· 14 ·· 15 ·The new 911 Turbo |
The new 911 Turbo
The second 911 Turbo, launched
in 1977, developed 300 bhp from
a 3.3-litre intercooled engine.
Brake performance was similarly
enhanced, combining four-piston
aluminium fixed calipers with
cross-drilled discs.
In 1993, Porsche launched the
final 911Turbo to feature dedicated
rear-wheel drive. Based on the
Type 964 platform, it used a
3.6-litre engine to achieve a major
boost in output to 360 bhp.
Its Type 993 successor, launched
in 1995, set a range of new
benchmarks in supercar perform-
ance. All-wheel drive provided
greater active safety as well as
better driving dynamics. The
system also had a rear-axle bias
that retained the familiar Porsche
handling characteristics. Twin
exhaust turbochargers offered
better response and a more
harmonious build-up of power. The
last 911 Turbo to have an air-
cooled engine, it offered maximum
output of 408 bhp from a
3.6-litre displacement.
The first water-cooled 911 Turbo,
the Type 996, made its debut
in the year 2000. Also equipped
with all-wheel drive, it used
VarioCam Plus to achieve a major
improvement in all-round fuel
economy. The engine capacity
remained at 3.6 litres, while
output rose to 420 bhp fo r a
maximum speed of 305 km / h
(190 mph). The Type 996 model
was the first 911 Turbo with the
option of Tiptronic S transmission.
The subsequent launch of the
Turbo S version saw a further
rise in output to 450 bhp.
Now, the evolution of this
remarkable car has reached a
new pinnacle of achievement.
Over the following pages, we
will explore every aspect of the
new 911 Turbo.The first Porsche racing car to
feature turbocharged power made
its debut in the early 1970s. The
12-cylinder engine in the legendary
917 used a twin turbo system to
achieve a colossal 1,000 bhp
.
In 1972, the 917/10 with 5-litre
turbo engine claimed the North
American CanAm
championship.
In the following season, the
917/30, developing 1,100 bhp
from a 5.4-litre unit, became the
most powerful racing Porsche of
all time.
This invaluable race experience
inevitably found its way into our
production
road car development.
Just one year later, in 1974,
the 911 Turbo was born. Preceded
as it was by the 1973 oil crisis, it
was considered a
bold undertakingby Porsche. As history would show,
it was the first of many surprises in
the evolution of this legendary car.
The original 911 Turbo featured
widened wheel arches as well as
specially developed front and rear
spoilers. These major aerodynamic
refinements were essential
requirements given the increased
engine performance. Developing260 bhp, the first 911 Turbo could
reach 100 km / h (62 mph) in as
little as 5.5 seconds. Maximum
torque output of 343 Nm was
unprecedented in a 3-litre engine.
This exceptional performance
necessitated a new gearbox
design featuring specially
reinforced gears. Thus began a
new type of Porsche that would
soon acquire mythical status.
911 Turbo 3.0 (1974), 911 Turbo (2006)
The rear axle assembly is a race-
proven design featuring multi-link
LSA (Lightweight, Stable, Agile)
subframe-based suspension. Its
lightened construction provides
exceptional dynamic properties.
The axle kinematics improve
stability under acceleration by
reducing excessive compression.
The lightweight strut has an
aluminium damper instead of
conventional steel to help improve
handling and agility.
Combined, the suspension enables
smooth high-speed manoeuvres
in all road and track scenarios.
Pitch and roll are reduced to a
· 53 ·The new 911 Turbo |
Chassis
To transmit power with optimum
efficiency, the front and rear
suspension must be a s stable,
and as light, as possible.
Reducing weight, particularly on
the unsprung masses, brings
major benefits in terms of driving
dynamics.The new 911 Turbo is equipped
with an electronic damping
system as standard. For more
information on Porsche Active
Suspension Management (PASM),
see page 56.The independent front suspension
combines McPherson-type struts
with longitudinal and transverse
links. Each front wheel is preciselylocated, ensuring excellent
handling and directiona l stability.
Brake spoiler elements provide
efficient cooling for each of the
front brake units.
· 52 ·Front axle 911 TurboRear axle 911 Turbo
Suspension.
Precision, strength and lightweight design.
minimum, as are tyre noise and
vibration. Overall, the car offers
a level of stability that is equal to
the car’s performance potential.
