Porsche is one of those brands that seems to get it right no matter what car it releases. Sure, there have been some models that weren’t that good, but most of them, especially the more recent models, are widely considered some of the best sports cars and SUVs on the market. Granted, the VW-Audi connection may be a bit too obvious in some of the more base Macan and Panamera versions, particularly in the engine department, but on every other front, Porsche does a great job at justifying their price tags.

One place where Porsche is cutting absolutely no corners, however, is the company's prized 911. Luckily, this engineering pedantry spills down to the 718 and persists even more when it comes to Porsche's supercars, which often, share a lot with the brand's competition models. With such a legendary history in performance and quality, Porsche has to consistently build upon one of the strongest and purest pedigrees in the automotive world, and somehow, generation after generation, Porsche manages to push itself to the next level. Now, we're going to look deeper at that performance pedigree by looking at the 15 fastest Porsches ever made.

Updated July 12, 2023: In order to keep this list fresh and relevant, five more Porsche models were added to this list.

• Porsche 718 Spyder 4.0
• Porsche 928 GTS
• Porsche 911 GT1
• Porsche 959 Sport
• Porsche 718 GT4 RS
• Porsche Cayenne Coupe Turbo GT
• Porsche 935 (991)
• Porsche 935 Straßenversion
• Porsche 917
• Porsche 935 "Moby Dick"

Data from a number of sources including Car and Driver, MotorTrend, and Porsche was used in order to come up with this list of the fastest Porsches ever made.

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20 Porsche Taycan Turbo S

Top Speed: 160 mph

Like most manufacturers have done, in 2019 Porsche also decided to join the EV party. Porsche Taycan is what the company came up with and in just a few years, it became the most popular, high-performance EV. Like the rest of the Porsche lineup, the all-electric Taycan had a version for every need and (almost) every budget. Power ranges from 408 to 761 horsepower in the range-topping, Turbo S model, which is exactly the version that makes it on our list.

Specifications

With two electric motors (one for each axle), the Turbo S packs 761 horsepower and 774 pound-feet (1,050 Nm) of instant torque. Porsche says the 0 to 60 mph (97 km/h) sprint takes 2.6 seconds, but Car and Driver put down a tested 2.4-second time. Even more impressive is how the Porsche Taycan masks its curb weight of 5,060 pounds (2,295 kg).

19 Porsche 928 GTS

Top Speed: 171 Mph

Porsche is best-known for the rear-engine 911, but in 1977, the company attempted to replace it with a more conventional model. The 928 featured a more classic, front-engine rear-wheel-drive layout and was more of a grand tourer by comparison. While it never replaced the 911, it was produced until 1995, with numerous revisions along the way. Power came exclusively from V-8 engines, which were built in-house.

Specifications

The most powerful version was the GTS, it arrived in 1991, with Porsche’s biggest V-8 at the time. The 5.4-liter unit featured water cooling – something the 911 wouldn’t get for two more years – and packed more power than the 964 Turbo’s early iterations. Sadly, only 10 to 15 percent of all 928s sold were optioned with the dog-leg, five-speed manual transmission. Nevertheless, the Porsche 928 was one of the sportiest grand tourers of its day.

18 992 Porsche 911 GT3 RS

Top Speed: 184 mph

The 911 GT3 RS is an outlaw in the current era of turbocharging, weight gain, and electrification. Like all other GT3 RS models before it, the 992 is a no-nonsense, road-legal, track weapon, based on the regular GT3. It features more aggressive aerodynamics optimized for track use. At 125 mph (200 km/h), the new aero kit generates 901 pounds (409 kg) of downforce.

Specifications

Because of this, the top speed has been reduced from 199 (320 km/h) to 184 mph (296 km/h). The 4.0-liter, naturally-aspirated flat-six still screams 9,000 RPM, but it now packs 525 horsepower and 347 pound-feet (470 Nm). Mated exclusively to a seven-speed PDK with shorter gears, the 992 GT3 RS sprints to 60 mph (97 km/h) in 3.2 seconds.

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17 Porsche Cayenne Coupe Turbo GT

Top Speed: 186 mph

As if the SUV craze wasn't enough, in 2021, Porsche also succumbed to the SUV coupe trend. The brand introduced a coupe version of the SUV that once saved it, in the form of the Porsche Cayenne Coupe - a fastback version of the regular Cayenne. In its sportiest version, the Turbo GT, the big SUV packs 640 horsepower and 627 pound-feet (850 Nm) from a 4.0-liter, twin-turbo V-8.

Specifications

Although you can find the same powerplant in various other VAG models in various tunes, it is here that the engine provides the best performance. The absence of a hybrid system makes the Turbo GT almost 700 pounds (320 kg) lighter than the more powerful Turbo S E-Hybrid. This translates into a 0 to 60 mph (97 km/h) sprint in 3.1 seconds - the fastest ever in a combustion-powered SUV.

16 Porsche 718 Spyder 4.0

Top Speed:186 mph

If you are looking for the ultimate, opel-top thrills in a compact, mid-engine sports car, the Porsche 718 Spyder 4.0 is as visceral as it gets. The 718 Spyder's main difference compared to the Boxster is weight-saving. The Spyder is 176 pounds (80 kg) lighter thanks to removing equipment, most of which can be added back at a cost.

Specifications

The roof is no longer electrically-operated, but manual. As the name suggests, the Spyder 4.0 features a de-tuned version of the high-revving, naturally-aspirated flat-six, found in the 718 GT4 RS (found below). In the Spyder, the same engine develops 420 horsepower and 317 pound-feet (430 Nm). Although a six-speed manual is available, the seven-speed PDK offers 0.5 seconds quicker o to 60 mph (97 km/h) time, taking just 3.7 seconds.

15 Porsche 935 Straßenversion

Top Speed: 186 Mph

The idea of a racing car for the road is one that marketing departments continue to abuse and misuse. There was a time when that term meant something and the Porsche 935 Straßenversion comes from that time. Porsche’s Group 5 race car dominated the racetracks from 1976 to 1981 and was raced by Porsche and privateer teams alike. A Few individuals with passion for motorsports and the wallet to pack it up were capable of commissioning a car like no other. In this case, it was racing team owner and business man, Mansour Ojjieh, who commissioned a one-off, road-going Porsche 935.

Specifications

Similarly to the one-off, street-legal Porsche 917, the 935 Street received some minor changes to make it road-compliant. The race car was, originally, based on the 930 Turbo and the optional “Flachbau” (slant-nose) was added. The color of the 935 Street was an equally-special, Brilliant Red color, mixed specifically per the owner’s request. The street-legal 935 was severely de-tuned, but was still good for an 11-second quarter-mile time.

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14 Porsche 911 Speedster

Top Speed: 192 mph

The 991 GT chassis 911 Speedster is a homage to the Porsches of the past. Although the 911 Speedster was built alongside the 992 generation, it's actually based on the previous, 991 model in order to celebrate "70 years of Porsche sports cars". Being based on the 911 GT, the speedster also packs amazing performance.

Specifications

Apart from the Speedster bodywork, this limited-edition, open-top 911 features a 4.0-liter, naturally-aspirated flat-six, borrowed from the GT3. The unit revs to 9,000 RPM while capable of 502 horsepower and 347 pound-feet (470 Nm). If that didn't sell you as a purist, you will be glad to know that the Porsche 991 Speedster comes, exclusively, with a seven-speed manual transmission. With it, 0 to 60 mph (97 km/h) is dealt with in 3.8 seconds, on to a top speed of 192 mph (309 km/h).

13 992 Porsche 911 Carrera 4 GTS

Top Speed: 192 mph

It's funny how the new generation 992 Carrera S is faster than a 997 911 Turbo which at its time was an incredibly fast car. The 992 GTS is the fastest 992 Carrera you can buy and it, matches the power of the 997 Turbo. In the case of the 992 Carrera GTS, it came from a smaller, 3.0-liter, twin-turbo flat-six.

Specifications

Those 480 horsepower and 420 pound-feet (570 Nm) are best put to use when combined with the eight-speed PDK transmission and all-wheel drive. The result is a 0 to 60 mph (97 km/h) time of 3.1 seconds and a top speed of 192 mph (309 km/h), making this the fastest 911 Carrera you can, currently, buy.

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12 Porsche 911 GT1 Straßenversion

Top Speed: 193 mph

1990s Motorsport homologation rules gave birth to a variety of iconic, limited-production road variants of GT race cars. Among them was the Porsche 911 GT1. Between 1996 and 1998, there were three variants - the GT1, GT1 EVO, and GT1-98. The latter adopted the 996's "fried-egg" headlights as opposed to earlier variants, which came with the 993's more classic look.

Specifications

Power was derived from a 3.2-liter, twin-turbo flat-six pushing out 543 horsepower and 442 pound-feet (600 Nm). This was 57 horsepower down from the racing version's 600 horsepower. In competition trim, the car consistently reached speeds of 205 mph (330 km/h), while the 25 street versions produced, could reach 193 mph (310 km/h). Thanks to a six-speed sequential transmission, sending power to the rear, the 0 to 60 mph (97 km/h) took 3.7 seconds.

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11 Porsche 718 Cayman GT4 RS

Top Speed: 196 mph

Just like the 911 has a hardcore, track-focused variant in the GT3 RS, the mid-engine Porsche 718 Cayman has a no-nonsense track weapon in the form of the GT4 RS. Its 4.0-liter, naturally-aspirated flat-six can rev to 9,000 RPM while making 493 horsepower and 331 pound-feet (449 Nm). It's worth noting that this naturally-aspirated, 4.0-liter flat-six is not the same as the one in the GT3 RS.

Specifications

In fact, the 718 GT4 unit is based on the 911 Carrera's 3.0-liter, twin-turbo flat-six, minus the turbos. Being a track-optimized variant, the GT4 RS comes exclusively with a seven-speed PDK transmission. It allows the mid-engine sports car to sprint from 0 to 60 mph (97 km/h) in 3.2 seconds, making it the fastest Porsche 718 yet.

10 Porsche Panamera Turbo S E-Hybrid

Top Speed: 196 mph

There’s something special about large cars that can carry a whole family and their language across a continent while also being able to demolish racetracks. The Porsche Panamera Turbo S E-Hybrid is one of them. In 2020, Porsche started offering the E-Hybrid option, which effectively turns your Porsche into a more powerful, Plug-in Hybrid version.

Porsche Panamera Turbo S E-Hybrid Specs

In the case of the Turbo S, it turns the already-quick Autobahn missile into a 700-horsepower pavement-crushing, luxury sports car. The 641-pound-feet (870 Nm) torque figure is available from 1,500 RPM, and together with the eight-speed PDK and all-wheel-drive capabilities, the 0 to 60 mph (97 km/h) sprint happens in 3.0 seconds. Despite being a heavy, tech-fest on wheels, the Panamera Turbo S E-Hybrid can comfortably cruise at 196 mph (315 km/h).

9 Porsche Carrera GT

Top Speed: 205 mph

The Carrera GT is without a doubt one of the most special vehicles Porsche has ever made. The mid-engine supercar from Porsche was produced from 2004 to 2006 in a limited quantity of just 1,270 examples. Its 5.7-liter, naturally-aspirated V-10 was originally developed for racing and made the Carrera GT one of the best-sounding supercars ever made.

Specifications

With 612 horsepower and 435 pound-feet (590 Nm), the Carrera GT could sprint to 60 mph (97 km/h) in 3.4 seconds. In order to do that, you had to master the car's vile temperament and six-speed manual with a tricky clutch that came with an anti-stall feature. There was also no traction control, so it was up to you to modulate the throttle while holding on to dear life. If you are brave enough, you could reach the top speed of 205 mph (330 km/h).

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8 992 Porsche 911 Turbo S Lightweight

Top Sped: 205 mph

Half of this list could have easily been made of 911 Turbo models. The 991 and 992 Turbo/Turbo S versions all sprint to 60 mph (97 km/h) in under 3.0 seconds. For the sake of variety, we decided to only include the fastest version of each Porsche. In the case of the 911 Turbo S, this is the Turbo S Lightweight package. On paper, the $10,340 option doesn't add much.

Specifications

Less sound-deadening, thinner glass, rear-seat delete, and more drop 80 pounds (36 kg). It doesn't sound like much, but apparently, Car and Driver managed a 2.1-second 0 to 60 mph (97 km/h) run in the 992 Turbo S Lightweight - 0.5 seconds quicker than the normal car's official time. The 3.75-liter, twin-turbo flat-six remains unchanged with 641 horsepower and 590 pound-feet (800 Nm), accross a very wide RPM range.

7 Porsche 959 Sport

Top Speed: 211 mph

Among Porsche's many iconic models is the 959. When it debuted in 1986, it was the most advanced, high-performance sports car on sale. Unlike its arch-rival, the bare-bone Ferrari F40 that came out a year later, the 959 was a tech-fest on wheels. It featured all-wheel-drive, and all-wheel-steering, and even had a low gear for off-roading.

Specifications

The 959 Sport was an even rarer version that bumped power from the 2.85-liter, twin-turbo flat-six, from 449 to 515 horsepower. Both figures are allegedly understated. Regardless of the variant, the Porsche 959 came, exclusively, with a five-speed manual. The 959 Sport was able to sprint to 60 mph (97 km/h) in 3.5 seconds - 0.2 seconds quicker than the regular 959. Meanwhile, it was capable of reaching a top speed of 211 mph (339 km/h).

6 Porsche 935 (911)

Top Speed: 211 Mph

To commemorate one of its most iconic models, the 935 “Moby Dick”, in 2019, Porsche decided to make a very special, limited-edition model, inspired by the 935. Underneath, the 1970s race car-inspired looks lay the Porsche 991 GT2 RS. Engine-wise, things remained identical to the donor car, but the retro race car theme continued inside with a stripped interior, featuring wooden gear-shifter and lots of naked carbon fiber.

Specifications

At 3,042 pounds (1,380 kg), the 991 GT2 RS-based 935 is 200 pounds (90 kg) lighter than the donor car. Production for this Porsche 935 tribute was limited to 77 models, with each costing $817,000. The iconic Martini livery familiar from the original 935 “Moby Dick”, alluded to the car’s racing heritage, although other color schemes were also available to the 77 lucky individuals to choose from.

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5 Porsche 911 GT2 RS

Top Speed: 213 mph

Porsche has not released a 992 GT2 RS yet, but we can assure you that the 991 is plenty fast. If the 997 and 991 generations are an indication, the 992 may receive a GT2 RS version towards the end of its production cycle. The last iteration of a road-going 911 GT2 RS packs a twin-turbocharged, 3.8-liter flat-six producing 691 horsepower and 553 pound-feet (750 Nm) while boasting GT3 RS-inspired aero.

Specifications

A seven-speed PDK transmission is the only option for the 991 GT2 RS, and it sends power exclusively to the rear wheels. Because of this, the GT2 RS' 0 to 60 mph (97 km/h) time of 2.7 seconds falls behind the all-wheel-drive Turbo S, but given enough space it would beat it thanks to a top speed of 213 mph (342 km/h).

4 Porsche 918 Spyder

Top Speed: 214 mph

Just like the Carrera GT, the 918 Spyder is also a halo car – proof of the skills and ambition of Porsche engineers. When the car was introduced in 2014 its numbers were mind-bending, and in 2023, they still are. Like its more analog predecessor, the Carrera GT, the 918 featured a racing engine.

Specifications

Although smaller, the 4.6-liter, twin-turbo, flat-plane V-8 was paired with two electric motors (one for each axle) for a combined output of 887 horsepower and 944 pound-feet (1,280 Nm). Paired with a seven-speed PDK, the all-wheel-drive supercar PHEV, had a claimed time of 2.5 seconds. Our colleagues at Car and Driver managed to put down a verified, 2.2-second time. Meanwhile, the car was capable to accelerate savagely to 214 mph (345 km/h).

3 Porsche 935 “Moby Dick”

Top Speed: 227 Mph

Throughout its long history, Porsche has had many iconic race cars that dominated in their respective series. When it comes to Group 5 racing in the mid-1970s to early 1980s, the 935 “Moby Dick” was the car to beat. Throughout its racing career, the 935 won one-third of all 370 races it entered. The nickname came courtesy of the radical aerodynamics of the car incorporating a massive rear wing. This was the first rear-engine car to win Le Mans.

Specifications

Power came from a variety of twin-turbocharged, flat-six engines, ranging from 3.0 to 3.3 liters. The four-speed manual came from a Porsche 930 Turbo. The 935 featured a curb weight of 2,138 to 2,260 pounds (970 to 1,025 kg). A single Porsche 935 was converted for road use and featured the iconic flat-nose front end, which at the time was an optional extra for the Porsche 930 Turbo. The 3.3-liter turbocharged boxer engine in the 935 Street was de-tuned to 403 horsepower.

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2 Porsche 919 Evo Hybrid

Top Speed: 230 mph

Well yes, this isn’t exactly a road car, but its performance specs are exciting regardless. The 919 was released from the racing rulebook restrictions; therefore, Porsche engineers simply went wild with it. Its hybrid powertrain produces 1160 horses and the whole car only weighs 1,872 pounds (849 kilos). The combustion engine, alone, makes 711 horsepower, and it's just a 2.0-liter V4 unit.

Specifications

This results in a 0-60 time of 2.2 seconds – any faster than this, and it will probably feel like you’ve been rear-ended by a truck. An active drag-reduction system made sure the 919 was capable of reaching 230 mph (370 km/h) while being glued to the racetrack.

1 Porsche 917

Top Speed: 239 Mph

The Porsche 917 came out in 1969 as a race car that would dominate the Le Mans racing scene. It is, without a doubt, one of Porsche’s all-time greatest cars ever made. From 1969 to 1971, the Porsche 917 scored 15 championship victories and countless podiums. A few different versions were developed, depending to cater to different racing series. Total production ended with 27 examples built.

Specifications

The 917 design always revolved around an ultra-light, magnesium space frame that weighed just 93 pounds (42 kg). The Porsche 917 never weighed more than 1,808 pounds (820 kg). Power came from a Mezger-designed 4.5-liter flat-12, with later variants getting twin-turbochargers and bigger displacement. One of the 917s, chassis 030, was homologated for road use. The car was paitned silver and received a tan leather interior. The same vehicle became a test mule for Porsche’s early ABS developments.