1996 Porsche 911 Turbo

Porsche updated its new 993-generation 911 model lineup for 1955 and it would be the last of the long-running air-cooled 911s. Porsche cited that the 993 contained 70 to 80 percent new or improved content and the outgoing 964 series was 85 percent new. The 993-body structure was approximately 20 percent stiffer than its predecessor. Only the front deck lid and roof were retained from the preceding 964 model, and the new 911 body wore athletically bulged fenders and a pinched waist, lending an overall 'Coke bottle' design theme. Its aerodynamic profile was enhanced with integrated bumpers and reclined headlamps at the front.

The all-new rear suspension system was named 'LSA' for Light, Stable, and Agile. The all-aluminum, multi-link setup brought improvements to the ride quality and handling, while reducing noise. Additional mechanical improvements included enlarged brakes, enhanced ABS, a new six-speed gearbox, and one-inch wider wheels. Detail refinements were also made to the interior. The normally aspired, air-cooled engine remained at 3.6-liters of displacement, but gained a new hydraulic valvetrain and output dramatically increased to 272 horsepower with the new VarioRam intake system.

The entire 993-range was powered by the 3.6-liter version of Porsche's perennial flat-six engine and was comprised of the familiar two- and four-wheel-drive models, a Cabriolet convertible, the Turbo, and the Turbo S.

Porsche introduced the 993 Turbo at the Geneva Show in March of 1995. The 408 horsepower engine was fed by twin KKK K16 turbochargers with twin intercoolers, sending its power to a 959-derived electronically controlled viscous coupling all-wheel-drive system with an 80/20 rear/front torque split. Each of the turbochargers featured integrated wastegates and two charge air intercoolers. Along with bigger brakes, wider tires, a wide body and stance, and specially designed 'Technologie-Rad' cast alloy wheels, the 993 Turbo was one of the fastest cars in production. Zero-to-sixty mph was accomplished in 4.4 seconds on its way to a top speed of 180 mph.

In 1997, Porsche offered the Turbo S package built by Porsche's Exclusive Department. It was the most technologically advanced 911 variant to ever leave Stuttgart, outfitted with a myriad of updates throughout. Distinguishable features applied to the exterior included vented rear fenders, yellow brake calipers, a special rear spoiler, a four-tipped exhaust system, and an Aero kit front spoiler with special ventilation and fog-light placement. Modifications to the engine brought output to 424 horsepower for the U.S. and global markets.

by Daniel Vaughan | May 2013