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Porsche 993
| |
| Porsche 993 | |
|---|---|
| Porsche | |
| aka | Porsche 911 |
| Production | 1993 - 1996 |
| Class | Sports Luxury |
| Body Style | Coupe Cabriolet Targa |
| Length | 4245 mm (Carrera) |
| Width | 1735 mm (Carrera) |
| Height | |
| Wheelbase | 2271 mm (Carrera) |
| Weight | 1370 kg (Carrera) |
| Transmission | 6-speed Manual/4-speed Tiptronic (latterly Tiptronic S) |
| Engine | 3.6 litre flat-six, air cooled - turbocharged on Turbo and GT2 |
| Power | Carrera - 272 hp Turbo - 408 hp |
| Similar | Ferrari F355 Lamborghini Diablo Aston Martin DB7 |
| Designer | Tony Hatter |
New Decade, New 911
It's hard to believe that the 993-generation 911 was the first all-new model since 1963. The shape had gently evolved over the years - the first cars' sleek bumpers giving way to the USA-necessitated 'Impact Bumpers', then the arrival of the 1980s SC and Carrera models, the addition of the Tea Tray spoiler, and then the return to sleek bumpers for the 964-generation. All the models shared the same roof, and very similar dimensions and panels. But all this was to change, as Porsche set about blowing away the cobwebs from the 911 with the all-new 993.
Launch - With a Waiting List
The 993 was unveiled in early 1994, and as soon as Porsche had started to build them, buyers were beating a path to the dealerships' doors. This was a good sign - Porsche was on its way back around, after poor sales from the lacklustre 968 and 964 models. The press at the time gave the car gushing reports, and rejoiced in the fact that Porsche had implemented its brief for the new family member perfectly - improvement in the three categories of engine, styling and handling.
The styling was the car's tour-de-force - the staid looks of the 964 giving away to a smooth, Coke-bottle hipped form - but still pure 911. The upright wings and headlamps had been relaxed and canted backwards by a few degrees, giving the car a breath-taking modern look. The new alloy wheels, from the 968 range, complimented this, and to finish the exterior revamp, a new set of fresh colours was drawn up. Small details stood out - the aerodynamic mirrors, the teardrop exhausts and the wide haunches all combined to ensure that the 993 was the best-looking 911 ever. The visual makeover was enhanced by a re-designed interior, with new fabrics, a new seat design, improved heating and improved dashboard fabrics. Airbags were fitted as standard.
Under the skin, the 3.6 litre flat six engine retained its water-cooling (much to the delight of the purists), but with a 10% power increase - peak power was now up to 272 BHP. The new engine featured lavish use of exotic metals, such as magnesium for the fan housing, and a strengthened camshaft along with lighter pistons. A sophisticated Bosch ignition system was employed to keep the engine running as sweet as intended. In 1995, the powerplant was uprated with the addition of VarioCam, a sophisticated induction system which could change the length of the inlet pipe at different engine speeds to provide optimum performance all the way through the rev-range.
To cover the handling aspect of the design brief, the traditional semi-trailing arm suspension was scrapped and replaced with a multi-link system - very similar to the 928's Weissach Axle system. New dampers were fitted to improve the ride quality. Drive was delivered to the wheels via a six-speed manual or four-speed Tiptronic gearbox. The 993 was offered in both two-wheel drive Carrera and four-wheel drive Carrera 4 forms - the latter featuring a completely redesigned (on post-1995 cars) system over the departing 964 Carrera 4. The new drivetrain was lighter, more responsive, smoother and faster than the previous system - allowing true all-weather high-speed ability. This cured the deficit that had plagued the 911 since its inception - lift-off oversteer - due to its ability to independently brake a spinning wheel.
The range-wide 1995 overhaul included the return of a synonomous model - the Targa. The new model was the personification of the new high-tech 911 generation, with such engineering marvels as the glass roof, replacing the dated roll-bar of the traditional Targa. The large glass panel, which stretched from the A-pillar right down to the rear window, was mounted upon electric motors, and could be slid down at the owner's fancy, creating a large open space, akin to a convertible. The glass itself was UV-resistant, to prevent the cabin becoming a furnace on hot days. The model included a special, model-specific alloy wheel design - a contemporary five-spoke, split-rim design. The basis of the Targa was in fact a bare cabriolet shell.
