posted on May 31, 2016
Editor’s note: Some content of this post was originally posted on March 4, 2014, but has since been upgraded and updated.
Here at Turo, we have a great appreciation for the finer things in life, which most certainly includes beautifully designed, high-performing cars. Porsche has built a legacy around responsive sports cars with zero-compromise on performance, and the iconic 911 is the crown jewel.
A history nearly a century in the making
Founded in 1931 by Ferdinand Porsche, the company was initially a part of Volkswagen. Amongst their first development assignments was to design a “car for the people.” This effort would result in the Volkswagen Beetle, one of the best-selling passenger vehicles of all time.
It wasn’t until after WWII that Porsche shifted gears and began creating the sports cars it would later be known for. The first of these vehicles was the Porsche 356, which was released to the German market in 1948. Borrowing heavily from the Beetle, the 356 shared many mechanical elements with the Beetle, including its air-cooled, rear-mounted engine.
As Porsche models continued to progress over the years, these design elements would become a hallmark of their sports cars. The 911 model was developed as a roomier, more comfortable version of the 356 racing model, and was introduced in the fall of 1963 at the Frankfurt Motor Show, or the Internationale Automobil-Ausstellung. The 911 is considered by many to be the performance benchmark by which all other sports cars are judged and is the model Porsche has used to build and evolve its more current models—the Boxster, Carrera, Cayman and Panamera.
Capitalizing on the popularity of the 911 and other Porsche models, the company unveiled its luxury crossover mid-size luxury SUV in 2002, the Cayenne. While market reception for the Cayenne was mixed upon its release, the Cayenne eventually proved its status as a performance vehicle among SUV’s and was praised for its excellent handling and powerful engines.
Take your turn behind the wheel
Take a look at some of our favorite Porsche 911s available for rent on Turo.
Jeff’s 2009 Porsche 911 in Boston, MA: For a top-notch driving experience, it’s hard to beat a Porsche 911. Jeff’s model comes equipped with a 6-speed manual gearbox, Bose sound, moonroof, and Michelin Pilot Super Sport summer tires.
Kent’s 2013 911 Carrera S Cabriolet in San Francisco, CA: While the tail-happy antics of a typical 911 are fun, the stability and control provided by the lowered suspension and increased power in the Carrera allows you to really wring the car out with utter confidence. This sleek example comes equipped with an automatic transmission, a USB hook-up for your phone, and a Bose surround sound system so you can roll around in style.
Calvin’s 2009 Cayman in Los Angeles, CA: The 911’s mid-engined little brother is one of the best handling sports cars money can buy. Equipped with a 6-speed manual gearbox, iPhone 5 docking connector and free roadside assistance, this hassle-free Germanic speed demon is ready to go when you are.
Mehmet’s 2011 Cayenne S in Chicago, IL: A Porsche of a different feather, the Cayenne is a V8 powered brute that brings back the “sport” to sport utility vehicles. This particular example has an automatic transmission and a sunroof.
Samuel’s 2013 Boxster Convertible in Miami: If you are planning a vacation in Miami, you might as well treat yourself to the luxury of Samuel’s Porsche Boxster with the top down. You’ll feel the kick of that box engine in the comfort of the roadster style.
Kamala Puligandla
Kamala Puligandla is a writer, editor, and bon vivant in LA. She is the author of two books, Zigzags and You Can Vibe Me On My Femmephone, and is always on the look-out for strange stories, excellent eats, and relaxing locales.
