Book excerpt: This beautifully designed and illustrated essential guide to Porsche 911 from Motorbooks' Speed Read series explores the ins and outs of one of the world’s premier sports cars; see what makes it tick, what makes it work, and how it managed to win so many titles and championships. Author Wayne Dempsey examines the creation and design of Porsche’s rear-engined wonder, providing an inside look into every aspect of the 911. In sections divided by topic, you'll explore the evolution of the 911 from its initial design to its current form, the story of Porsche 911's racing success, tales of some of the greatest 911s ever produced, and the passionate community that has evolved around the 911 from its earliest days. Each section ends with a glossary of related terms, and informational sidebars provide fun facts, historical tidbits, and mini-bios of key people. Sleek illustrations brilliantly capture the 911 in its many elegant forms. With Motorbooks’ Speed Read series, become an instant expert in a range of fast-moving subjects, from Formula 1 racing to the Tour de France. Accessible language, compartmentalized sections, fact-filled sidebars, glossaries of key terms, and event timelines deliver quick access to insider knowledge. Their brightly colored covers, modern design, pop art–inspired illustrations, and handy size make them perfect on-the-go reads.