The Story Behind Porsche's Obsession With Turbos

Porsche and turbocharging are two inseparable pieces of an epic formula for performance, and while it began with motorsports, find out how it has evolved over the decades and where it's headed next

The first turbocharged Porsche was not a 911

But one of the final iterations of the 917 race car, more specifically the 917/10 and the 917/30

The first 911 to receive a turbocharger was the 1974 Carrera RSR Turbo 2.1

Thanks to a big single turbo, its 2.1-liter boxer engine produced from 500 to 620 hp

In 2024, Porsche celebrates 50 years of the 911 Turbo - its most capable road-going variant

Because of its big single turbo and laggy characteristics, the 930 Turbo was nicknamed the Widowmaker

The more powerful, 3.3-liter variants of the original 911 Turbo feature a K26 turbocharger, for upto 330 hp in the Turbo S model

2006 marked a milestone for Porsche's turbocharging game, with the 997

The Porsche 997 Turbo was the first 911 to feature variable-geometry turbochargers

Some advantages of VGT technology include better heat resistance, more power, and broader torque curve

The more track-focused, 997 GT2 and GT2 RS models feature similar turbo technology, but with upgraded turbos for even more power

The first production hybrid 911 marked another evolution in Porsche's forced induction technology

The T-Hybrid loses the twin-turbo for a big single turbo that's electrically-assisted

The turbocharger's E-motor helps with spooling and can turn excess exhaust gasses into energy

Swipe up to learn more about Porsche's obsession with turbos

MORESTORIES

Making The Case For A Porsche Taycan Coupe

See More

The Real Reason Why The Porsche 718 Never Got A Turbo Variant

See More

Sacrilege Or Salvation: K-Swapping A 996/997 Porsche 911

See More