On November 27, the eighth-generation Porsche 911 will make its global debut in Los Angeles. Since the first 911 model was introduced 55 years ago, it is the ideal time to review the preceding seven models. The type 993, part 4.
The fourth generation of the 911, the 993, is one of the most sought-after models in the history of this legendary car, and this fact is true not just for enthusiasts of sports cars from Zuffenhausen. The new model impressed with an interesting interpretation of the 911 design DNA starting in 1993, despite essentially only the roofline changing. The wide rear end with its slanted tail-light panel, integrated bumpers, flush-mounted windows, and the naturally occurring interplay of concave and convex forms set the hearts of nearly all sports car aficionados aflutter. Even the redesigned front wings, which feature a flatter design thanks to new polyellipsoid headlamps, received a lot of positive feedback.
The 993’s technical features, such as the entirely revised LSA aluminum chassis, which combined lightweight construction, stability, and agility, further highlighted its position as the market leader in the sports car sector. The “Weissach” rear axle, which created history with its self-steering capabilities, was developed to its full potential with the multi-link suspension, which is still today regarded as the pinnacle of that evolution. The end effect is improved suspension comfort and driving dynamics.
With its drivetrain, the new generation also established standards: in 1995, the 911 Turbo with standard all-wheel drive debuted with two turbochargers. The result: a magnificent 408 PS. The 3.6-liter biturbo engine also made a strong impression because it had the lowest exhaust emissions of any serially produced units at the time. It even produced up to 450 PS at the rear of the 100-unit edition, two-wheel-driven 911 GT2.
Porsche initially only offered the 993 in Coupe and Cabriolet forms. It wasn’t until 1995 that the Targa made its appearance, and at that time it introduced a novel idea: in place of a detachable hardtop, it had a wide motorized glass roof that slid under the rear window. The wide body and 911 Turbo chassis were joined in another body form as a series-production model, the all-wheel-drive Carrera 4S, which was followed closely by the Carrera S. Only the back wing was left intact.
The flat-six engine further contributed to the 993’s appeal to enthusiasts and collectors because it was the final 911 model to have traditional air cooling. The two-valve variant, which was once again fitted with twin-spark ignition, started out with a power output of 272 PS, but by 1995, it was already producing 285 PS. A 300 PS model was optionally available from Porsche. A sixth forward gear was added to the manual transmission, which now had a top speed of 270 km/h, to allow it to handle this range of speeds without limiting the engine’s ability to produce power due to a long ratio. Again, the gear shifts were more accurate.
In the end, Porsche’s decision to stake everything on the 911 Type 993 was successful. With the release of the fourth generation of this legendary sports vehicle in 1998, the air-cooled engine era in the history of this exclusive model came to an end. After 35 years, the second era officially began. It was the start of an era that would experience unmatched success. within the 911. Porsche, of course. Between 1993 and 1998, Porsche built 68,881 Type 993 automobiles in total.
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Porsche 911 (993) Production & Sales Figures
When the Type 993 was introduced, Porsche anticipated a continuation of the success of the Porsche 911 (Type 964) in terms of sales. Porsche 911 Type 993 produced 68,029 units during its brief production run. Impressive considering it had a similar sales volume to the 964 but a significantly shorter production run.
The 993 Carrera was introduced in January 1994 with a 3.6-liter, 272bhp, air-cooled flat-6 engine and a 6-speed manual transmission. In March, the 993 Cabriolet model was introduced. The Carrera 4 variant debuted in 1995, and an optional automatic 4-Speed Tiptronic transmission became available. With Varioram inlet ducting, the 3.6-liter Carrera was upgraded to 285bhp in 1996. A new 911 Targa variant with a panoramic glass sliding roof was introduced. The Carrera 4S was introduced that same year and had a Carrera engine in a Turbo bodyshell, suspension, and brakes. Overall, these improvements and new models significantly contributed to the high demand.
With 46,923 units produced, the Carrera 2 versions were the top volume sellers. The top-tier Turbo 3.6 sold 5,978 copies, while the Carrera 4 versions sold 14,114. The Carrera RS model, which sold 1,014 units, was another option. Additionally, a number of special edition vehicles in extremely small numbers were made.
911 Porsche
The Porsche 911 model that replaced the 964 and was produced and sold between January 1994 and early 1998 (model years 1995–1998 in the United States) is known internally as the Porsche 993. Its retirement signaled the end of 911 models with air cooling.
The 993 was a vast improvement over its predecessor and highly unique. Only 20% of the car’s components were carried over from the previous generation, according to Porsche, and every component, including the engine, was created from the ground up. “A tremendous breakthrough, not just from a technological, but also from a visual aspect,” is how Porsche describes the 993. Porsche’s engineers developed a new light-alloy subframe with coil and wishbone suspension (an entirely new multi-link system, Weissach axle), leaving the old lift-off oversteer in the rearview mirror. This enhanced the engine and handling and resulted in a more refined vehicle overall. Additionally, the 993 was the first 911 with a six speed transmission.
Like its predecessors, the 993 came in a number of variations with different body types, powertrains, and optional extras. The VarioRam system was added, which enhanced power, especially in the midranges and increased throttle noise at higher revs; as a result, it produced 15% more power than its predecessor.
With revised exterior panels, much more flared wheel arches, a smoother front and rear bumper design, an expanded retractable rear wing, and teardrop mirrors, the Porsche 993’s exterior design, created by English designer Tony Hatter, maintained the basic body shell architecture of the 964 and other earlier 911 models.
The Porsche 993 is the final example of its sort and the pinnacle of the air-cooled era.
As the 964’s replacement, the Porsche 993 Carrera was unveiled to the public in 1993. When it came to some aspects of the basic 911 idea, Harm Lagaay, Porsche’s then-design director, made changes: The front fenders’ profile was altered for the first time in 30 years. New elliptic headlamps were added, and the vehicle was lowered. In addition, the bumpers had been completely incorporated. Torpedo tubes for the exhaust were a thing of the past. Many fans still today claim that the Porsche 993 is the most beautiful 911 ever made. The Coupe and Cabriolet versions of the fourth-generation Porsche 911 were released. Following was the Targa model for the 1996 model year. 17,900 Porsche 993 Carrera Cabriolets and around 27,900 Porsche 993 Carrera Coupes were produced overall. With 4,600 units, the Targa is a little more exclusive.
Additionally, there were 3,714 Carrera S and 6,948 Carrera 4S. The broad Turbo body shell is worn by them, and the 4S also has Turbo brakes. Take a look at the electric spoiler to distinguish between the Porsche 993 Carrera S and 4S! The air vents on the spoiler of the S were divided in half. Other than that, the 993 Carrera 4 S came with a little bit more equipment. For instance, a trip computer, air conditioning, and electric seats. Naturally, they cost a little more than the base Carreras because there are fewer of them. Porsche stopped making the 993 at the end of March 1998. Sadly, the legendary Ferry Porsche passed away four days before the air-cooled Porsche era came to an end.
The last Porsche 993 was produced when?
Project Gold is the final 993 to ever be produced thanks to Porsche, who assigned it a chassis number that follows the previous 993 that was constructed in 1998.
What number of Porsche 993 Turbos were produced?
In 1995, the 993 Turbo coupe debuted. It had a brand-new 3.6-liter twin-turbocharged engine with a maximum power output of 402 horsepower. The new engine was finished with air-to-air intercoolers, electronic engine control, changed cylinder heads, and other updated engine internals. The 993 Turbo, which was derived from the 959 flagship model, was the first 911 Turbo with all-wheel drive. The Turbo’s fuel efficiency is significantly higher than that of its predecessors because to the electronic engine control.
The 993 Turbo S, the final air-cooled 911 Turbo, was built in a small facility managed by Porsche in 1997. The majority of Turbo options were installed as standard on Turbo S models, which also included Aerokit II front and rear spoilers, distinctive side air ducts and front air inlets, and distinctive yellow brake calipers. With a 0-60 time of 3.7 seconds and a top speed of 184 mph, the engine power was raised over the standard 911 Turbo to 424HP for US models and 450HP for non-US vehicles. The 993 Turbo S was manufactured in 345 pieces overall, 176 of which were imported into the US.
Leo Hindery, a skilled amateur racer and class champion in a 996 GT3-RSR at the 2005 24 Hours of Le Mans, purchased this specific vehicle brand-new. He had the motor upgraded by Andial (now a part of Porsche Motorsport) utilizing 993 GT2 turbos and other engine adjustments shortly after buying this Turbo S brand-new. In its present state, it is predicted to produce more than 500 HP.
Did you realize? Porsche has historically produced vehicles for customers that have specific requirements for an additional charge. For the 993 generation, a customer-requested onboard fax machine was available.
The Porsche 993 was it manufactured by hand?
This is because the 993 was one of the last authentically hand-built Porsches and the final 911 model to utilize the adored air-cooled engine, which gave the Porsche its distinctive engine tone.