the design of the Porsche 911?

I remember reading an artical about the controversy over the rear engine design in the 911. being a sports car it just seems like having so much weight over the rear wheels would through the car off balance. That isnt the case what so ever. I am doing a paper on the unique design of the Porsche and why it turned out to be so good. If anyone knows any websites or any online jornals I would be greatful. this is a college paper so forums and blogs dont cut it by the profesors standards. once again thank you for your help

There are many sources out there, online and in books, that talk about the 911 design... but in short, it IS an unbalanced design. And most of Porsche's engineering into the car since it's mid 60s introduction have been aimed at trying to overcome this imbalance.

To understand the design, you must understand that the car was designed in an era when even the top levels of motorsport hadn't come to understand the use of aero devices. While mid-engined designs were appearing, the desire for more rear grip meant more rear weight, thus, the engine was put in the back (as it had with the 356 before).

The plusses of the design are that it does offer more rear traction. Under braking it allows for more work at the rear while still effectively transferring the load to the front brakes (and in competition, requires less negative camber in the front, allowing for more cornering grip without compromising braking as much). For a street car in the days before power steering was usable in a sports car, it also meant a car that was easy to steer (with so little weight over the front wheels). The weight distribution also meant the center of rotation was nearly aligned with the front axle, making turn in seem especially crisp compared to other cars.

But it was a mixed blessing... the weight distribution meant that the front end behaved like a car with low polar momentum, while the back behaved like a high polar momentum car. For a very skilled driver, this could be made to work very well... for anyone else, it would be a very dangerous car to drive at or near the limit. Though in many ways, this only added to the mystique.

2006 Porsche 911 Carrera S

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