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History Of The Porsche 911 Turbo: A Deep Dive

Find out how one of constant innovation and performance gains for decades has made the 911 Turbo, one of the most celebrated sports car models of all time

by Khris Bharath on October 16, 2024, 12:00

The history of turbocharging at Porsche is a fascinating journey that intertwines innovation, performance, and subsequently luxury, and comfort. Given that Porsche is celebrating 50 years of the 911 Turbo, I thought now would be the right time to do a quick recap of every model since the 1974 original. We’re talking tire-shredding power, and some questionable design choices (because let’s face it, the 996 wasn’t exactly a looker was it?).

Now back in the day, the term "Turbo" was a direct and accurate reflection of Porsche’s engineering prowess. It signified a car equipped with an actual turbocharger and was a high-performance variant. However, Porsche’s relentless pursuit of performance led to turbocharging becoming a standard feature in even the base models of its lineup. This certainly applies to Porsche’s current 911 range. This shift meant that the literal meaning of "Turbo" no longer accurately differentiates models. So how has the Turbo-line evolved and what does it mean for Porsche today? Let’s find out.

Origins Of The Turbo Era

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Turbocharging was introduced to the automotive world in the 1960s, but it was not until the 1970s that Porsche began to explore this technology seriously. The first significant step was the introduction of the Porsche 917 race car, which utilized a flat 12-turbocharged engine to enhance performance on the track. It was Porsche racing legend and works driver, Jo Siffert who was the first to experience a turbocharger in A Porsche 917/10 in early 1971.

Here’s a brief about how a turbocharger works. Basically, it leverages exhaust gases to power a turbo and compressor, drawing in even more fresh dense air, resulting in big power and efficiency gains, as opposed to naturally aspirated power plants with bigger displacements. More air equals more power, simple. This experimentation laid the groundwork for future developments in this forced induction technology.

Porsche 930 Turbo

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Given the successful stint on the motorsport side, the turbocharging made its way into the 911. Following a showing of the 911 Turbo concept at the Frankfurt IAA in 1973, Porsche dropped a literal bomb on the sports car scene with the 911 Turbo, also known as the legendary (and slightly terrifying) 930 Turbo. This fire-breathing monster boasted a 3.0-liter flat-six with a single turbo that unleashed 260 horsepower to the rear wheels, making for a deadly combination as many would find out with the OG Widowmaker.. It featured an exhaust gas overpressure valve or wastegate, a feature previously seen only in racing cars. With a maximum boost pressure of 0.84, it developed 260 horsepower, although the thrust could be abrupt at 3500 rpm.

Initially, Porsche planned to produce only 500 units of the 930 series for motorsport homologation. However, the high demand for this wide-bodied, rear-winged powerhouse led to a quick reassessment. It was a raw and visceral machine that defined the era, and honestly, I wouldn’t have it any other way.

In 1977, Porsche made its first enhancement to the 911 Turbo, increasing its displacement from 3.0 liters to 3.3 liters and boosting its output to 300 horsepower. It featured a larger compressor wheel and, at the time, a novel addition for passenger cars: an intercooler for the compressed air. Aside from these minor modifications, the 930 remained almost unchanged in the product range until 1989.

Specification Value
Engine Displacement 3.0 liters (initial), 3.3 liters (later)
Horsepower 300 hp (initial), 320 hp (later)
Torque 265 lb-ft (initial), 279 lb-ft (later)
Transmission 5-speed manual
0-60 mph  5.5 seconds (initial), 5.0 seconds (later)
Top Speed  155 mph (initial), 160 mph (later)
Curb Weight  3,000 lbs

Porsche 964 Turbo

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Fast forward a decade, and Porsche began refining the Turbo formula. Given the reputation of its predecessor for being a handful, the 1990 964 Turbo brought all-wheel drive to the party, making it a more controllable (but no less exciting) machine.

In 1991, complex exhaust gas after-treatment, including three-way metal catalytic converters and an additional catalytic converter for the bypass outlet, enabled it to meet stricter emission standards. Pressure-controlled characteristic map injection and a 50% larger charge air cooler were also added. A 3.6-liter version followed in 1993, offering 360 horsepower and better fuel economy.

Specification Value
Engine Displacement 3.6 liters
Horsepower 360 hp
Torque 332 lb-ft
Transmission 5-speed manual
0-60 mph 4.5 seconds
Top Speed 165 mph
Curb Weight 3,220 lbs

Porsche 993 Turbo

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Then came the 1995 993 Turbo, a game-changer with twin turbos reducing lag and a chassis that could handle the mega power on tap. Unlike the 959, they worked in parallel, each supplying one cylinder bank of the 3.6-liter six-cylinder engine. The integrated wastegate was also new. The 911 Turbo was the lowest emission vehicle of its time, and from 1997, the same applied to the Turbo S. This era is pure gold for Porsche fans, and the 993 Turbo with its 408 horsepower and 420 pound-feet of torque is a holy grail for many collectors.

The 993 was also the last air-cooled 911 generation. Porsche, in a bold move, transitioned to water-cooled engines with the 996 in 1997. This was a controversial move by Porsche, upsetting some purists who loved the raw character of the air-cooled flat-sixes. However, water cooling offered advantages in terms of power, efficiency, and emissions.

Specification Value
Engine Displacement 3.6 liters
Horsepower 408 hp
Torque 354 lb-ft
Transmission 6-speed manual (standard)
0-60 mph 4.2 seconds
Top Speed 175 mph
Curb Weight 3,240 lbs

Porsche 996 Turbo

The late 90s saw the arrival of the 1997 996 generation model, which initially got roasted for its fried-egg headlights. Its turbo version in 1999, marked a new beginning. All engines, including the new 3.6-liter turbo, were now liquid-cooled. The Turbo and Turbo S featured the VarioCam Plus system, which adjusted the intake camshaft and valve lift. The turbo engine was based on the powertrain of the 1998 Le Mans victor, the 911 GT1. Standard on the Turbo S model were Porsche Ceramic Composite Brakes (PCCB). Tiptronic S was available on request.

The 996 Turbo S boasted 450 horsepower due to larger turbochargers, more efficient charge air coolers, and modified catalytic converters. It definitely wasn’t lacking in the performance department. Plus, the interior got a comfort upgrade, making it a bit more livable for daily driving. Look, I can appreciate a good-looking car, but sometimes, raw power trumps aesthetics.

Specification Value
Engine Displacement 3.6 liters
Horsepower 450 hp
Torque 457 lb-ft
Transmission 6-speed manual (early models)
0-60 mph 4.0 seconds
Top Speed 175 mph
Curb Weight 3,220 lbs

Porsche 997 Turbo

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The 2006 997 Turbo marked a return to classic Porsche design, but the performance was anything but retro. With more power, even more torque, and even sharper handling; this Turbo was a force to be reckoned with. Porsche combined a gasoline vehicle with Variable Turbine Geometry (VTG). This technology allows different angles of attack for the guide vanes at low engine speeds, making them respond sooner.

Although established in diesel engines, the VTG principle for the gasoline engine of the 911 Turbo had to be developed practically from scratch. The higher temperatures compared to a diesel engine required materials from the aerospace industry. The 997 generation was also the last Porsche 911 Turbo to feature a manual transmission.

Specification Value (997.1) Value (997.2)
Engine Displacement 3.8 liters 3.8 liters
Horsepower 470-480 hp 500-520 hp
Torque 457 lb-ft 487 lb-ft
Transmission 6-speed manual, 7-speed PDK 7-speed PDK
0-60 mph 3.7 seconds 3.5 seconds
Top Speed 185 mph 190 mph
Curb Weight 3,300 lbs 3,350 lbs

Porsche 991 Turbo

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Then came the 2011 991 Turbo, which brought about some pretty significant improvements. One of the most notable advancements was using twin turbos with electric wastegates. This system allowed for more precise control of boost pressure, improving throttle response and reducing turbo lag. Additionally, the 991 Turbo featured direct fuel injection, which improved fuel efficiency and power output.

The engine also benefited from advanced cooling systems and lightweight materials, further enhancing performance and reducing weight with twin turbos, active aero, and an advanced AWD system. The 991 Turbo S? Well, that one was just pure, unadulterated insanity on wheels, with 560 horsepower and 516pound-feet of torque in the base model and 580 horsepower and 553 pound-feet of torque in the S.

Specification Value (991.1) Value (991.2)
Engine Displacement 3.8 liters 3.8 liters
Horsepower 520-540 hp 560-580 hp
Torque 487 lb-ft 523 lb-ft
Transmission 7-speed PDK 7-speed PDK
0-60 mph 3.2 seconds 3.0 seconds
Top Speed 190 mph 196 mph
Curb Weight 3,350 lbs 3,400 lbs

Porsche 992 Turbo

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The 2019 992 Turbo took everything the 991 did and dialed it up to eleven. The new engine of the 911 Turbo S combines wastegates with VTGs, which now mirror images of each other and are even larger. This innovation heats the catalytic converters more quickly after a cold start via the electronically controlled bypass. Efficiency benefits include reduced exhaust back pressure at full load, which decreases the residual gas in the cylinder that interferes with combustion.

Owning one of these with its 572 horsepower and 553 pound-feet of torque would be like having a piece of automotive history in your garage. However, the 2025 992.2 GTS when compared to the current 992.1 Turbo, throws a curveball with its T-Hybrid system as it combines a traditional turbo with an electric compressor, basically eliminating turbo lag and giving you an instant boost.

Specification Value
Engine Displacement 3.8 liters
Horsepower 572-640 hp
Torque 553 lb-ft
Transmission 8-speed PDK
0-60 mph 2.7 seconds
Top Speed 205 mph
Curb Weight 3,450 lbs

Porsche 911 Turbo / Turbo S Production Numbers

Generation Model Production Years Production Numbers
930 Turbo (3.0-liter) 1975-1977  2,819
930 Turbo (3.3-liter) 1978-1989  20,181
964 Turbo (3.3-liter) 1991-1992  3,660
964 Turbo (3.6-liter) 1993-1994  1,437
993 Turbo (3.6-liter) 1995-1998  5,978
993 Turbo S 1998  345
996 Turbo Coupe 2001-2005  20,499
996 Turbo Cabriolet 2001-2005 Included in total
996 Turbo S 2005  1,000
997.1 Turbo Coupe 2005-2009  15,626
997.1 Turbo Cabriolet 2007-2009  6,099
997.2 Turbo Coupe 2010-2011  2,641
997.2 Turbo Cabriolet 2010-2011  1,367
997.2 Turbo S 2010  1,224
991.1 Turbo Coupe 2013-2016  13,000
991.1 Turbo Cabriolet 2013-2016  5,000
991.1 Turbo S Coupe 2014-2016  3,000
991.1 Turbo S Cabriolet 2014-2016  1,500
991.2 Turbo Coupe 2016-2019  8,000
991.2 Turbo Cabriolet 2016-2019  3,000
991.2 Turbo S Coupe 2016-2019  2,500
991.2 Turbo S Cabriolet 2016-2019  1,200
992 Turbo Coupe 2020-Present  3,000 (estimated)
992 Turbo Cabriolet 2020-Present  1,500 (estimated)
992 Turbo S Coupe 2020-Present  2,000 (estimated)
992 Turbo S Cabriolet 2020-Present  1,000 (estimated)

*Disclaimer - information still being confirmed for accuracy

Turbo In The Porsche World Is No Longer Just Engine Tech, But A Marketing Tool

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Over the decades, the Turbo moniker has spread to other models, including Porsche’s transaxle-era cars like the 924, 944, and 968, and more recently on the Cayenne SUV and Panamera (including hybrids). But, when it comes to the significance of the Turbo badge today, here’s where things get a little weird. On the 911 for example, even base Carrera models now pack a turbo. I mean, c’mon Porsche, where’s the fun in that? It’s like watering down a fine whiskey. But hey, more power is always good, right? And let’s talk about the Porsche Taycan and more recently, the Macan Electric as well. An electric car with a Turbo badge? That’s like putting a spoiler on a Prius. It’s a controversial move, sure, but it’s also a testament to Porsche’s marketing genius. They truly know how to sell a car, even if it doesn’t have a single combustion chamber.

In the end, one thing’s for sure, Porsche’s journey with turbocharging has been a wild ride. From the fire-breathing air-cooled days to the tech-filled T-Hybrids, Turbo tech remains synonymous with bonkers performance and cutting-edge engineering. But let’s be real, it’s also become a marketing tool, a way to signify the pinnacle of a particular model range. I’d argue that Turbo is now a sub-brand with the whole Turbonite exclusive embellishments for Turbo models, regardless of the powertrain. Whether you’re a purist who misses the literal meaning of "Turbo" or a fan who appreciates the evolution, there’s no denying Porsche’s mastery of both engineering and branding.

Khris Bharath

Khris Bharath

Khris is a Mechanical Engineer and a classic car aficionado, who adores his Jags, Alfas, and old-school American muscle cars. He keeps tabs on everything from super exotics like an old EB 110 to the latest from Lucid and geeks out on three-row family haulers. Formula One remains very close to his heart, and he diligently makes time to tune in for the Grand Prix on Sundays. Khris also loves his road trips and he prefers a stick shift over an auto. Read full bio