Few automotive shapes are as instantly recognizable as that of the Porsche 911. Yearsof development have affected almost every panel, but the whole is as familiar as can
be.
Efficiency is the key. The 911's smoothly contoured body panels barely cover the
wheels, passengers and hardware underneath. Every air intake, opening and seam has a
purpose; nothing is there for the sake of style alone. Slower cars may sport rear
wings to make them appear racy, but the 911's wings (fixed on the Turbo, electrically
extended at speed on other versions) are there to enhance stability at the elevated
speeds attainable on a German Autobahn. They also house an oil cooler.
Even with a common basic structure, differences between the various 911s are easy to
spot. Wheels are one example; though all have innovative pressure-cast light-alloy
rims, each model gets its own style. Rear wings, as mentioned, are another. So are
front bumpers, which sport a variety of air inlets to deal with different cooling
needs. And the Cabriolet, with its lined canvas top (power-operated, of course) and