Porsches

Porsches refer to motor vehicles produced by Porsche AG, a German automaker headquartered in Stuttgart. The brand is renowned for its performance-oriented sports cars and luxury vehicles, and for its long involvement in motor racing.

Porsche originated as an engineering consultancy founded in 1931 by Ferdinand Porsche. The firm contributed to design work for the Volkswagen Beetle and to the development of racing and performance cars. The first production car to carry the Porsche badge was the 356, introduced in 1948 after World War II, and built in Gmünd before production moved to Stuttgart.

One of the most enduring symbols is the 911, introduced in 1964 and continually updated, known for its distinctive silhouette and rear-engine layout.

More recent models have broadened the lineup: the Cayenne SUV (introduced in 2002), the smaller Macan (2014), and the four-door Panamera (2009). The company also pursued hybrid and electric technology, producing the hybrid/hypercar 918 Spyder (limited run 2013-2015) and the fully electric Taycan (launch 2020).

Racing has been a core element of Porsche's identity, with successes at the 24 Hours of Le Mans and other major events, notably the 917, 956/962, and contemporary GT programs.

Corporate structure: Porsche AG is part of the Volkswagen Group; the family-owned Porsche SE holds a controlling stake in VW and has governance influence, with the Porsche brand operating under VW's umbrella since the 2010s.

Today, Porsches are produced at several facilities in Germany and abroad, with Stuttgart and Leipzig among major sites, and are distributed globally.