Over the years the early variants of the Model 112 were perceived as under-powered and had limited load capability and the manufacturer addressed these problems in November 1975 with the Model 114, of which more than 1,100 were delivered.

The prototype of the turbine powered series of Rockwell Commanders was flown for the first time on 31 December 1964. Known as the Model 680T Turbo Commander, it was powered by 451-kw (605-shp) Garrett AiResearch turboprops.