Are These the Classic cars of 2033?

So, here's MSN Autos article about cars from today that will be classics in the year 2033.  I agree with maybe half of them.  To me a big price tag doesn't necessarily mean that it will be a classic and as far as the Mini and the Ford Focus well?.  Let's see what you think?

 

By Perry Stern of MSN Autos

 

Due to massive depreciation, most cars are not considered good long-term investments. But what if you could see 20 years into the future and know which cars were destined to become valuable collectibles? Hagerty, a world leader in classic-car valuation and insurance, offers a peek at the cars that are likely to be considered classics in 2033 with its annual "hot list." The 2013 Hagerty Hot List contains mass-produced vehicles available for sale as 2013 models for less than $100,000. Click through to view 10 expert selections for future classic cars. Do you already own one?

SRT Viper

Price: $97,395
The Viper made a huge impression when it hit the market in 1992, and in 2013 it's all new with more power than ever before. Under that long hood is an 8.4-liter V10 engine that puts out 640 horsepower and an impressive 600 lb-ft of torque. Hagerty calls the Viper "one of the last living examples of the once-celebrated mantra of 'there is no replacement for displacement.'"

Chevrolet Corvette Convertible 427

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While the all-new 2014 Corvette Stingray is garnering all the buzz, it's the last of the previous 'Vette generation that Hagerty favors. This year marks the 60th anniversary of Corvette, and Hagerty says that Corvette values tend to favor the last model year of each generation, which makes the 60th anniversary year a worthy example to keep in your garage. That and the classic American sports car's ability to reach 60 mph in less than four seconds with a proper V8 engine.

 

 

 

 

Audi RS 5

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There's no denying the sexy lines of the Audi A5, and what better way to improve on that look than by adding power? As with other RS variants from the German automaker, the RS 5 is no slouch: Its 4.2-liter V8 engine puts out 414 horsepower. Throw in Audi's legendary quattro all-wheel-drive system and you have an impressive package to stand the test of time.

Porsche Cayman S

Price: $63,800
All-new for the 2014 model year, the Porsche Cayman midengine coupe is more powerful, more efficient and lighter than previous versions. Porsche purists lambasted the German automaker when it built a diesel Porsche SUV, so, as Hagerty puts it, "The Cayman S is Porsche's atonement for the sin of the diesel Cayenne." This is one for the purists, and it will be desirable for many years to come.

Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 Convertible

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This may be the most expensive production Camaro you can buy, but with a supercharged 580-horsepower V8 engine, it's also the most powerful production convertible ever to grace the Chevrolet lineup. Hagerty expects sales of these hot muscle cars to be limited to hard-core enthusiasts, which means they should command a premium when examples surface years down the road.

Tesla Model S

Price: $58,570
The average electric car on the road today is seen as not very exciting or sexy; the Tesla Model S defies that stereotype. The sleek sedan can reach 60 mph in around five seconds and has a range on par with a typical gasoline-powered sedan. In 20 years, this may be the car that's looked at as turning around the electric-car industry.

MINI John Cooper Works GP

Price: $39,950
The MINI name has been around for more than 50 years, so it's already a classic, but this John Cooper Works GP is a standout in the current MINI lineup and should be notable in 20 years as well. With 211 horsepower and a top speed of 150 mph, this little car is the fastest the company has ever built. Only 500 will be sold in the U.S., adding to its exclusivity.

Subaru BRZ

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Known for its lineup of all-wheel drive vehicles, Subaru has recently released a rear-wheel-drive sport coupe aimed at driving enthusiasts. The BRZ is one of the lightest coupes on the market, and its precise handling and fun-to-drive qualities make it a car you'll still want to drive in 20 years. Its twin is the equally impressive Scion FR-S.

Volkswagen GTI

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Arguably one of the most successful compact sports cars in the world, the GTI has come a long way since it debuted more than 30 years ago. Now with a 200-horsepower engine and a fresh design, the GTI carries on its recipe of being fun, cool and practical for less than $25,000.

Ford Focus ST

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When the Ford Focus was introduced in 2000, there were different versions for the U.S. and Europe. Back then, American enthusiasts clamored for the European version, but it wasn't until 2012 that the European-styled Focus arrived stateside. Not only does it look good, this ST will actually top 150 mph. Hagerty says that a Focus with 250 horsepower and great handling "is an undeniable bargain under $25K that will attract collectors many years down the road."

Perry Stern's automotive career began over 20 years ago as an advisor at a vehicle consulting firm. One of the original staff members of CarPoint, Microsoft's automotive Web site that launched in 1995, he became editor of the site in 2002, which is now known as MSN Autos. Stern has also contributed to MSNBC and various MSNproperties in Canada, Japan and Europe.

Bugatti Veyron Grand Sport Vitesse is the fastest convertible in the world

By Clifford Atiyeh

Bugatti already built the world's fastest convertible, and now it's made another one so that guy in Texas can shut up a little while longer.

The latest Veyron Grand Sport Vitesse hit 254.04 mph with the roof off on Volkswagen's Ehra-Lessien test track, a closed loop of two 5.6-mile straightaways unlike any stretch of tarmac or salt flats on the planet.

Originally, the Grand Sport Vitesse was limited to 233 mph due to air turbulence, but Bugatti made a roof spoiler and some kind of "intricately designed windbreak" to effectively allow the most hellish headwind mankind can feel while still on the ground.

Chinese racing driver Anthony Liu took the wheel in the weeks prior to the Shanghai Auto Show, where Bugatti is expected to reveal a World Record Car edition commemorating the speed and another Veyron that reportedly will pack at least 1,600 horsepower, as opposed to the 1,200 horsepower and 1,106 lb-ft of torque in the Grand Sport Vitesse.

In 2010, Bugatti set the record for the world's fastest production car with the Super Sport coupe, which hit 267.86 mph on the same track.

And that's where we get back to the guy from Texas, John Hennessey of Houston's Hennessey Performance, who recently claimed his supercar beat Bugatti at several record attempts.

In January, Hennessey took a Guinness World Record for the quickest acceleration in a production car from zero to 300 kph. He later bragged, unofficially, that his 1,244-horsepower Venom GT hit 200 mph a full eight seconds before the Veyron Super Sport.

Earlier this month, Hennessey said the Venom GT was also the fastest production car in the world, despite posting a slower speed than Bugatti's 2010 world record.

Apparently, even Guinness is knocking Bugatti's prior record since it achieved the near-268-mph speed by deactivating a limiter that was fitted to the production models. And Bugatti's latest run was done in only one direction, not two, which normally is required for a speed record.

Does this spat between a Texas tuner shop and a multibillion-dollar automaker really matter? In this age of conservation and eco-friendliness, we're just happy fights like this can be fought at all.
Source: Bugatti

Great article on how American, "American" made cars are.

http://jalopnik.com/how-american-does-an-american-car-have-to-be-472792232

19 Most Fuel-Efficient Crossovers of 2013

By Kirk Bell of MSN Autos

 

Not long ago, we looked into the most fuel-efficient vehicles of 2013 and assumed that a crossover or two would make the list. Sadly, none qualified — not even any hybrids. With their tall stance and greater weight, crossovers and SUVs simply aren't as fuel efficient as cars, but their utility and spaciousness still put them on car shoppers' lists. That said, there are plenty of thrifty choices among today's crop of crossovers. Click through to see the most fuel-efficient crossovers and SUVs of 2013, according to Environmental Protection Agency fuel-economy ratings, and ready your family truckster shopping list before you hit the dealerships.


25 mpg combined (22 mpg city / 29 mpg highway)
The Tuscon offers two 4-cylinder engines: a 2.0-liter 165-horsepower and a 2.4-liter 176-horsepower, and both are rated at 25 mpg combined. In fact, the 2.4-liter, which is standard on higher-line trims, is more efficient on the highway, with ratings of 21 mpg city/30 mpg highway/25 mpg combined when paired with front-wheel drive. That allows buyers to opt for a $20,000 base trim or a loaded $26,000 Limited and still get the same fuel economy. We like the value the Tucson offers, but many competitors offer more space, greater power, sportier dynamics and better refinement.

2013 Nissan Rogue

25 mpg combined (23 mpg city / 28 mpg highway)
The Nissan Rogue is one of the older vehicles on this list and hasn't had a significant update since it was released as a 2008 model. It's also louder than most of the other entries and rides a bit harder, too. On a positive note, it offers plenty of cargo versatility, including a fold-flat front passenger seat that allows longer items such as surfboards to fit. The 2.5-liter 170-horsepower 4-cylinder engine is rather coarse, but we are impressed that this older vehicle still stands up to today's fuel-economy expectations.

2013 Audi Q5 Hybrid

26 mpg combined (24 mpg city / 30 mpg highway)
Introduced this year, the Q5 Hybrid is Audi's first hybrid. It combines a turbocharged 2.0-liter 211-horsepower base engine with a 54-horsepower electric motor for a total output of 265 horsepower. Fuel economy increases by 3 mpg overall compared with the base 2.0-liter, and zero to 60 mph is slightly quicker at 6.8 seconds. At $50,900, the Q5 Hybrid is expensive, but it's well-equipped, fun to drive and refined, and it carries the cachet of the increasingly popular Audi brand.

2013 Chevrolet Equinox

26 mpg combined (22 mpg city / 32 mpg highway)
The Equinox is a midsize crossover that competes most directly with compact crossovers. Its 2.4-liter 182-horsepower 4-cylinder engine also makes it as efficient as most compact crossovers, delivering a combined 26 mpg when it has front-wheel drive. The larger size gives it more cargo space, and a sliding rear seat provides plenty of rear legroom. On the downside, the Equinox is loud, and its interior materials aren't as rich as more recently designed Chevrolets.

2013 Ford Escape

26 mpg combined (23 mpg city / 26 mpg highway)
Anyone who owned the last Escape wouldn't recognize the 2013 model. The new Escape is roomier, sportier and more refined than its predecessor. The most fuel-efficient combination is the turbocharged 1.6-liter 178-horsepower 4-cylinder engine with the 6-speed automatic transmission and front-wheel drive. However, the much quicker turbocharged 2.0-liter 240-horsepower engine is rated only 1 mpg lower, and that would be our choice. Watch the options, though, as pricing escalates quickly.

2013 GMC Terrain

26 mpg combined (22 mpg city / 32 mpg highway)
The Terrain is GMC's version of the Chevrolet Equinox, and despite its blocky design it gets the same 26 mpg combined. Those who want the best mileage should opt for the 2.4-liter 182-horsepower 4-cylinder engine and front-wheel drive. An available 3.6-liter 301-horsepower V6 provides far more power, but it costs buyers 6 mpg overall. The Terrain also offers the more refined Denali trim for those who can afford to spend about $35,000.

2013 Honda CR-V

26 mpg combined (23 mpg city / 31 mpg highway)
With a 2.4-liter 185-horsepower 4-cylinder engine under the hood, the Honda CR-V isn't exactly fast, but it does do several things quite well. It rides smoothly, has plenty of space inside and offers good value for the money. Available all-wheel drive provides all-weather security, but for the best fuel economy, buyers should choose front-wheel drive. Honda's excellent reputation for reliability and resale value makes the CR-V a wise choice for young families.

2013 Jeep Compass

26 mpg combined (23 mpg city / 30 mpg highway)
The Compass is a Jeep Patriot in a different skin, so it suffers from the same issues, namely rough engines, hard-plastic interiors and a general lack of refinement. But it also offers 4-wheel-drive systems that are more advanced than most in the class. Like the Patriot, the most fuel-efficient Compass teams the 2.0-liter 158-horsepower 4-cylinder engine with a 5-speed manual transmission and front-wheel drive. If you'd like a smaller Jeep, we recommend waiting for the new Cherokee due later this year.

2013 Jeep Patriot

26 mpg combined (23 mpg city / 30 mpg highway)
With its Dodge Caliber roots, the Jeep Patriot is far less refined than most of its competitors. However, it does offer Jeep's requisite off-road capability, which gives it a leg up on the competition for true active-lifestyle buyers. However, for the best fuel economy, customers must choose the gruff 2.0-liter 158-horsepower 4-cylinder engine, the 5-speed manual transmission and front-wheel drive.

2013 Subaru Outback

26 mpg combined (24 mpg city / 30 mpg highway)
The Outback combines the attributes of a midsize car and an SUV. Its car-based roots make it pleasant to drive, and its wagon body style provides ample space for people and cargo. A new 2.5-liter 4-cylinder engine improves fuel economy by 2 mpg combined, when paired with the continuously variable automatic transmission, while also adding more low-end torque. Efficient and carlike, the Outback is the cure for the common SUV.

2013 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport

27 mpg combined (24 mpg city / 31 mpg highway)
Mitsubishi's sales have faded in recent years, and vehicles such as the Galant and Eclipse have been discontinued. However, Mitsubishi has had a modicum of success with the Mitsubishi Outlander Sport, a compact crossover that is attractive, maneuverable and fuel-efficient. With only 148 horsepower on tap, though, it's pretty slow. To get the 27 mpg combined rating, buyers must opt for the 6-speed automatic transmission and front-wheel drive.

2014 Subaru Forester

27 mpg combined (24 mpg city / 32 mpg highway)
The Forester is redesigned for 2014 and gets much more fuel-efficient in the process. The combined EPA rating rises from 23 mpg to as high as 27 mpg for the base 2.5-liter 170-horsepower engine. While that engine is basically the same as last year, the new Forester gets the mileage boost thanks to changes in aerodynamics and a switch to electric-assist power steering. A new turbocharged 2.0-liter 250-horsepower 4-cylinder also improves by 3 mpg to 24 mpg combined.

2013 BMW X1 sDrive28i

28 mpg combined (24 mpg city / 34 mpg highway)
BMW isn't usually associated with fuel economy, but its new X1 crossover goes easy on gas while delivering decent power. To get the best fuel economy, buyers must choose the sDrive28i variant, which comes with rear-wheel drive and a turbocharged 2.0-liter 241-horsepower 4-cylinder engine. The X1 is smaller and lighter than its bigger sibling, the X3, and it sits lower, giving it even more of BMW's characteristic "ultimate driving machine" dynamics.

2013 Buick Encore

28 mpg combined (25 mpg city / 33 mpg highway)
The Encore is a tiny crossover with a small, 1.4-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder engine that puts out a modest 138 horsepower. While the Encore is not quick, it sips gas. To achieve the top rating, buyers should choose front-wheel drive; all-wheel drive drops the overall rating by 2 mpg. Otherwise, the Encore is a quiet, smooth-riding and fun-to-drive subcompact crossover that still manages to offer good space for couples or empty-nesters.

2013 Subaru XV Crosstrek

28 mpg combined (25 mpg city / 33 mpg highway)
The XV Crosstrek's 8.7 inches of ground clearance qualify it as a crossover, but it is really just a raised Impreza hatchback. That's not a bad thing. Like the Impreza, the Subaru XV Crosstrek offers a lot for a reasonable price: all-wheel drive, accomplished driving dynamics, space for up to five and excellent fuel economy. Buyers must choose the continuously variable automatic transmission for best fuel economy, but a manual transmission is also offered. A recently announced hybrid powertrain will make it the most fuel-efficient crossover at 31 mpg combined.

2013 Toyota Highlander Hybrid

28 mpg combined (28 mpg city / 28 mpg highway)
With three rows of seats and a 28 mpg combined rating, the Highlander Hybrid is the most fuel-efficient way to carry up to seven people. It mates a 3.5-liter V6 engine with a pair of electric motors — one on each axle — to provide electric-assisted all-wheel drive. And with 231 horsepower on tap, it's pretty quick. Prices start at a tick above $40,000, so it's not cheap, but the Highlander Hybrid is a well-rounded family-oriented crossover.

2014 Mazda CX-5

29 mpg combined (26 mpg city / 35 mpg highway)
Mazda's SkyActiv philosophy looks for efficiencies throughout a vehicle to reduce weight and therefore improve both fuel economy and sportiness. The CX-5 is the first full expression of that philosophy, and the result is the sport sedan of crossovers. For best fuel economy, opt for the 2.0-liter 155-horsepower engine with the 6-speed manual transmission and front-wheel drive. The new-for-2014 2.5-liter 184-horsepower 4-cylinder would also make this list with a rating of 27 mpg combined.

2013 Nissan Juke

29 mpg combined (27 mpg city / 32 mpg highway)
The Juke's small package gives it a sporty driving character, exemplary fuel economy and sprightly acceleration. The turbocharged 1.6-liter 4-cylinder engine is most efficient when paired with the continuously variable automatic transmission, although we prefer the 6-speed manual, which is rated at 28 mpg combined. Space is tight and the looks are odd, but the Juke is a fun, efficient car for singles and young couples.

2013 Lexus RX 450h

30 mpg combined (32 mpg city / 28 mpg highway)
With an EPA fuel-economy rating of 30 mpg combined, the Lexus RX 450h is the most fuel-efficient crossover available today. The reason is the Lexus Hybrid Drive powertrain, which teams a 3.5-liter V6 engine with a pair of electric motors for a total system output of 295 horsepower. That much power means the RX 450h is pretty quick, with zero to 60 mph arriving in 7.4 seconds. Combine that power and fuel efficiency with a quiet, comfortable cabin and a smooth ride, and the RX 450h is one well-rounded family hauler.

Kirk Bell has served as the associate publisher for Consumer Guide Automotive and editor of Scale Auto Enthusiast magazine. A Midwest native, Bell brings 18 years of automotive journalism experiencetoMSN,andcurrently contributes to JDPower.com and Kelley Blue Book's kbb.com.

Crazy Ferrari F50 Showdown

What people do with their toys when they have money to waste.

50 Years of the Porsche 911

By James Tate of MSN Autos

 

 

From its debut at the 1963 Frankfurt Motor Show to the presentation of the 2014 GT3 at the 2013 Geneva Motor Show, the Porsche 911 has earned its place as one of the best "driver's cars" ever produced. In an era when words such as "epic," "iconic" and "legendary" are as lazily tossed out as pickles on a Quarter Pounder, the 911 continues to demonstrate what a sports car is all about. Let's look at milestones in the 911's 50-year history and ponder how a single car model can evolve so relentlessly yet remain so connected to its roots.

 

 

1963 Porsche 901

The original 911 was revealed to press and public at the 1963 Frankfurt Motor Show as the 901. Peugeot objected to another manufacturer using a three-digit code with a zero in the middle — the French automaker had decided that this was its "thing," as in the Peugeot 404 — so Porsche devised the simple solution of making the middle digit the number "1" instead. Eighty-two 901s were built and designated as prototypes never to be sold to the public, although some have ended up in collections of the privileged few. The 901 is immediately recognizable to 911 fans, with its classic, sweeping roofline and long nose.

1964 Porsche 911

The first production version of the 911, the 1964 model hit the road with a 2.0-liter 130-horsepower flat-6 boxer engine mounted behind the rear axle. Reviews vacillated between praise for the 911's handling and its 5-speed manual gearbox and exasperation over its unusual engine placement and the amount of effort put into what was seen at the time as a souped-up Beetle. The first-run 911 is an elegant snapshot of what it meant to be a sports car in the mid-'60s: stylish lines with fair but not jaw-dropping performance. Every 911 since can trace its heritage to the '64, whose design holds to this day.

1966 Porsche 911S

The 911S variant introduced in 1966 heralded the era of the 911 as a competitive racer and performance driving machine. Internally, the 911S 2.0-liter engine was boosted by 30 horsepower for a total of 160, along with a stiffened chassis and bigger brakes. On the outside, the most recognizable change for 911 enthusiasts was the introduction of the Fuchs 5-spoke wheels, which shaved a not-insubstantial 20 pounds off the 911S.

1967 Porsche 911L, 911T

For the 1967 model year, Porsche expanded the 911 lineup, creating what's now known as the A series. In addition to the performance-minded 911S, Porsche introduced the 911T and 911L. The 911L was a luxury variant that shared many features with the S but retained the standard 130-horsepower engine and larger brakes, along with various changes to trim pieces. The 911T was added as an entry-level 911. Although producing only 110 horsepower from the same 2.0-liter displacement as its siblings, the 911T is a fine performer compared with the L, and enjoys its own dedicated fan base.

 

 

1967 Porsche 911 Targa

With the looming possibility of the United States government banning the production of convertibles because of safety concerns, Porsche responded with a master stroke: the 911 Targa. The Targa integrated a steel roll bar into the design of the 911, with a removable roof panel and fold-down plastic rear window. Despite the U.S. deciding against the convertible ban, the unique open-air experience of the 911 Targa proved popular enough that it remains to this day.

1969 Porsche 911E

Porsche made its first set of major adjustments to the 911 with the 1969 B-series models. The 911E became the new standard 911, replacing the 911L. New features included a longer wheelbase to optimize weight distribution and fuel injection on the 2.0-liter version -- the E stands for "einspritz," or "injection" -- which raised the horsepower to 140. The B-series 911S kept a conventional setup and produced 170 horsepower. The B-series 911's design stands out mostly for the slight flare in its rear fenders, as larger tires were beginning to find their way aboard to further improve handling.

1970-1972 Porsche 911 C- and D-series

The first displacement increase in the 911 came with the 2.2-liter engines found in the C-series models, beginning with the 1970 version. The output of the 911E jumped to 155 horsepower, the 911T increased to 125 horsepower, and the sportier 911S got a robust 180 horsepower. The S kept the torque curve of the previous versions, while for the T and E, power became more even through the rev range, so drivers didn't have to keep their engines fully revved at all times to optimize response.

1973 Porsche 911 Carrera 2.7 RS, 2.8 RSR

Considered by many to be the ideal 911, the 1973 Carrera RS was a special production run of 500 cars to fulfill the requirements needed to participate in GT racing. With a "duck-tail" rear spoiler and a bored-out version of the F-series 911S engine churning out 210 horsepower, the Carrera RS was a force of nature. The 2.8 RSR was a full-bore race car, and proved its merit almost immediately after debuting at the 1973 24 Hours at Daytona. The 2.8 would go on to win the 1973 European GT Championship and many races, establishing itself and its road-going 2.7 counterpart as the Holy Grail for 911 fans everywhere.

1974-75 Porsche 911 Carrera

The popularity of the limited Carrera RS model inspired Porsche to keep the Carrera name as the designation for its high-performance model. The 1974 911 Carrera kept the 2.7-liter 210-horsepower engine from the RS without the lightened body panels for most of the world markets; with the U.S. tightening emissions regulations, American-bound Carreras used the 175-horsepower 911S engine instead. The 1974-1975 Carrera also saw the introduction of some now-iconic design elements: the "whale-tail" rear spoiler and impact-absorbing front and rear bumpers.

1975 Porsche 911 3.0-liter Turbo

After the uproar over the Carrera RS, Porsche pushed to outdo itself once again. The result was one of the most recognizable vehicles of its era: the 911 Turbo. Featuring a turbocharged version of the 3.0-liter engine from the Carrera RS race car, the 911 Turbo combined 260 horsepower with a weight of just over 2,600 pounds to send heart rates skyrocketing. The only aspect of the car's performance as legendary as its turbo lag was its tendency to punish drivers who drove it with less than total concentration. The design of the Turbo with the whale-tail spoiler and flared fenders, however, influenced the look of the 911 for decades to come.

Porsche 935

The Porsche 935 racers grew out of the original 911 Turbo program, winning races and championships to become some of the most successful race cars of their era. Varying between 560 and nearly 800 horsepower, 935s tormented all comers at Le Mans in the late 1970s, placing multiple times and winning the 1979 overall title. Through 1984, the 935 fleet won 150 races, including multiple wins at the 24 Hours at Daytona, 12 Hours of Sebring, and 1,000-kilometer Nürburgring events. The 935-era liveries are still proudly celebrated and worn by race fans the world over.

1978 Porsche 911 3.3-liter Turbo

The higher-displacement 3.3-liter 911 Turbo that debuted in 1978 corrected the shortcomings of the 3.0-liter version with a vengeance. Not only did the new engine raise the horsepower to 300, but the new Turbo had an intercooler that necessitated an entirely new spoiler to contain it -- the "tea tray" -- as well as an indicator light inside to better prepare drivers for the turbo kick that awaited them. The brakes, taken from the 917 race car, were to remain on the Turbo essentially unchanged through the late 1980s.

1978 Porsche 911SC

The 911SC carried over much of the 3.0-liter Carrera that came before it, and would be the standard 911 model for the next five years. Emissions-control equipment dropped the horsepower to 180 from 200 in U.S. cars, but a flatter torque curve improved low-end capability. Available as a Targa or with a whale-tail spoiler and 16-inch Fuchs wheels in Sport trim, many SCs survive today as relatively inexpensive, tough and dependable daily-driver 911s.

1984 Porsche Carrera 3.2

The 911 standard of the 1980s, the Carrera 3.2 was very similar to the 911SC it replaced, save for a new 3.2-liter engine good for 231 horsepower and with better fuel efficiency, thanks to the first electronic control unit featured in a production 911. Later on, the 915 5-speed gearbox that the Carrera inherited from the SC was replaced with a Getrag G50 unit. Made from 1987 on, the Getrag-equipped Carreras are among the most "common" 911s sought after by enthusiasts.

1986 Porsche 930S

Any minimal design change to the 911 can set off heated arguments among fans, so you can imagine what happened when the world got a look at the "slant nose." Borrowing its distinctive front end from the 935 racers of the late 1970s, the 930S was the next evolution of the 911 Turbo. The 930S had a larger turbocharger than the 911 Turbo, large enough to gain 30 horsepower for a total of 330. The 930S was all angles, attitude and grunt — and its fans wouldn't have it any other way.

1986 Porsche 959

The 1986 959 threw down the gauntlet to the world: The modern era of supercars was upon us, and everyone else was going to have to play catch-up. The twin-turbocharged flat-6 engine pushed 450 horsepower through an all-wheel-drive system that — combined with the low, 3,200-pound curb weight provided by the use of carbon-fiber body panels — allowed the 959 to hit 60 mph in less than four seconds and reach a top speed just under 200 mph. The 959 won the Paris-Dakar rally in 1986. Porsche decided to retire the 959 while it was on top, building an endurance racing version known as the 961, which won the experimental class in the 1986 24 Hours at Le Mans, the first all-wheel-drive car to win at Le Mans in any category.

1989 Porsche 911 Carrera 4 (964)

The 911 Carrera received a major update for the 1989 model year. For the first time, all-wheel drive was offered in a 911; also a first were standard anti-lock brakes. The Carrera 4's engine displacement was increased to 3.6 liters, generating 250 horsepower. The 964, as it came to be known, was available for only a few years before being replaced by the 993 models, but its features signaled a new era for the 911, and as such it is still looked at today as a benchmark in Porsche history.

1995 Porsche 911 Carrera (993)

The 993-model Porsche 911 fulfilled the changes and updates begun with the previous 964. With a redesigned take on the 911 body, the 993 Carrera brought the car fully into the modern era. The 993 is revered among 911 fans for its handling and styling; the 282 base horsepower didn't hurt, either. Moreover, the 993 was the last of the air-cooled 911 models, marking a canyon-like divide in the minds of Porsche aficionados everywhere. Values on 993s have held strong on the market, with some variants already well on the rise.

1996 Porsche 911 Turbo (993)

The 993-era 911 Turbo is a modern legend. The flared rear fenders, redesigned tea-tray spoiler, and larger front and rear bumpers combined with elegant body lines to make for a car straight out of any 911 fanatic's dreams. The 993 Turbo's performance lived up to expectations: With twin turbochargers mounted to the 3.6-liter flat-6 engine of the time, it delivered a massive 408 horsepower, sent to all four wheels through the first all-wheel-drive system ever fitted to a 911 Turbo model. Some consider the 993 911 Turbo to be the best 911 ever made; most see it as the last triumph of the air-cooled era.

1999 Porsche 911 Carrera (996)

With horsepower numbers climbing higher and expectations rising in an ever-expanding worldwide sports-car market, Porsche made the move to water-cooled engines with the 996. Purists were outraged over not only this change, but also the new 911's more nondescript body lines and easier-going, daily-driver approachability. The 996 was immediately welcomed on the open market, but for some the bloom was off the rose and no 911 would ever be immediately acceptable again.

2013 Porsche 911 GT3 (991)

Fast forward to today, when water-cooled 911s are still infuriating diehard old-schoolers and Porsche continues to chug along building massively impressive dream machines that defy expectations, pre-judgment and the laws of physics themselves. Just unveiled at the 2013 Geneva Motor Show, the new 991-code 911 GT3 takes the electrically assisted steering of the 991 and adds rear-wheel steering and Porsche's PDK dual-clutch transmission as the only transmission available. The 3.8-liter flat-6 powerplant rates at 468 horsepower, redlines in the neighborhood of 9000 rpm and propels the new GT3 to 60 mph from a standing stop in 3.5 seconds.

James Tate cut his teeth in the business as a race team crew member before moving to the editorial side as
Senior Editor of Sport Compact Car, and his work has appeared in Popular Mechanics, Automobile, Motor Trend and European Car. When not writing, Tate is usually fantasizing about a vintage Porsche 911.