1987 Porsche 911 Turbo

The turbocharged Porsche 930 made its debut at the October 1974 Paris Auto Show. They were built to homologate the Group 4 934 for FIA competition (which required a minimum of 400 examples built) and was equipped with technologies sourced from the 917/30. The 3.0-liter flat-six engine was given a large-capacity Kühnle, Kopp & Kausch turbocharger, the suspension was modified, a strengthened four-speed gearbox was fitted, and larger brakes were placed at all four corners. The turbocharger's wastegate was a 'world production car' first. To help send the power to the ground, the wheel arches were widened and larger tires were installed. A function 'whale-tail' spoiler was added to the back to reduce rear-end lift at speed.

These were internally designated Type 930, but best known simply as the 'Turbo.' Comprehensive improvements followed, including an intercooler allowing higher compression, an engine-displacement increase to 3.3 liters, and a host of important detail refinements. Stiff emission mandates made the Porsche Turbo scarce in the United States, making 1979 the last model year for the 930 in the U.S. until 1986. Production continued for Porsche's other markets. The new re-designated 911 Turbo returned to America in 1986. A catalytic converter with an oxygen sensor helped it meet emissions standards and US-spec power output rose to 282 horsepower. VR-rated tires rested on new 16X8 and 16X9 wheels, allowing the Turbo power to reach the road.

Changes for 1987 were limited to the addition of Targa and Cabriolet bodies to the Turbo range and 1988 cars were essentially unchanged.

The racing 935 had pioneered what would become known as the 'Slant' or 'Flat' nose appearance. Early on, Kremer Racing offered a conversion service to customers seeking to upgrade their Porsche 911 with this styling feature. It was later taken up by the factory's own Customer Department for special order (Sunderwunschen) in 1981. The slant nose bodywork would not become an official Porsche option until 1986. The converted front wings were steel, incorporating cooling vents and pop-up headlamps, although early examples had them in the air dam. The side skirts led to extra cooling intakes ahead of the rear wheels. The interior was given additional luxury items including full leather, air conditioning, and special electrically adjustable and heated Recaro seats. Due to the steep costs, production of the modified 930s remained low.

by Daniel Vaughan | Nov 2019