Originally launched in 2011, the revered 991-generation of the Porsche 911 has officially bowed out. The final model to roll off the production line was a Porsche 911 Speedster. The 991 series wraps up another spectacular chapter in the history of probably the world's most accomplished line of sports cars. The 991 was only the third all-new platform since the original 911's launch in the early '60s.

Described as one of the biggest development steps in the 911's illustrious history, close to 90 percent of the 991's components were either reworked or all-new. The lighter body made use of aluminum-steel composite to make it the first 911 that yielded a weight reduction over its predecessor.

The innovations didn't stop there, of course. This generation of the 911 had a wheelbase lengthened by just under four inches and could be specified with the Porsche Dynamic Chassis Control (PDCC) roll stabilization system that moved the dynamic benchmark even further ahead of the competition. The 911 Turbo, meanwhile, boasted the first aerodynamics and particulate filter-equipped turbos on the 911 Carrera.

Although retaining the 997's classic rounded headlights, the 991's rear design was carefully sharpened up with slimmer tail lamps. The changes were not nearly as drastic as the 996's "fried egg" headlight design, and Porsche purists were quick to embrace the 991's clean, modernized appearance that remained faithful to the original.

It's fitting that the most successful 911 (233,540 units of the 991-series were produced) also celebrated two of the nameplate's most iconic milestones. The 50th anniversary of the 911 was in 2013, and just under 2,000 limited-edition models were produced to celebrate the occasion. Even more impressively, the 991 saw the one-millionth 911 roll off the production line - the commemorative model was painted in Irish Green and has never been put up for sale, no doubt safely guarded somewhere within Porsche HQ.

"The 991 generation, in particular, has set new standards in terms of performance, drivability, and efficiency," said Michael Steiner, chief research and development officer at Porsche AG. "It fills me with pride, as well as a touch of sadness, to have to send it off into retirement."

As the 911 story evolves to even greater heights, the 991 generation will be remembered for spawning some of the best driver's cars ever produced.