ended up being continued with the 911 Carrera 3.2.
- Published
- 26 Dec 2023
- Page views
- 636
