TechArt Automobildesign Gmbh49-(0)7152/9339-0www.techart.de
In the U.S.CEC-Claus Ettensberger Corp.(800) 766-0064www.cecwheels.com
Turbo Performance Center(410) 799-7223www.turboperformance.com
Tweeks.com(800) 500-1500www.tweeks.com
Windward Performance Products(800) 642-1348(802) 387-4500www.windward-perf.com
Limited Production TurbosThe Slant NoseThe limited-edition Slant Nose 911 Turbo, also called the 930S, became available to the U.S. market in 1987, although they had been built as special-order cars since 1982. Sculpted with flattened front fenders and pop-up headlights, the 930S was reminiscent of the factory's 935 racing machines. They sported rocker panel fairings and, on the rear fender, intake vents with horizontal slats.
Beyond their sheetmetal, the 930S enjoyed additional interior amenities over the standard Turbo. As only a few dozen were built each year, their rarity is reflected in their high market price. On the other hand, the drastic departure in the 930's classic appearance is less than popular with some aficionados.
The 959If Zeus needed a four-wheel chariot, it would be Porsche's 959. It is the grandfather of the current 996 Turbo, and perhaps the savior of the 911 species. Allowed to push the 911 doctrine to its limits, Weissach was able to see just how much farther the envelope could be stretched.
In 1987, the 959 was simply the state of the art in automotive technology-full-time all-wheel drive with a six-speed transmission linked to a 400-bhp multi-stage bi-turbo engine able to vault its sensuous form to nearly 200 mph. Unfortunately, the ultimate 911 was never officially welcomed into the States. If there was ever a Porsche that fulfilled the adage, "If you have to ask, you can't afford it," the 959 would be the one.
The Second-Generation 930SUnlike the flat-fendered S, the 3.3-liter 930S of 1992 retained the 911's more familiar contours. With an extremely limited run of 80 cars, it was to the standard Turbo what the 2.7 RS was to the 911S-a study in horsepower and weight reduction. The radio and rear seats were deleted. The electric side windows were replaced by the antediluvian crank type, and even the car's wiring harness was lightened. The imposed diet trimmed nearly 420 lb from the normally 3,260-lb car.
The S then received a 381-bhp 3.3-liter motor, stiffened suspension and substantial 8x18 and 10x18 three-piece wheels with Pirelli P Zero tires sized at 235/40ZR and 265/35ZR front and rear, respectively. Performance and rarity garnish this 930S with some of the highest resale prices of all the 911 Turbos.
The 993 Turbo SIn 1997, the limited-edition 993 Turbo S topped the power podium with 425 bhp and 400 lb-ft of grunt. It carried a specially appointed interior and a few distinctive exterior distinctions such as a low-drag bi-wing tail and rear fender vents. This Turbo S was the best of the best, and its enhanced 3.6-liter motor was the swan song of the aircooled flat six.
Cash register price for this prize? $150,000! One can only hope that the customers who signed checks to join this exclusive club were not too bitter when the basic model 2001 996 Turbo arrived with a nearly identical data sheet for about $30K less.
The GT-2The first rendition of this race car in sheep's clothing was in 1995. Built strictly for the European market, the 993-based GT-2 was barely street legal. Under its bulging, bolt-on fender arches rolled 9x18 and 11x18 wheels wrapped in 235/40ZR and 285/35ZR rubber. A fixed bi-wing tail with twin inlets to feed two turbochargers hung over a 3.6-liter engine that delivered 430 pulse-stopping horses to the rear wheels only. While a mere 50 of the road versions were built, its competition sibling gained fame by conquering the 1996 FIA GT-2 Championship.