Porsche chairman Oliver Blume even said there could be more off-road 911 variants after the Dakar.
PorscheWith 26 at the moment, it would be understandable to accuse Porsche of making too many 911 variants. But, it seems to be working out for the automaker. There’s huge demand for 911s of all types, especially the limited-run variants, and they’ve proved to be quite profitable for Porsche. Naturally, that means more to come.
In an interview with the UK’s Car magazine, Porsche chairman Oliver Blume—who as of September is also the chair of the Volkswagen Group—said that more 911 variants are under consideration. Porsche has already paid tribute to its fifties and sixties cars with the 911 Targa Heritage Design Edition and Sport Classic, respectively, and Blume said seventies- and eighties-homage models are possible as well. The 911 Dakar is the latest new model variant and the first production 911 to be made for off-roading, and Blume says that depending on how the market responds to this one, it could do more 911s in the same vein. Next year will also see the 60th anniversary of the 911 and the 75th anniversary of Porsche itself, and of course that means more special-editions.
“Very few global brands are able to bring these successful items from the past and connect them with modern technology. But Porsche can,” Blume said. “Then we thought ‘Why not a third pillar, besides sporty GT and heritage models? Why not off-road, too?’ Now we will see how the market success of the Dakar pans out. And then maybe there will be more to come. The door is now open…'”
Given the Porsche and the 911’s current popularity, it’s hard to see any special-edition variant failing. There are just too many out there who want the latest and greatest rear-engine sports car.
Chris Perkins Senior Editor Chris Perkins is the Web Editor for Road & Track magazine.
Keyword: Porsche to Keep Making 911 Special Editions, Sky to Remain Blue