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The greatest and most iconic "everyday" cars are ones that have not taken technological leaps each generation. They were not revolutionary. Instead, they focused on evolutionary engineering towards perfection.
A 911 is what it is because they haven't been constantly toying with integrating new technologies or dramatically changing the drivetrain around. Think about this fact: Not only has the 911 (the core models) used the same layout and powertrain design for 9 generations or so....since 1995 the displacement of the 911 and 911 S has not changed by more than 6-7% or about .2 liters. In 20 years, those engineers have been refining a platform whose biggest weight driver (the engine) and chassis structure (placing the engine) has stayed within 6-7% basic sizing. The main change, and it was a big one, was going to water cooling....a technology Porsche had already used in house for many years before they put it on the 911. The big truly new changes in the engine were things like moving away from the Mezger block, which they screwed up, and direct injection.
Same thing with the Vette. While they've changed in size/displacement around a bit more, but those engineers focused on developing the best pushrod v8 for a sports car they could.
It saves soooo much effort to stay with consistent design themes and allows it be directed elsewhere. Which is why I think this m3 is the best showroom stock in terms of weight reduction and weight placement, chassis design and rigidity, cooling, and braking performance.
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