Homage To The Iconic 930 Turbo: Porsche 911 Turbo 50 Years Breaks Cover At Monterey

Limited to 1,974 examples, Porsche celebrates five decades of Turbo legacy with a special edition 911

by Khris Bharath on August 16, 2024, 10:00

Porsche’s turbocharged models have evolved significantly since the introduction of the first 911 Turbo in 1974. Now, five decades later, Porsche is commemorating the 50th anniversary of its iconic model with the unveiling of the limited-edition "911 Turbo 50 Years" at Monterey Car Week. This special model pays homage to the original 930 Turbo, a model that revolutionized the sports car market by integrating turbocharging technology from race cars into a road-legal vehicle. This new anniversary model pays homage to this legacy while incorporating modern styling and performance enhancements.

Porsche 911 Turbo 50 Years

Based on the current 992 generation 911 Turbo S, the 50 Years Edition features a white Porsche script on the doors, referencing the 1973 Turbo RSR concept car, which was a forerunner to the 911 Turbo. The interior showcases a tartan trim, another nod to the first production 911 Turbo from 1974. Unique accents in Porsche’s exclusive Turbonite color and Anthracite Grey trim pieces further distinguish the exterior and interior.

For those seeking additional nostalgia, an optional Heritage Design Package is also available, adding racing numbers and more tartan elements. Under the hood, the 911 Turbo 50 Years is powered by a 3.8-liter boxer engine with VTG twin-turbocharging, delivering 640 horsepower and 590 pound-feet of torque. This allows the Turbo S to get from 0 to 60 mph in just 2.6 seconds. It is equipped with an 8-speed dual-clutch transmission, Porsche Traction Management, and Porsche Torque Vectoring Plus, ensuring superior handling and performance. Additional features include a sports exhaust system, a lowered sports suspension, and advanced LED Matrix headlights.

While this model marks 50 Years of the 911 Turbo, it is worth noting that the meaning of the term "Turbo" has shifted in recent years. With turbocharging now standard across many Porsche 911 models, including the base Carrera, the term has become more of a marketing tool than a technical specification. While the Turbo trim is not solely restricted to the 911, introducing the electric Taycan with a Turbo badge exemplifies this shift, raising eyebrows among purists.

The 911 Turbo 50 Years Edition is limited to 1,974 units and has a starting MSRP of $261,100, a near 30-grand premium over the standard 911 Turbo S, which will set you back $230,400 before options. To complement the vehicle, Porsche Design has created a limited-edition chronograph, the Chronograph 911 Turbo 50 Years, also limited to 1,974 pieces. The 911 Turbo 50 Years is expected to arrive at U.S. Porsche dealerships in late 2024. In the end, the Turbo badge remains synonymous with exceptional performance and innovation in Porsche’s lineup. Whether cherished for its heritage or its modern advancements, the Turbo legacy continues to captivate enthusiasts.

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