History

Dr. Ferdinand Porsche founded his automotive company in Austria in 1948, introducing two-seat sports cars based on the Volkswagen Beetle, before moving the company to Stuttgart, Germany, two years later. In the early '50s, Porsche began sending cars to the United States — the most popular import was the Type 356. The years that followed brought the famous 911, the unloved 914 and 924, the finely balanced 944/968 and the V8-powered 928. The Boxster, a mid-engined roadster, was introduced in 1997 and is currently offered alongside the legendary 911 series. With a celebrated reputation for quality and performance, the company has no problem getting top dollar for its distinctive sports cars. New for 2005 : The 2005 Carrera and Carrera S are the next generation of 911 with a design reminiscent of all previous 911s, but packed with innovative technology, more powerful engines, enhanced aerodynamics and updated interiors. The Carrera is powered by a 325-horsepower 3.6-liter horizontally-opposed 6-cylinder engine, while the Carrera S receives a 355-horsepower 3.8-liter engine, both with a new 6-speed manual transmission. Porsche Active Suspension Management is standard on Carrera S and optional on Carrera. The Turbo S, based on the previous 911, is powered by a 444-horsepower 3.6-liter twin-turbo 6-cylinder and includes all-wheel drive, Porsche Stability Management, two-piece rear spoiler, and newly improved Porsche Ceramic Composite Brakes.