Compared to the original 930, the Turbo 3.6 was a technological marvel. But the next example of the 911 Turbo legacy would make the 3.6 little more than a footnote in the marque's ongoing rush toward perfection.
Based on Porsche's latest 993 model, the 1995 flagship was again powered by a boxer engine displacing 3.6 liters. The air induction, however, was now fed by two whirling turbochargers. These units were smaller than the previous turbos and could spool to their optimum rpm faster, thus minimizing the infamous turbo lag that followed a driver's stab at the accelerator.
Twin turbochargers, along with separate intercoolers, an increased compression ratio and a variety of other motor enhancements, gave the 993 Turbo a staggering 408 bhp at 5700 rpm with 398 lb-ft of torque delivered at a mere 4500 rpm. The performance data was no less earth shattering-top speed was estimated at 180 mph. From a standstill, the Turbo would reach 60 mph in under 4.5 sec.
While the powerplant was impressive, it was the drivetrain that made automotive journalists scour the thesaurus to redefine "ultimate" and "supercar." The 993 Turbo clawed the pavement with a full-time, all-wheel-drive system linked to a six-speed transmission. Porsche also added its traction control, the Automatic Brake Differential system.
Like its normally aspirated sibling, the Turbo's rear suspension had been completely redesigned. The semi-trailing-arm arrangement that had been used since the 911's inception was exchanged for a sophisticated, sub-frame multi-link system. During brisk cornering, the LSA (lightweight-stable-agile) axle induced outer wheel toe-in, thus diminishing the car's tendency to oversteer.
True to turbo form, the 993's fenders were pulled until they could accommodate massive five-spoke 8x18-in. cast alloy wheels wrapped by 225/40ZR rubber up front and 10x18-in. rims with 285/30ZR tires in back. The signature tea-tray rear wing was not forgotten by the stylist's pen but was revised by having the leading edge dip gently.
To bring this thunderbolt to a stop, Porsche slipped larger ventilated, cross-drilled rotors under the same four-piston calipers that had harnessed the Turbo 3.6. The package was further improved by the factory's latest ABS 5 anti-lock braking system.
As was normal protocol for the turbocharged derivative of the 911, the interior was identical to the standard model, except for being delivered with nearly every factory option available. One notable addition to the 993 Turbo over its sibling was that the speedometer posted a reading of 200 mph.
Certainly, the 993 Turbo had to be the definitive, non-limited-production 911. All-wheel drive, twin turbochargers, broad shoulders and sleek sides. It was a back-alley scrapper in a Giorgio Armani suit, exuding elegance, grace and a large dash of anger. Then again, as the world had so often been reminded, the House of Porsche was not to be underestimated.
Unfortunately, as magnificent as the 993 Turbo seemed, it was also the end of an era. Weissach judged the flat-six boxer motor could no longer fulfill their demands for more horsepower and reliability while continuing to be cooled by the air. The 911 powerplant had to evolve.
The first watercooled 911 debuted in 1999 as the Porsche 996 Carrera, but it was not until 2001, 25 years after the arrival of the first 930, that the latest and most advanced rendition of the race-inspired 911 Turbo graced the America highway. For the first time, Porsche enthusiasts could see a direct link between the technological masterpiece that was the 959 and a full production wunder-kar.