The JZM Quick Guide to the models and variants of the Porsche 911.
This is our guide to help you understand the complex history of the Porsche 911 and how to distinguish them.
The Basics:
Originally starting life as the 901, until Peugeot decided to act, stating only they could have cars with a “0” in the middle of its name. This led to Porsche changing its model designation to the famous 911 as we know it today.
Porsche have always been famous for keeping two things consistent through their 911 range…both where the engine sits and the layout of the engine. Many variants have had tweaks throughout the years, but the 6 Cylinder Flat Six Engine that sits over the rear axle, has never changed.
The 911 Classic which ran from 1963 all the way through to 1973 had many different variants, from the original 2.0L to the famous 2.7 RS, this developed into the much-loved G series era which took Porsche up to 1989. The 911 was then heavily revised and the 911 (964) came along….
Below is a brief guide to the 911 and the variants available throughout the years.
| Model and Designation | Variants | Model Years / Total Production Number |
| Original 911 | 911T, 911L, 911E, 911S, 911R, Coupe, Targa, 2.7 RS | 1963 – 1973 (81,100) |
| G Series | 2.7 / 2.7 Targa / 2.7S / 2.7S Targa / 3.0L SC / 3.0L SC Targa / 3.0L SC Cabriolet / 3.0L Carrera / 3.0L Carrera Targa / 3.0L Turbo / 3.3 Turbo / Speedster | 1974 – 1989 (196,397) |
| 911 (964) | Carrera 2 / Carrera 4 / Targa / 3.3 Turbo / 3.6 Turbo / Speedster / Carrera RS / 30th Anniversary / RS America / 3.3 Turbo S Lightweight / Turbo Cabriolet / 3.6 Flatnose Turbo / 3.6 Turbo S | 1989 – 1993 (63,762) |
| 911 (993) | Carrera 2 / Carrera 2 Cabriolet / Carrera 2 S / Carrera 4 / Carrera 4 Cabriolet / Carrera 4 S / Targa / Turbo / Turbo Cabriolet / Turbo S / GT2 / Carrera RS / Speedster | 1994 – 1998 (68,881) |
| 911 (996) | Carrera 2 / Carrera 2 Cabriolet / Carrera 4 / Carrera 4 Cabriolet / Carrera 4 S / Carrera 4 S Cabriolet / Targa / Turbo / Turbo Cabriolet / Turbo S / Turbo S Cabriolet / GT2 / GT3 / GT3 RS | 1998 – 2004 (175,262) |
| 911 (997) | Carrera 2 S / Carrera 2 S Cabriolet / Carrera 4 / Carrera 4 Cabriolet / Carrera 4 S / Carrera 4 S Cabriolet / Carrera 2 GTS / Carrera 4 GTS / Targa 4 / Targa 4 S / Turbo / Turbo Cabriolet / Turbo S / Turbo S Cabriolet / GT2 / GT2 RS / GT3 / GT3 Cup / GT3 RS / GT3 RS 4.0 / Speedster / Sports Classic | 2004 – 2012 (213,004) |
| 911 (991) | Carrera 2 / Carrera 2 Cabriolet / Carrera 2 S / Carrera 2 S Cabriolet / Carrera 4 / Carrera 4 Cabriolet / Carrera 4 S / Carrera 4 S Cabriolet / Carrera 2 GTS / Carrera 4 GTS / Carrera 2 GTS Cabriolet / Carrera 4 GTS Cabriolet / Targa 4 / Targa 4 S / Targa 4 GTS / Turbo / Turbo Cabriolet / Turbo S / Turbo S Exclusive Edition / Turbo S Cabriolet / GT2 RS / GT3 / GT3 Touring / GT3 RS / Speedster / 50th Anniversary Edition / 911 R / 911 T | 2012 – 2019 (233,540) |
| 911 (992) | Carrera 2 / Carrera 2 Cabriolet / Carrera 2 S / Carrera 2 S Cabriolet / Carrera 4 / Carrera 4 Cabriolet / Carrera 4 S / Carrera 4 S Cabriolet / Carrera 2 GTS / Carrera 4 GTS / Carrera 2 GTS Cabriolet / Carrera 4 GTS Cabriolet / Targa 4 / Targa 4 S / Targa 4 S Heritage Design Edition / Targa 4 GTS / Turbo / Turbo Cabriolet / Turbo S / Turbo S Cabriolet / GT3 / GT3 Touring / GT3 RS / 911 T / Sport Classic | 2019 – Present (96,603 as of 2022) |
| Key | Where does the name originate / mean | Models |
| Cabriolet | The term “cabriolet” originates from France, and it refers to a type of car body style that has a folding or retractable roof. The word “cabriolet” is derived from the French verb “cabrioler,” which means “to leap” or “to caper.” This is because early cabriolets were often sporty, open-top vehicles that were associated with leisure and pleasure.
Cabriolets have been popular since the early days of automobiles, and they were often associated with luxury and style. The first cabriolets were typically two-seater vehicles with an open top, but over time the design evolved to include four-seater models and retractable hardtops. Today, the term “cabriolet” is often used interchangeably with “convertible” or “drop-top” to describe any car with a folding or retractable roof. However, some car enthusiasts differentiate between cabriolets and other convertible models based on the specific design and features of the car. |
Carrera 2 Cabriolet / Carrera 2 S Cabriolet / Carrera 4 Cabriolet / Carrera 4 S Cabriolet / Carrera 2 GTS Cabriolet / Carrera 4 GTS Cabriolet / Turbo Cabriolet / Turbo S Cabriolet |
| Turbo | One of the most distinctive features of Porsche cars is the use of the term “Turbo” to describe some of their models. While the term “turbo” is commonly associated with forced induction in engines, not all Porsche 911 models are equipped with turbochargers.
The term has become synonymous with high- performance and speed. For Porsche, the Turbo name represents a commitment to performance and innovation. |
Turbo / Turbo Cabriolet / Turbo S / Turbo S Cabriolet |
| GT | One of the most recognisable terms associated with Porsche cars is the term “GT.” Porsche has used the GT designation on many of its cars over the years, including the iconic 911 GT3.
The cars needed to be fast enough to compete, but also comfortable enough to drive long distances without causing fatigue. Over time, the term GT came to represent this type of car, and it has been used ever since. |
GT2 / GT2 RS / GT3 / GT3 RS / GT4 / GT4 RS |
| Speedster | The term “Speedster” has been used by Porsche since the 1950s, where it was first applied to the Porsche 356 Speedster. This model was designed as a stripped-down version of the 356, aimed at providing a more affordable and lightweight sports car option for drivers who wanted to experience the thrill of driving a Porsche. The 356 Speedster featured a low, raked windshield, minimal interior amenities, and a removable top – all aimed at reducing weight and improving the car’s performance.
Over the years, Porsche has continued to use the term “Speedster” for several of its models, including the 911 Speedster, which was first introduced in the 1980s. The 911 Speedster was designed as a limited-edition model, combining the classic styling and performance of the 911 with the open-top driving experience of the Speedster. |
911 Speedster |
| G series | The origin of the G-Series term is rooted in the German 2.7 / 2.7 Targa / 2.7S / word “Gemeinschaft,” which means “community” or “society.” Porsche, being a German car manufacturer, took this term and used it to represent the community of enthusiasts who owned and drove their cars.
The G-Series represented a significant leap forward in terms of design and performance, with new features like impact bumpers, larger wheels, and improved suspension systems. |
2.7S Targa / 3.0L SC / 3.0L SC Targa / 3.0L SC Cabriolet / 3.0L Carrera / 3.0L Carrera Targa / 3.0L Turbo / 3.3 Turbo / Speedster |
| Targa | Italian word for number plate – but Porsche adapted the name following the Targa Florio race in southern Italy where once again Porsche put in an outstanding performance.
The Targa top became synonymous with Porsche and was later used as a model name for their open-top sports cars, featuring a removable roof panel. |
911 Targa |