The Porsche 911 Turbo - A Brief History

It was at the Frankfurt Motor Show in 1973 that a silver prototype, perched on the Porsche stand, wowed onlookers with its distinctive appearance. From the familiar sloped 911 engine cover extended a new, wild-looking rear spoiler with air intake louvres and a thick rubber lip around its edges.

Visually, the show car looked like the 911 Carrera RS 3.0, a car that had just become available for sale, but the badges on the rear wheel arches made it clear that, in reality, this was a thoroughly new model. The badges said 'Turbo', and from this point forward that motif would develop yet another Porsche tradition. Join us as we explore the history of the Porsche 911 Turbo.

Underneath the rear spoiler and explaining the turbo badges was a flat-6 engine with a single turbocharger. It developed 280 horsepower and enabled a top speed over 160 mph. These sounded like figures from a pure-bred racing machine, and that is essentially what the new car was.

Inspired by their motorsport program, engineers at Porsche already had been researching ways to increase engine power for a number of years. Indeed, in 1969 the company built a 6.0-liter flat-16 naturally aspirated ‘Can-Am’ racing engine that produced 770 hp.

The engineers calculated that in eventual 7.2-liter form, 880 hp was possible, but in the end it never raced. In fact, it barely even ran because Porsche had another, more promising engine on the test bench, a turbocharged version of the 5.0-liter flat-12 found in the 917.

In time, this would become one of the most powerful racing engines in history, with 1,200 horsepower for racing and even more in qualifying trim. It was with that ambitious program that Porsche’s long relationship with turbocharging began.

Following two consecutive championship titles in the unlimited Can-Am series, Porsche then applied what they had learned to the 911.

Back in 1969, a 2.0-liter turbo flat ‘six’ from a 911 had actually been tested on the bench, but it was not until early 1973 that road trials began with a 2.7-liter engine boosted by a single turbocharger. It was in this form that the car made its public debut as a ‘concept’ shown at Frankfurt in September of that year, arousing interest everywhere with the huge ‘Turbo’ graphics on the rear haunches.

Undeterred by the political environment in the Middle East and the impending fuel crisis, Porsche forged ahead with the car’s development, and when the production car appeared at the 1974 Paris Motor Show the specification had evolved noticeably.

The engine was enlarged to 3.0-liters in order to bolster off-boost performance, and it made a claimed 260 hp at 5,500 rpm and 343 Nm at 4,000 rpm. A new, stronger gearbox handled the torque, but featured only four-speeds, and there was no boost gauge in the cockpit. Even so, the motoring press immediately sang their praise for the new 911. Britain’s Motor magazine even called it “The finest driving machine you can buy”. The car was clearly quite the performer, but it was also an ambitious step into the future.

Turbos were not unheard of in racing but were still very rare on the street, and the few road cars that did toy with the idea of turbocharging were ultimately unsuccessful. The boost in power resulting from the turbo usually meant a drastic reduction in engine life, but Porsche did not shy away from the design challenges and the company's engineers applied their characteristically advanced technical knowledge and practicality to the turbo concept.

Within Porsche, there had been debate as to what kind of car the Turbo should really be. Some were of the opinion that it should be more racing-oriented as was the case with the RS versions of the 911, but Chairman Ernst Fuhrmann felt that the Turbo lent itself to the identity of a high-performance GT, with significant creature comforts and a premium price tag. Fuhrmann was the boss, and ever since that has been the basic template for the 911 Turbo.

After a successful first run, for 1978 the 911 Turbo (all Turbos from 1975-1989 were known internally as the ‘930’) underwent a thorough update. Engine displacement went up to 3.3-liters, an intercooler was added to the turbo, the drivetrain was upgraded, a new brake system was added and the tires were wider.

Thanks to the intercooler, the 930 made the magic figure of 300 horsepower, and the car became an instant classic. This 930 would last until 1989 with subtle modifications along the way, with the final year of production getting a five-speed gearbox.

Its replacement really marks the end of the first phase in life for the Turbo, and it wasn’t until 1991 that the 911 Turbo returned, this time based on the new 964. This new 964-based Turbo was clearly made with everyday livability in mind, as it had better cockpit ventilation and power steering, but engine power and aerodynamics were better as well, in keeping with Porsche’s tradition of gradual and constant improvement.

The new Turbo got a 3.6-liter, 964-based engine in 1993, but this was the last of the rear-drive, single-turbo cars.

The next 911 Turbo would take a bigger leap forward and set yet another benchmark for performance cars.

It began with the 993-based Turbo that debuted at the Geneva Motor Show in 1995. The 3.6-liter engine now had not one turbocharger but two, and was controlled by an advanced engine management system.

Power jumped to 408 horsepower and 540 Nm of torque, much of which was available from surprisingly low down in the rev range. Just as surprising was the introduction of four-wheel-drive, a feature that has stuck ever since, as well as the new six-speed gearbox.

But possibly even more significant that all of this was the introduction of the 996 Carrera in 1997, the first all-new 911 to date. It was also the first water-cooled 911, and a Turbo version was soon to follow.

In Porsche’s R&D center at Weissach, a new motor was concocted and eventually became known as the ‘Mezger’ engine after its designer Hans Mezger, who had actually helped design the engine for the 935/78 ‘Moby Dick’ of 1978, the most extreme racing 911 ever constructed by Porsche.

The new 911 Turbo produced 420 hp thanks to its two turbochargers, and  top speed peaked just below 200 mph. Another new addition was PSM, the electronic Porsche Stability Management control system, although its intervention was rarely needed.

Once again, the 911 Turbo had redefined performance in a compact, usable package, and this was further developed in 2006 with the advent of the 997-based model, which featured up to 679 Nm through a temporary over-boost function on the turbo.

It also introduced the Porsche Traction Management (PTM) multi-plate clutch system to split the torque to the front axle instead of the old viscous coupling, a development like the ‘PSK’ system that debuted on the 959 quite a few years earlier.

In 2010 the second-generation 997 Turbo appeared. The ‘Mezger’ motor had been replaced by an all-new 3.8-liter one that featured direct injection. It made 500 horsepower and 700 Nm of torque on over-boost.

Porsche was also, after first developing the technology on its turbocharged racing cars a quarter of a century before, finally able to give their 911 Turbo a twin-clutch PDK gearbox. The Turbo S, with 530 horsepower, a 3.3 second 0-62 time, and PDK gearbox, was the ultimate expression of the 911 Turbo until the 991-based version of 2013 proved even more impressive.

The Porsche 911 Turbo of the 991 generation debuted in 2013 and marked a significant leap forward in both technology and performance. Available initially as the 991.1 (2013–2016) and later updated to the 991.2 (2016–2019), this generation encapsulated the core identity of the 911 Turbo: a blend of supercar performance, everyday usability, and advanced engineering. Powered by a 3.8-liter twin-turbocharged flat-six engine, the 991.1 Turbo produced 520 horsepower, while the Turbo S version pushed out 560 horsepower. The introduction of rear-wheel steering, an advanced all-wheel-drive system, and Porsche’s PDK (dual-clutch) transmission made the 991 Turbo one of the fastest and most agile 911s ever produced, achieving 0-60 mph in just 3.0 seconds (Turbo S).

In 2016, the 991.2 Turbo refreshed the lineup with subtle design updates, improved aerodynamics, and engine enhancements. The power output increased to 540 horsepower for the standard Turbo and 580 horsepower for the Turbo S. The 991.2 Turbo refined driving dynamics even further, incorporating Porsche's Dynamic Boost function to reduce turbo lag and enhance throttle response. The combination of power, precision, and modern tech like the Porsche Active Suspension Management (PASM) and adaptive aerodynamics made the 991 Turbo a benchmark for high-performance grand touring sports cars.

In 2020, Porsche introduced the 992 generation 911 Turbo, once again pushing the boundaries of performance and refinement. The 992 Turbo features a 3.7-liter twin-turbocharged flat-six engine, delivering 572 horsepower in the standard model and an astonishing 640 horsepower in the Turbo S variant. This generation benefits from improved turbocharger technology, enhanced intercooling, and a more rigid yet lighter chassis. The result is blistering acceleration, with the Turbo S reaching 0-60 mph in just 2.6 seconds – rivaling some of the fastest hypercars.

The 992 Turbo maintains the hallmark all-wheel-drive system and rear-wheel steering but adds greater digital refinement, including the latest Porsche Communication Management (PCM) system and an updated PASM suspension setup. Design-wise, the 992 Turbo features a wider body, larger air intakes, and an active rear spoiler for improved aerodynamics. The cabin integrates a more luxurious, high-tech environment with digital displays, improved connectivity, and premium materials. The 992 generation continues the legacy of the 911 Turbo, offering extraordinary speed, dynamic versatility, and everyday comfort – a perfect balance that remains unmatched in the high-performance sports car segment.

Porsche 911 (930) (1974 - 1989)

The 930 G Series, introduced in the mid-1970s, set the stage for the 911 Turbo's distinctive design cues. Its wide rear fenders, iconic whale-tail spoiler, and sleek silhouette became synonymous with performance and style.

The Porsche 911 (930), produced between 1974 and 1989, holds a legendary status as the first turbocharged 911 and one of the most iconic sports cars of its era. Known simply as the "930," this generation was Porsche's bold step into high-performance turbocharging, which had previously been confined to the world of racing. It became instantly recognizable for its wide rear fenders, which accommodated wider tires for improved grip, and its distinctive "whale tail" rear spoiler that provided critical downforce and helped with engine cooling. The 930's aggressive, purposeful stance signified its performance potential, making it a standout on both the street and the track.

When the 930 debuted in 1975, it featured a 3.0-liter flat-six engine producing 260 horsepower. This figure might seem modest by modern standards, but its power delivery was ferocious, thanks to the single KKK turbocharger. The car's light weight and short wheelbase, combined with its rear-engine layout, gave it a notoriously challenging driving experience—often described as "tail-happy"—with considerable turbo lag and a sudden burst of power that could catch the unwary off guard. In 1978, Porsche upgraded the engine to a 3.3-liter unit with an intercooler, raising output to 300 horsepower and improving reliability and drivability.

Despite its reputation for being a handful to drive, the 930 was praised for its thrilling dynamics, raw performance, and unmistakable character. It quickly earned a reputation as a "supercar slayer," able to compete with the best offerings from Ferrari and Lamborghini of the time. Over its production run, the 930 remained largely unchanged, reflecting the enduring brilliance of its original design. The 930 finally ceased production in 1989, giving way to the 964 generation, but it left behind a rich legacy as a defining chapter in the Porsche 911 story. Collectors and enthus

Porsche 911 (964) Turbo (1990 - 1994)

With the 964 generation, Porsche introduced smoother lines and integrated bumpers, giving the 911 Turbo a more refined appearance while retaining its aggressive stance. The iconic whale tail evolved into a retractable spoiler, enhancing both aerodynamics and aesthetics.

The Porsche 911 (964) Turbo, produced from 1990 to 1994, marked a significant evolution of the 911 Turbo lineage while retaining the raw excitement of its predecessor. As part of the 964 generation, this model maintained the aggressive, wide-bodied look of the earlier 930 but introduced modern advancements that made it a more refined and capable high-performance machine. The distinctive "tea tray" rear spoiler, flared wheel arches, and muscular stance all gave the 964 Turbo a commanding presence on the road and track. This model was a bridge between the classic air-cooled era and the more sophisticated engineering that would define future generations of the 911.

Initially, the 964 Turbo was powered by a revised version of the 930’s 3.3-liter turbocharged flat-six engine, producing 320 horsepower. In 1993, Porsche introduced a 3.6-liter version that boosted power output to 360 horsepower, known as the 964 Turbo 3.6. This engine upgrade not only provided more power but also delivered better responsiveness and reduced turbo lag. Power was delivered to the rear wheels via a 5-speed manual transmission, and the combination of rear-engine layout and significant turbo boost continued to offer a thrilling and sometimes challenging driving experience.

The 964 Turbo featured key advancements in technology over the earlier 930, including a revised suspension with coil springs and improved aerodynamics for greater stability at high speeds. It also benefited from power steering, anti-lock brakes (ABS), and a more modern interior with better ergonomics and comfort features. Despite these improvements, it retained the visceral character that 911 Turbo enthusiasts cherished, with an exhaust note and power delivery that made each drive memorable.

The 964 Turbo remains highly sought-after by collectors due to its blend of old-school turbocharged excitement and modern refinement. The 3.6-liter version, produced in smaller numbers, is particularly desirable for its rarity and performance. As a pivotal model in the 911 Turbo lineage, the 964 Turbo represents a unique era where Porsche balanced tradition with innovation, delivering a car that was thrilling, beautiful, and technologically advanced for its time.