Porsche 993 Turbo

The first 911 Turbo, the 930 born in the mid-70s, was not a docile or easy car. Its mechanical potential soon put off inexperienced drivers who were reluctant to take on the surge of turbocharged power. With the passing of time and generations, the 911 Turbo remained a wild car, reserved for a few thrill-seekers.

In 1987, however, the 959 offered an unprecedented level of 911 efficiency, with all-wheel drive and a 450 hp twin-turbo engine. Rare and short-lived, it nevertheless paved the way for the evolution of the species, leading to the 993 Bi-Turbo.

The concept should have seen the light of day earlier, however, with the 965 project destined to become the Porsche 969, alongside the 964. Unfortunately, the brand had to make economic choices, and had to settle for the 965 as we know it, with two-wheel drive and a single turbo. Having reached the twilight of its career, the air-cooled flat 6 was to prove that it was far from having given the brand’s customers everything. In 1995, for all sports car enthusiasts, the new 993 Turbo once again set the benchmark in its class. The German magazine Auto motor und sport voted the 993 Bi-turbo “sports car of the year”.

The 993 Turbo retains its reliable, robust mechanical base, while introducing a number of innovations, including twin-turbocharging – a first for a production car. KKK turbochargers deliver maximum boost pressure of 0.8 bar. The volumetric ratio is 8.0:1. Managed entirely by Bosch Motronic M5.2 injection, the Flat 6 develops 408 bhp at 5,750 rpm and 540 Nm of torque at 4,500 rpm, 80% of which is available between 2,600 and 6,000 rpm. The remarkable efficiency of this engine is 113 hp/L and 150 Nm/L. Later, this power will be further enhanced in the form of an engine kit, with 430 hp and 59 Mkg of torque.

Transmission to all four wheels is via an innovative 6-speed gearbox with double cone synchronization on the first two gears. The stroke of the hydraulically-assisted clutch has also been reduced.

Still weighing in at around 1,500 kg, the 993 Turbo is nonetheless the fastest production 911 of all time. Top speed reaches 290 km/h! And for those who love hard acceleration, its 4-wheel drive will propel you from 0 to 100 km/h in 4.5“, before covering the 1000 m D.A. in 23”.

Admittedly, the 911 Turbo doesn’t break any records for power, speed or even acceleration. But thanks to its all-wheel drive and ease of handling, it is a champion of consistency, versatility and “usability”, virtues that are rare in the realm of super sports cars.