Etymology. From Latin semperviva, sempervivum, from sempervivus (“ever-living”), from semper (“always”) + vivus (“living”).
Ferdinand Porsche's 1901 'Semper Vivus,' the world's first hybrid automobile.
Ferdinand Porsche, founder of the sports car by the same name, creates the Lohner-Porsche Mixte -- the world's first hybrid electric car. The vehicle is powered by electricity stored in a battery and a gas engine.
In fact, Ferdinand Porsche designed the first-ever hybrid car, unveiled as a prototype in 1900 – 110 years before the launch of the Cayenne S Hybrid in 2010, the first electrified Porsche of the modern era.
Hybrid Battery Life Expectancy
Most hybrid batteries should take drivers about 100,000 miles. With excellent maintenance, some owners are able to push this number to 200,000. Warranties typically extend to about the 100,000-mile mark, so manufacturers do expect this to be the upper limit on battery life.
The Lexus Hybrid Line
It was the first luxury car in the world that paired a high-powered gas engine with a potent electric motor and a self-charging battery. The Lexus GS 450h was released the following year for the 2007 model year and the lineup of Lexus hybrids has since continued to grow and evolve.
NHW10 (1997–2000)
The first-generation Prius, at its launch, became the world's first mass-produced gasoline-electric hybrid car. At its introduction in 1997, it won the Car of the Year Japan Award, and in 1998, it won the Automotive Researchers' and Journalists' Conference Car of the Year award in Japan.
The Toyota Prius was the world's first mass-produced petrol-electric hybrid vehicle. Its domestic launch in late 1997 marked the culmination of a concerted, five-year effort by Toyota Motor Corporation to develop and bring to market a practical, low-emission family vehicle.
The Ford Escape Hybrid, the first hybrid electric sport utility vehicle (SUV), was released in 2005. Toyota and Ford entered into a licensing agreement in March 2004 allowing Ford to use 20 patents from Toyota related to hybrid technology, although Ford's engine was independently designed and built.
The first hybrid car was built in the year 1899 by engineer Ferdinand Porsche. Called the System Lohner-Porsche Mixte, it used a gasoline engine to supply power to an electric motor that drove the car's front wheels. The Mixte was well-received, and over 300 were produced.
A milestone: The "Lohner-Porsche"
It was presented and celebrated at the World's Fair in Paris in 1900 as the first car without a transmission and with a steerable wheel hub. "Semper Vivus" - as the engineer called the vehicle - made Porsche a pioneer of electric mobility.
The word 'iconic' is used far too liberally, but there surely can be no complaints when attributing that description to the Porsche 911. The 911 is now into its eighth generation (as of June 2023). During its first 60 years, some of the greatest cars of all time have worn the famous 911 name on its rear.
The Porsche 917 is considered one of the most iconic racing cars of all time and gave Porsche their first 24 Hours of Le Mans win. The 917 went on to destroy the competition in the cutthroat Can-Am racing series.
A total of 19 overall victories, countless class successes and incredible emotions have linked Porsche with the 24 Hours of Le Mans, the world's largest and most traditional motorsport event, for more than six decades. On 14 June 1970, Porsche achieved its first overall victory there with the 580 hp 917 KH sports car.
Porsche have won the most races as a manufacturer with 19 since their first in 1970. Audi are second with 13 wins and Ferrari are third with 10 victories. Porsche also achieved the most consecutive wins with seven victories in succession from 1981 to 1987.
There was a considerable price difference between the two versions, which made the Cayman “just plain”, hence the “poor man's Porsche.” However, in the current second-hand market, they have a very similar value, so it is always more advisable to look for a unit with a 3.4 propeller.
Forty-five years ago, the Porsche 928 celebrated its world premiere at the 1977 Geneva Motor Show. A groundbreaking model, the 928 mixed effortless performance with refinement, thanks to its mighty and characterful V8 engine – making it the first road-going Porsche with eight-cylinder power.
Porsche 911
With 40,400 sales in 2022, the 911 is still the most popular car among Porsche's long list of incredible sports models.
2021 Porsche 718 Boxster Spyder Review
This is the new Porsche 718 Spyder, and Mat thinks it's the most fun Porsche sports car EVER!
The 917 gave Porsche its first 24 Hours of Le Mans win in 1970. The Porsche 917 is considered one of the most iconic racing cars of all time and gave Porsche their first 24 Hours of Le Mans win, while open-top versions of it dominated Can-Am racing.
Which is perhaps why so many celebrities seem to own or drive them. Among the many photographed driving or climbing into a Porsche 993 over the years are Kendall Jenner, Keanu Reeves, David Beckham, Harry Styles, Jerry Seinfeld, Ellen Degeneres, and Antonio Banderas.
What is the Fastest Porsche in 2023? The fastest Porsche you can get your hands on right now are the Porsche 911 Turbo models. With 0-60 times as low as 2.7 seconds, you'll rule the road whether you're hopping on the freeway near Hobbs or going for a pleasure drive on a country road.
2023 Porsche 911 Sport Classic (Limited Edition)
This limited edition car is considered the most expensive Porsche in the market, with a starting price of around $273,750.