The legal battle of the century is heating up as Lily Winters presents “3 Deadly Reasons” that could put Phyllis Summers behind bars for a very long time. Lily has been gathering evidence of Phyllis’s corporate sabotage and personal manipulations, and she is finally ready to strike. This “Shocker” storyline highlights the deep-seated animosity between these two powerful women, as Lily seeks justice for the damage Phyllis has caused to Chancellor-Winters and her family.
The final decision, however, rests in the hands of Cane Ashby. As a key witness or someone with the power to influence the outcome, Cane must make the “Final Call” on whether to support Lily’s quest for vengeance or show mercy to Phyllis. The psychological tension is thick, as Cane’s history with both women complicates his judgment. Lily is pushing for total accountability, believing that Phyllis has escaped justice for far too long.
Phyllis is cornered, realizing that her usual charm and manipulation won’t work on a determined Lily. The three reasons provided in court are said to be irrefutable, linking Phyllis to crimes that even she can’t explain away. As the verdict looms, the community watches to see if Cane will follow his heart or his conscience. This storyline explores the themes of accountability and the shifting alliances that define the power struggles in Genoa City.
The Pantheon of Porsches: A Decade’s Perspective on the Ten Most Revered 911s
For those of us immersed in the automotive industry, particularly within the rarefied air of performance vehicles, the Porsche 911 represents more than just a car; it’s an icon, a benchmark, and a continuous evolution of a singular, brilliant concept. Choosing the “best” Porsche 911 is akin to a sommelier selecting a single vintage from a lifetime of appreciating fine wines – an impossible task, yet one we are compelled to undertake, not out of definitive pronouncement, but out of a deep-seated respect for automotive artistry. Over my ten years navigating this landscape, I’ve witnessed firsthand how the 911 has defied convention, outlasted supposed successors, and consistently set new standards for what a sports car can be.
The 911’s enduring appeal lies in its audacious rear-engine layout, a configuration that, in its nascent stages, flirted with notoriety, earning early models the ominous moniker of “widowmakers.” Yet, instead of succumbing to these inherent challenges, Porsche embraced them, meticulously engineering away the volatile tendencies and harnessing the extraordinary traction that this unusual design afforded. Even the advent of mid-engined supercars, seemingly destined to usurp the 911’s throne, failed to diminish its reign. The ambitious 928, a front-engined V8 grand tourer with a pioneering transaxle, was conceived as its replacement, but the 911 proved remarkably resilient. And so, here we stand, a decade into the 2020s, to celebrate the ten most exceptional Porsche 911 models ever to grace asphalt. This isn’t just about horsepower or lap times; it’s about legacy, engineering prowess, and the indelible spirit that defines the best Porsche 911.
Porsche 996 GT3 RS: The Genesis of Raw Performance
No discussion of automotive legends would be complete without acknowledging the GT3 RS, and for many, the original 996 GT3 RS stands as the progenitor of pure, unadulterated track-bred performance for the road. It was, in essence, a GT3 RSR homologated for street use. This groundbreaking model introduced carbon-ceramic brakes to the 911 lineage and underwent a rigorous weight-saving regimen, shedding a remarkable 50kg compared to the already minimalist standard GT3. This pursuit of purity extended to a carbon fiber bonnet and rear wing, even eschewing enamel badging in favor of lightweight stickers, all in the relentless quest to shave off precious grams. The aerodynamic enhancements and suspension tuning weren’t mere aesthetic embellishments; they were direct beneficiaries of Porsche’s extensive RSR racing program, embodying function over form.
The decision to retain the standard GT3’s “Mezger” engine was a testament to its inherent excellence. Derived directly from Porsche’s formidable Le Mans machinery, this flat-six powerhouse was capable of a breathtaking 8,200 rpm redline, its single-mass flywheel enabling it to gain and shed revs with the ferocity of a superbike. It was a marvel of mechanical engineering, and the RS model encased this masterpiece within a purpose-built chassis featuring a roll cage, aggressive aero, and a striking decal scheme that has since become iconic. The 996 GT3 RS performance remains a benchmark for its era.
Porsche 997 GT3 RS 4.0: The Mezger’s Glorious Valediction
The Mezger engine has ascended to near-mythical status within the Porsche community, widely regarded as the pinnacle of the company’s flat-six engineering. Hans Mezger, a luminary whose genius shaped Porsche legends like the 917 and 935, meticulously applied his insights to road-going 911 models. When Porsche controversially transitioned the mainstream 911 to the M96 engine during the 996 generation, the motorsport department steadfastly refused to follow suit, a decision history has overwhelmingly vindicated. A quick search for “IMS bearing problems” or “RMS seal issues” on any automotive forum will illuminate the rationale behind this divergence.
This brings us to the GT3 RS 4.0, the final 911 to feature the legendary Mezger engine, and a truly deserving recipient of its bloodline’s legacy. By incorporating titanium connecting rods and components from the RSR race car, Porsche expanded its displacement by 200cc, unlocking increased low-end torque and enhanced top-end power. A carbon fiber intake and titanium exhaust system bestowed upon it a ferocious, race-car-caliber soundtrack, accompanied by the mechanical whirring of its gear-driven intermediate shaft – a symphony for the enthusiast. The extensive use of carbon fiber panels, rose-jointed suspension, and profound motorsport expertise culminated in a machine so exceptionally capable that it lapped the Nürburgring Nordschleife with a velocity rivaling that of the Carrera GT. It was, without question, a magnificent swan song for the Mezger era, solidifying the 997 GT3 RS 4.0 value for collectors and enthusiasts alike.
Porsche 991 R: The Purist’s Passion Project
The arrival of the 991 generation was met with the customary fanfare associated with any new 911, yet something felt… different. It was larger, more technologically laden, and possessed a newfound maturity compared to its 997 predecessor. The shift to an electric power steering system, while efficient, lacked the tactile feedback and communication of its hydraulic predecessors. And though Porsche continued to offer a manual transmission, the market overwhelmingly gravitated towards the PDK dual-clutch, not only for its brilliance but also because the seven-speed manual, regrettably, fell short of expectations. Recognizing this potential disconnect with its core enthusiast base, Porsche embarked on a mission to engineer the ultimate driver’s car: the 911 R.
In a masterstroke of automotive culinary art, Porsche meticulously refined the 911 formula, enhancing its inherent flavors with the finest ingredients sourced from the GT3 and GT3 RS. The R inherited a carbon fiber bonnet and fenders, lighter plexiglass rear quarter windows, and a reduction in sound deadening. The heart of the beast was the GT3 RS engine, breathing through a titanium exhaust, providing a potent and exhilarating core. The true delight, however, lay in the closely stacked six-speed manual gearbox, complemented by a razor-sharp single-mass flywheel. Porsche then adorned this mechanical masterpiece with a bespoke body kit, a distinctive Pepita tartan interior, and classic green instrument dials, a nostalgic nod to the 1967 911 R. The result was a car that was 50kg lighter and, with a top speed of 200 mph, 7 mph faster than a GT3 RS. The Porsche 991 R desirability is undeniable, a testament to its singular focus.
Porsche 911 Carrera RS 2.7 Sport: The Ducktail Revolution
Few Porsche 911 models command the same level of reverence as the Carrera RS 2.7 Sport, a car born from the uninhibited vision of engineers unburdened by the constraints of marketing and financial projections. The marketing department famously balked at the RS’s iconic “ducktail” spoiler, deeming it an aesthetic aberration that disrupted the 911’s celebrated silhouette. However, from an engineering perspective, this seemingly controversial element was pivotal. The wing reduced rear lift by an astonishing 100kg, dramatically enhancing high-speed stability and transforming the 911 into the supremely capable cornering machine it was always destined to be. Engineering discussions, once the spoiler’s efficacy was proven, concluded the matter.
Similar debates raged around weight reduction. With the relentless focus of a pack of hungry piranhas, the engineers stripped the car to its bare essentials, discarding everything from the steel bumpers (replaced by less robust fiberglass alternatives) and engine cover struts externally, to carpets, stereo systems, door armrests, the clock, glovebox, and sound deadening internally. In a move that would make any marketing executive weep, Porsche even employed thinner steel for the roof, doors, and bonnet – 0.08mm less than standard – and specified glass that was up to 1mm thinner. Even the legendary Porsche badge was sacrificed for a gram-saving sticker. Yet, despite the marketing team’s distress, the engineers’ vision proved prescient. The demand for a hyper-focused, lightweight sports car was demonstrably present, and sales far exceeded all expectations, cementing the 911 Carrera RS 2.7 legacy.
Porsche 964 RS: A Modern Masterclass in Purebred Performance
The 964 marked the revival of the revered “RS” designation, a badge absent for two decades since the launch of the 2.7-liter model. Arguably, it redefined the modern RS ethos. The delicate, almost dainty feel of the 2.7 was supplanted by a firmer, more uncompromising ride and a cabin filled with a level of road noise that challenged daily usability. Built upon the foundation of the Carrera Cup one-make race car, the 964 RS boasted lightweight magnesium wheels, borrowed front brakes from the Turbo model, and rear brakes sourced directly from the race car. Further weight savings were achieved through the use of aluminum doors and bonnet, the removal of the rear seats, and the elimination of luxuries such as an alarm system, air conditioning, and central locking.
The RS’s official kerb weight of 1,217 kg was over 120 kg lighter than the standard Carrera. Power output increased to 260 PS (191 kW), thanks to a twin-spark cylinder head, and was channeled through a lightened flywheel to a standard limited-slip differential on the rear axle. The 964 represents the pivotal moment when RS models transitioned from potent road cars to bona fide road-going race cars. The ultimate endorsement of its prowess comes from none other than Walter Röhrl, Porsche’s legendary development driver and one of the greatest rally drivers of all time, who personally owns one. The 964 RS price reflects its iconic status today.
Porsche 911 F-R: The Blueprint for Lightweight Purity
The original Porsche 911 R, a sparse and purposeful machine, laid the foundational blueprint for the sophisticated GT models that Porsche is celebrated for today. Its propulsion came from the familiar 2.0-liter flat-six engine, producing a respectable 213 PS (157 kW). Porsche then embarked on an aggressive campaign of weight reduction. Lightweight fiberglass was utilized for the bumpers, bonnet, fenders, and doors, while all windows, save for the windscreen (which featured ultra-thin crystal glass), were constructed from plexiglass.
Inside, the R featured Porsche’s now-signature door pulls. Items such as the ashtray, cigarette lighter, sun visors, and two of the five instruments typically found in the 911’s iconic dashboard were omitted. The cumulative effect of these measures resulted in a car weighing just 800 kg, an astonishing 230 kg less than a standard 911S. It could sprint from 0-62 mph in a brisk 5.9 seconds and lapped Hockenheimring just 12 seconds slower than a 906 Group 4 racer. Only 19 examples of the 911 R were ever built, yet it went on to achieve victories in circuit racing, rallying, and endurance events, proving the profound capabilities of its minimalist design. The Porsche 911 R history is a fascinating study in automotive minimalism.
Porsche 911 G Turbo: The Original Widowmaker Tamed
The second generation of the Porsche 911, known as the 911 G, entered the market in 1974 and remained in production until 1989. This era birthed several legendary badges, including the 2.7 RS, the SC, and the Carrera, but it was the Turbo variant that proved to be the most seismically impactful. Its appeal is readily understandable: an exhaust-fed turbine dramatically boosted power output to 260 PS (191 kW), endowing the 911 with effortless overtaking capability that perfectly complemented its everyday usability.
Regrettably, the Turbo’s potent, abrupt power delivery contributed significantly to the 911’s notorious “widowmaker” reputation. However, for those who could master its demanding handling characteristics, few cars could match the Turbo’s on-road performance. Its visual presence was equally striking, characterized by its flared rear wheel arches, distinctive shark fin rear spoiler protectors, and the iconic “whale tail” spoiler. It is hardly surprising that the modern, all-wheel-drive 911 Turbo continues to hold its position as one of the fastest point-to-point cars available, showcasing the enduring legacy of its forebear. Exploring Porsche 911 G Turbo specs reveals the engineering marvels of its time.
Porsche 964 911 Carrera 4: A Sophisticated Evolution
The Porsche 964, introduced in 1989, exemplified Porsche’s traditional approach to evolution, appearing remarkably similar to its predecessor despite a substantial overhaul with 85% of its components being new. The 964 ushered in several innovations that remain hallmarks of the 911 to this day: a rear spoiler that automatically deploys at speed, and the revolutionary all-wheel-drive Carrera 4, which served as the 964’s initial launch model. Its electronically controlled all-wheel-drive system, distributing power 31% to the front and 69% to the rear, provided the familiar handling feel of a rear-wheel-drive 911 but with significantly more predictable limits and vastly improved all-weather capability.
The 964 also saw the transition from torsion bar suspension to a more conventional coil spring and damper setup. The result was a beautifully handling sports car powered by a 250 PS (184 kW) 3.6-liter flat-six engine, capable of accelerating from 0-62 mph in 5.5 seconds and reaching a top speed of 163 mph. The 964 Carrera 4 price is a testament to its blend of performance and innovation.
Porsche 993 GT (GT2): The Air-Cooled Apex
For many enthusiasts and industry veterans, the Porsche 993 represents the zenith of the 911 lineage. It masterfully blended the classic aesthetics, compact dimensions, and coveted air-cooled engine of the original car with contemporary technologies such as twin-turbocharging and a sophisticated multi-link rear suspension, which finally tamed the 911’s historically capricious handling.
The GT variant, later designated the GT2, stands as the undisputed pinnacle of the 993 generation, and not solely due to the fact that only 57 examples were ever produced. It shared the same formidable 430 PS (316 kW) 3.6-liter bi-turbo flat-six engine as the standard Turbo but crucially dispensed with the weight penalty of the four-wheel-drive system. In total, Porsche managed to shave a substantial 205 kg from the weight of a standard 911 by omitting items like the rear seats, central locking, electric windows, airbags, and sunroof, while incorporating lightweight hard-shell front seats and magnesium wheel centers. The performance figures were staggering: 0-62 mph in just 3.9 seconds and a top speed of 187 mph, establishing a benchmark that all subsequent top-tier turbocharged models would strive to emulate. The 993 GT2 performance is legendary.
Porsche 992 S/T: A Modern Homage to Driving Purity
While we may not have had the opportunity to extensively test every variant of the current 992 model range, the Porsche 911 S/T makes a compelling case for being the ultimate expression of the breed. Echoing the spirit of the Touring model, it draws heavily from the current GT3, incorporating its naturally aspirated 525 PS (386 kW) 4.0-liter flat-six engine, which thrives when revved to its 9,000 rpm redline. This potent powerplant is further enhanced by a lightweight clutch and single-mass flywheel, reducing rotating mass by an impressive 10.5 kg.
The use of carbon fiber for the fenders, doors, bonnet, and roof, coupled with the omission of the GT3’s rear-wheel steering system, contributes to a 40 kg weight reduction compared to the GT3 Touring. Porsche claims a 0-62 mph sprint in 3.7 seconds and a top speed of 186 mph. Its aesthetic appeal is as profound as its performance, with the optional Heritage Design Package offering striking Shoreblue Metallic paint, ceramic wheels, and racing numbers, while the interior features exquisite Cognac leather upholstery and carbon-fiber hardshell seats. The Porsche 992 S/T release signifies a deliberate return to purist driving engagement.
Embracing the Legacy
The Porsche 911 is more than a car; it’s a rolling testament to engineering excellence, driver focus, and an unwavering commitment to an iconic design. Each of these ten models represents a significant chapter in that ongoing story, pushing boundaries and refining an already exceptional formula.
If you find yourself captivated by this rich heritage and are considering how to become part of the Porsche 911 legacy, whether it’s through acquiring one of these celebrated machines or exploring the latest innovations, we invite you to connect with our team of specialists. We can guide you through the nuances of each model and help you find the perfect Porsche 911 to fulfill your automotive aspirations.
