1986 Porsche 911

The Porsche 3.2 Carrera was launched in 1984, reviving the Carrera name for the first time since 1977. The all-alloy flat-6 engine, which had been fuel injected since 1971, received a final stretch to 3,164cc, giving a torque-rich 231 horsepower, endowing the 911 with a top speed of over 150 mph, and zero-to-sixty mph achieved in 5.6 seconds. Cars built from September 1986 onwards were fitted with the more user-friendly G50 Getrag gearbox.

The 3.2 Carreras had galvanized bodies and were powered by a 3,164cc (3.2-liter) horizontally opposed flat 6-cylinder engine with a 3.7 inch (95mm) bore from the previous SC model and a 2.9 inch (74.4mm) stroke from the 1978 Turbo 3.3 crankshaft. Porsche claimed that the motor was 80% new, with significant updates and changes from the previous powerplant. With compression raised from 9.8 to 10.3:1 (U.S-spec cars had 9.5:1 compression), higher domed pistons, and a new inlet manifold and exhausts system, output was rated at 207 horsepower (210 PS) at 5,900 RPM for North American-delivered examples and 231 horsepower (237 PS) at 5,900 for ROW (Rest of the Wold) markets. Along with higher output, its cam chain tensioner and associated lubrication system addressed a perennial 911 shortcoming, and there was a 'proper' oil cooler, further improved in 1987 with the addition of a thermostatically controlled fan. A Bosch LE-Jetronic ECU controlled the fuel and ignition systems for the first time on a 911, helping with output and fuel efficiency. The existing Type 915 five-speed was carried over from the SC series, and then in 1987, the Carrera received a new five-speed Getrag box (the G50) with BorgWarner synchronizers and a hydraulically operated clutch. To cope with the increase in power and aid in heat dissipation, larger disc brakes were fitted.

Body styles included a coupe, Targa and cabriolet. The M491 option, introduced in 1984, was commonly known as the 'Turbo-Look', with styling that resembled the 930 Turo including the distinctive 'tea tray' tail and wide wheel arches There were wider Turbo wheels, the Turbo braking system, and the Turbo's stiffer suspension. A total of 3,663 examples were sold before production ended in 1989. Initially offered solely on the coupe (and some cabriolets via the 'Sonderwunchprogramm' - Special Wishes Programme), the Turbo-Look option could be ordered on all three body styles from the 1985 model year forward.

Production of the 911 3.2 Carrera series lasted from 1984 to 1989 with 76,473 examples built including 35,670 coupes, 19,987 cabriolets, and 18,458 Targas.

The 930 Turbo 3.3-liter (1984 through 1989)

Much of the Porsche 911's development and technology benefitted from the factory's racing program. This was certainly true for the 'Project 930,' built in response to Group 4 homologation rules which required 400 road-going examples to be built. In production from April 1975, the Type 930 Turbo married a KKK turbocharger to the 3.0-litre RSR engine, in road trim a combination that delivered 260bhp for a top speed of 155mph (250km/h).

The 911 Turbos had a four-speed gearbox, flared wheel arches and 'tea tray' rear spoiler which had already been seen on the Carrera model. The interior was the most luxurious yet seen in a 911, with leather upholstery, electric windows, and air conditioning. The engine was enlarged to 3.3 liters for 1978, gaining an intercooler in the process, and a boost in power to 300 bhp. Originally sold only as a closed coupé, the Turbo became available for the first time in both Targa and cabriolet forms in 1988. A five-speed manual became available in 1989.

In 1990, the 930 Turbo was replaced by the Type 964 Turbo utilizing the same 3.3-liter engine.

by Daniel Vaughan | Nov 2013