Unlike previous models, the Turbo was distinguishable from its brethren by more than augmented wheel arches. Headlight design was substantially different as was the front bumper and forward intake vents. Rear fender air scoops, reminiscent of the slant-nose Turbo, reappeared. And, of course, there was the engine deck spoiler. While less drastic than the whale tail, the 996 wing automatically transformed itself into a competition-style, bi-wing spoiler at speeds in excess of 75 mph.
Under the tail, the now water-chilled 3.6-liter, twin-turbo motor employed double overhead camshafts with four valves per cylinder. Through a revised full-time all-wheel-drive system, it sent a once unimaginable 415 horses and 413 lb-ft of torque through a six-speed transmission.
For the ultimate in high-powered indulgence, the 966 Turbo could be had with Porsche's Tiptronic S five-speed automatic transmission, allowing the driver to leave the shifting to the onboard computer or fiddle with Formula One-inspired steering wheel-mounted thumb switches.
Like its predecessor, the new Turbo's suspension continued to use the effective rear multi-link system and MacPherson front strut design. Tucked inside hollow-spoked 8x18- and 11x18-in. alloy wheels with 225/40ZR and 295/30ZR rubber front and rear, respectively, the Turbo arrests its velocity with power-assisted monoblock aluminum four-piston calipers grabbing massive 13.0-in. cross-drilled rotors.
For this year's model, Porsche has included an optional engine performance package for the most daring of consumers. Add this to the window sticker, and the number of steeds under the rear deck bolts to 450. Torque is no less amazing, digging in at 457 lb-ft. Performance? With 35 bhp over the standard car, one can bet this option will push the Turbo into 190-mph territory.
How much more high-speed bliss will earthbound mortals receive? Only time will tell, but given Weissach's endless desire to reach automotive purity, it would be ill-advised to assume they have reached the summit of Porsche's Mount Olympus of turbocharged 911s.
Turbo Timeline1974* The 911 Turbo is introduced at the Paris Auto Show.
1975* The standard 911 Turbo uses a 3.0-liter motor and single turbocharger. U.S. cars generate 245 bhp and 253 lb-ft of torque, while the rest of the world enjoys 260 bhp and 253 lb-ft.* Front 7x15 and rear 8x15 Fuchs wheels are standard with 185/70VR and 215/60VR tires.* Brakes are the same as on the standard 911.
1976* Pirelli P7 tires become standard at 205/55VR and 225/50VR.* 16-in. Fuchs become optional.
1977* Cars equipped with the Sportomatic transmission receive power brake booster.* A small boost gauge is inserted into the tachometer.* 7x16- and 8x16-in. Fuchs wheels become standard.* Front anti-roll bar is increased from 18mm to 20mm.
1978* The motor displacement is increased to 3.3 liters.* Power increases to 265 bhp and 291 lb-ft of torque for U.S. models, and 300 bhp and 304 lb-ft of torque for rest of the world.* The first intercoolers are adopted to the induction system.* 917-style four-piston brakes and cross-drilled, ventilated rotors are introduced.* The whale tail gives way to the tea-tray rear spoiler.
1980* Last factory-delivered Turbos enter the U.S.
1986* The 911 Turbo is reintroduced to the U.S. market.* New exhaust system-catalytic converter and oxygen sensor fuel-control system.* U.S. model generates 282 bhp and 287 lb-ft of torque.* Dual tailpipes continue (introduced to the European 930 in 1983).* First year the flared wheel arches were one-piece stamped fenders (formerly the fenders were welded on to narrow body pieces).* Rear wheel size increases to 9x16-in. Fuchs with 245/45VR tires.
1987* Targa and Cabriolet models become available.
1989* The Turbo finally gets a five-speed in the form of a Getrag-built G50 transmission.