With the introduction of the 993 Turbo in 1995 Porsche was again setting the ultimate reference for sportscar manufacturers all around the world. The turbo was the worlds fastest production car both in acceleration and deceleration (0-100km/h 4s and 100-0km/h 2.3s) and was the only production car equal to the performance of the legendary 959.
The 993 Turbo featured a new and widely acclaimed turbocharged engine displacing 3.6 liters. Turbocharging technology was changed from a large monoturbo setup (930, 964 turbo) to a twin-turbo setup featuring two smaller turbochargers each charging one row of 3 cylinders of the air-cooled flat-six. This change of configuration provided a better response and a more linear power evolvement. Redesigned cylinder heads and numerous other modified engine internals were used. A new BOSCH Motronic electronic engine management system was developed featuring four oxygen sensors. The new Motronic combined with two catalytic converters allowed to achieve a fuel efficiency far superior to the earlier turbo models and made the 993 also the cleanest car of its time. The engine provided 408 bhp @ 5750 rpm and 540 Nm @ 4500 rpm.
Porsche was not only extravagant when developing the new turbocharged engine but also leveled up the entire chassis of the 993 Turbo to the same level: It featured a new all-wheel drive system and high performance brakes – affectionately referred to as the “Big Reds” providing a deceleration performance of 1931 bhp. This high-tech package was rounded off with lightweight 8 / 10 X 18 inch 5 spoke wheels featuring hollow-spoke technology and weighing 8.9kg (8 inch) and 11.4kg (10 inch) per wheel only.
The bodywork of the 993 Turbo was designed to incorporate all high-tech components while still maintaining the authentic shape of the 911. A large fixed rear spoiler was fitted to the back both providing improved downforce and optimum cool air supply to the two intercoolers. The rear of the car was 6 cm wider compared to the standard Carrera.
The 993 turbo was one of the ultimate sportscars at its time reaching a top speed of 290km/h. Unlike the other examples of the supercar species, the 993 Turbo was a comfortable car, very reliable and a very good daily driver.
The 993 Turbo was also available with a factory tuning called WLS (Werksleistungssteigerung for factory performance upgrade), WLS I provided an extra 22 bhp (430bhp) and WLS II an extra 42 bhp (450 bhp). A total of 4815 993 Turbos was produced in MY 1996, 1997 and 1998.
In 1997, Porsche launched an improved and fully loaded version of the Turbo, the 993 Turbo S. This car featured every thinkable option including carbon fibre interior. Porsche fitted a redesigned and slightly larger rear spoiler, yellow brake calipers, a 4 pipe exhaust system and implemented air inlets into the rear fenders. Power was leveled up to WLS II level with 450 bhp.
The 993 Turbo S was different to the spartanic lightweight 964 Turbo S as it was fully loaded and therefore quite heavy. Only 182 units were building making the Turbo S a very popular collector’s car.
