Porsche 993

Infobox Automobile


name=Porsche 993
aka=Porsche 911
Porsche Carrera
manufacturer=Porsche
class=sports car
layout=Rear engine, rear wheel drive
body_style=2-door coupe
2-door convertible
engine=3.6 L flat-6
3.8 L flat-6
predecessor=Porsche 964
successor=Porsche 996
production=1993–1998 68,029 built
similar=BMW M3
Dodge Viper
Ferrari 348/F355
Honda NSX
Mazda RX-7
Nissan 300ZX
Nissan Skyline GT-R
Toyota Supra
designer=Tony HatterThe Porsche 993 is the company's internal name for the version of the Porsche 911 model manufactured and sold between late 1993 and early 1998, replacing the 964. Its discontinuation marked the end of air-cooled Porsches.

As before, Porsche made several variants of the 911 to satisfy every driver. The Carrera was reliable, safe and fast, and was the sports car for everyday use; the Carrera Cabriolet and Targa were ideal for sporty cruising; the convert|180|mi/h|km/h|abbr=on Turbo and Turbo S were supremely fast; and the uncompromising Carrera RS and GT2 were race-oriented.

Overview

Technical improvements

One of the most noteworthy changes in the 993 over all preceding 911s is the implementation of an all-alloy multi-arm rear suspension attached to an all-alloy subframe. Its design was derived from the project 989, a four-door sedan which never went into production, and was later continued in the 993's successor, type 996. It required the mentioned widening of the rear wheel arches, which itself lent to the 993's new-found stability. This suspension improved the 993s cornering abilities, making it more direct and more stable and helping to reduce the infamous tendency to oversteer if throttle was lifted during hard cornering, a trait of earlier 911s. It even contributed to reduced interior noise.

The 993 was the first generation of 911s to have a standard 6-speed manual transmission — previous cars, except for the exotic Porsche 959, had 4- or 5-speed gearboxes. As the 993 was capable of speeds exceeding Auto km/h|270|0, a sixth gear became necessary in order to adequately cover the whole speed range. In virtually every situation, it was possible to keep the engine in its best torque range above 4500 rpm. The Carrera / Carrera S / Cabriolet and Targa models (2WD) were further available with a "Tiptronic" 4-speed automatic transmission, first introduced in the 964. Beginning with MY 1995, Porsche offered the advanced Tiptronic S with additional steering wheel mounted controls and refined software for smoother, quicker shifts. Since the 993's introduction the Tiptronic is capable of recognizing climbs and descents.

Further, the 993s optional all wheel drive system was refined over that of the 964. Porsche departed from the 964's setup consisting of three differentials and revised the system based on the layout from their 959 supercar, replacing the center differential with a viscous coupling unit. In conjunction with the 993s redesigned and recalibrated suspension, this system vastly improved handling characteristics and still retained the stability offered by AWD without having to suffer any compromises in understeer. Its simpler layout even reduced the system's weight. The advantages of this concept were reason enough for Porsche to retain it in all succeeding 911s with AWD.

Other improvements include a new dual-flow exhaust, larger brakes with drilled discs, a revised power steering, etc.

993 Variants

Carrera Coupe / Cabriolet

The Carrera represented the "base model" of the 993, and was available in rear and all-wheel drive versions. It was equipped with the naturally aspirated 3.6 liter M64 engine, further developed from the 964 and combined with a new dual-flow exhaust system now incorporating two catalytic converters. In contrast to the Type 964, Porsche deleted the "2" from the rear-wheel drive "Carrera" name tag. However among enthusiasts, to differentiate between the rear-wheel and all-wheel drive variants of the Type 993 Carrera they were (and still are) commonly referred to as "C2" and "C4", respectively.

The options list for the 993 Carrera (and most other variants) was extensive and offered the possibility to easily configure highly individualized cars, depending on the amount of money a buyer was willing to spend. Options included up to five different styles of wheels, various suspension set-ups, at least three different seat styles (comfort, sport, racing), uncountable upholstery options including the possibility to have almost any interior element of the car covered with leather, wood or carbon fiber, and various hi-fi systems including digital sound processing. Further, Porsche offered the option to a customer to have their car painted in any color that they may desire if the standard palette wasn't satisfactory. Even more, the Tequipment- and Exclusive-Programs added further options and built to order almost any specific wishes of customers such as special consoles, fax-machines or even brightly colored interior upholstery.

The Cabriolet, introduced 1995, features a fully electrical and hand-stitched softtop reinforced with metal sheets and an automatic windblocker.

Both coupe and cabriolet versions were available with all-wheel drive under the tag 'Carrera 4'. From the outside the Carrera 4 is distinguishable by clear front turn markers and rear red markers (each instead of orange). The brake calipers are painted silver as is the 'Carrera 4' badge on the hood. The center wheelcaps carry the Carrera 4 logo instead of the Porsche crest.

In contrast to most of the following other variants, production of the Carrera Coupe and Cabriolet ceased with the end of MY 1997, except for a very few produced in a shortened 1998 model year.

Targa

The Targa version of the 993 was introduced in MY 1996 and saw the debut of a retractable glass roof, a design continued on the 996 and 997 Targa. The glass roof would retract underneath the rear window revealing a large opening. A shade was there to help prevent the greenhouse effect of the closed roof. This system was a complete redesign, as previous Targa models had a removable roof section and a wide B-pillar functioning as a roll bar. The new glass roof design allowed the 993 Targa to retain the same side-on profile as the other 911 Carrera variants and finished with the inconvenience of storing the removed top of the old system. The Targa has the body of the convertible with the Targa glass roof replacing the fabric roof.

The Targa was equipped with distinctive 2-piece convert|17|in|mm|sing=on wheels, which could be ordered as an option on all cars not having standard convert|18|in|mm|sing=on wheels. Problems with the Targa include heat in the cabin, creaking noises on rough roads and a very complicated and unreliable mechanism.

Production Numbers:1996:ROW 1980 US/Canada 4621997:ROW 1276 US/Canada 5671998:ROW 212 US/Canada 122Total Production Run 933 911 Targa: 4619

Turbo

The 993 Turbo coupe was released in 1995. It featured a new and widely acclaimed turbocharged engine displacing 3.6 liters. Twin turbochargers and air-to-air intercoolers, electronic engine management, redesigned cylinder heads and other modified engine internals were used. The 993 Turbo was the first Porsche Turbo with all wheel drive. The electronic engine management helped the Turbo to achieve fuel efficiency far superior to any of the previous production Turbos. In connection with two catalytic converters and an on-board-diagnostics-system including four oxygen-sensors, it also made the 993 Turbo the cleanest sports car at its time. The Turbo's bodywork differs from the Carrera body by widened rear wheel arches (approximately 6 cm), redesigned front and rear bumper moldings, and a fixed rear wing housing the intercoolers. New convert|18|in|mm|sing=on alloy wheels with weight-reducing hollow spokes were standard.

There are some other interesting facts regarding this car. This was the first production car in the world to have OBDII diagnostics (the normally aspirated 993s didn't have it, nor did the 3.8 liter and track versions). The 993 turbo was the fastest production car in the world when it was produced, and was the only production car to equal the performance of the legendary 959. It was also the last of the air cooled turbos. All turbos since have had water cooled heads. The car also had brakes that were affectionately referred to as "Big Reds", which made the car stop faster than it accelerated. In fact it was the fastest stopping car in production at the time and was tested going 0-60mph in 3.9 seconds, and stopping from convert|60|mi/h|km/h|abbr=on to 0 in 2.3 seconds.

Within the 1996 through 1998 production run, there were two distinct differences - the 1996 and the later ones. The 1997s and 1998s had the following differences from the 1996s:1 - Stronger transmission input shafts (a known weakness due to the combination of immense power and AWD).2 - An ECU that was able to be flashed and modified (the 1996 was not modifiable).3 - With the addition of a Porsche child seat, the passenger airbag was cutoff, thereby fostering a new generation of enthusiasts.4 - Motion sensors for the alarm that were integrated into the map light above the rear view mirror.5 - Standard wheel center caps that said "turbo" (the 1996 version had Porsche crests).

Turbo S

During the second to the last year of production of the 993 (1997), Porsche offered the 993 Turbo S. Ultimately 183 cars were sold. The Turbo S is a fully loaded Turbo including a power upgrade to 424 hp (SAE) for the American market and to 450 hp (DIN) in other markets. The inclusion of every thinkable amenity including carbon fiber decoration in the interior makes it different from the earlier lightweight, spartan 964 Turbo S. The 993 Turbo S is easily recognized by yellow brake calipers, a slightly larger wing, a 4-pipe exhaust and air scoops behind the doors. This was the last of the air-cooled turbos; there was no 911 turbo in 1998.12 Turbo S cars were delivered to Australia.

The information pertaining to production numbers of the 993 Turbo S - only relate to the US/NA market. If you include the ROW (rest of the world) market, then the number of 993TT S produced is much greater than the 183 units listed here. It is also worth noting that the 993TT and 993TT S were still produced for ROW market - from 08/97 to around 04/98 - being a 1998 Model Year vehicle.

TKA

Carrera 4S / Carrera S

The Carrera 4 S (1996) and later Carrera S (1997) shared the Turbo model's bodyshell, but housed the naturally aspirated Carrera engine in the rear. The 4S came with four wheel drive, and retained the Turbo model's larger brake discs with the characteristic red callipers. It could be described as a "Turbo without the turbochargers and rear wing", whereas the S was in all aspects a standard Carrera underneath (the wider rear fenders were compensated with Auto mm|31|1 wheel spacers). Both S models had slightly lowered suspension compared to standard Carrera models. The wide body is widely acclaimed for its rear looks, but creates more aerodynamic drag, leading to slightly lower top speeds compared to the narrower siblings (about 5 km/h).

In particular, the Carrera 4S is a popular car. It has much in common with the 30th anniversary-model of the Porsche 964, a naturally aspirated, 4WD Carrera 4 in a Turbo bodyshell. The success of that car caused Porsche to build more than the 911 cars originally planned. After the 993, Porsche continued this model with the 996 Carrera 4 S, again a "Turbo without turbochargers and rear wing".

Carrera RS

The Carrera RS is a no-compromise lightweight variant of the Carrera. It features a naturally aspirated 3.8 liter engine with 300 hp (DIN). On the outside, it is easily distinguishable by a special non-retractable rear wing, small front flaps and 3-piece convert|18|in|mm|sing=on aluminum wheels. A closer look would reveal that the headlight washers were deleted for weight saving reasons. Inside the rear seats were removed, and special racing seats and spartan door cards were installed. Sound proofing was reduced to a minimum.

There are further RS variants, in particular a track-oriented Carrera RS Clubsport with only limited road usability. The Clubsport has a welded roll cage, and certain comfort features removed, such as carpets, power windows, a/c and radio. It carries a larger rear wing and deeper chin spoiler.

The Carrera RS was produced in MY 1995 and 1996. It was street legal in European and many other countries, but was not exported to the US. As with the low-quantity RS variants of previous 911 types, owners sometimes attempt to turn their Carreras into RS clones due to the high market value of the RS (in European markets, a well maintained RS could easily achieve a 50 per cent premium over a standard Carrera; list prices showed a 15 per cent premium).

GT2

The GT2 is best described as the race variant of the Turbo. For weight saving reasons and also because most racing regulations don't allow it, the 4WD was deleted. The interior is similar to the Carrera RS. The fenders of the Turbo have been cut and replaced with bolt-on plastic pieces in order to accommodate large racing tires and to ease the repair of damages to the fenders often occurring in racing.

Until 1997, the GT2 had almost the same engine as the Turbo, but delivering 430 hp (DIN). In the last year (MY 1998) output was raised to 450 hp (DIN) and twin ignition was added.

The many racing variants have different engine set-ups depending on the applicable racing series. Power output came as high as convert|600|bhp|abbr=on in a "Evo" version designed for the GT1-series, which was ultimately replaced by the mid-engine 911 GT1.

peedster

In Porsche terms, 'Speedster' stands for a convertible with lowered roof and windshield and a rather spartan interior.

In contrast to the G-model and the 964, Porsche never officially released a 993 Speedster. However, two were built by the factory: a dark green Speedster equipped with Tiptronic S and convert|17|in|mm|sing=on wheels for Ferdinand Alexander Porsche (for his 60th anniversary) in 1995 and another wide-body, silver Speedster with manual transmission and convert|18|in|mm|sing=on wheels for American TV star Jerry Seinfeld in 1998.

Turbo Cabriolet

After the 3.3 liter G-model Turbo convertible (1987-89), Porsche never officially offered an air-cooled Turbo convertible again. However, in 1995 14 993 Turbo Cabriolets were sold before the introduction of the 993 Turbo coupe. They featured the 360 hp (DIN) single-turbo engine of the 964 Turbo 3.6, a 5-speed manual transmission and the wing of the 964 Turbo 3.6. This required a premium of DM 89,500 (or plus 62%) over the standard 993 Cabriolet's price.

Engines

The 993 is powered by the legendary air-cooled Porsche flat-six. Porsche had begun employing this engine in the Porsche 901 in 1963 at 2 liters capacity with 130 hp (DIN) output.

Any engine in any 993 variant is a derivative of the M64. The standard, naturally aspirated M64/05(06) engine at 3.6 liters capacity is a refined version of the M64/01 installed in the 964 Carrera. At first, the M64/05(06) made 272 hp (DIN) through 1996, before Porsche switched to the VarioRam-equipped M64/21(22) engine, and power output increased to 285 hp (DIN). Slightly more powerful versions with 3.8 liter were available in the Carrera RS and as build-to-order options throughout the 993's lifespan.

The 3.6 liter twin turbo M64/60 engine uses two KKK K16 turbos and produces 408 hp (DIN), although more powerful versions (430 and 450 hp (DIN)) were available as build-to-order options, in the Turbo S, and in the GT2. Depending on the country, Porsche still offers 430 and 450 hp (DIN) kits for the Turbo.

Historical perspective

The 993 was the last generation Porsche 911 to feature air-cooled engines and to retain the classic silhouette. Even though the 993's roots trace directly back to the first Porsche 911/901 of 1963, it had no difficulties in meeting or even exceeding the standards for contemporary high-performance sports cars. Many Porsche enthusiastswho? regard the 993 as the last and most advanced of the "true 911", i.e. the last of the legendary air cooled Porsches.

By the end of the 993's lifespan in 1998, Porsche had produced 409,081 911s. In only 4 out of 35 years the 993 contributed almost one fifth to this figure, leaving it behind as one of the most successful 911 derivates.

There are several reasons why Porsche gave up the classic 911 when the Type 993 was replaced by the Type 996 (launched for MY 1998), which featured an entirely new design with water cooled engines. The most prominent reason was that it had become nearly impossible to meet ever stricter emissions and noise regulations with air-cooled engines. In addition, Porsche had no choice but to step up to 4-valve cylinder heads to maintain a competitive power to volume ratio, as the experiences with various racing engines and with the Porsche 959 showed that increase horsepower greatly raised engine heat. Nevertheless, these problems could possibly have been solved by implementing a water-cooled engine into the classic 911 platform (as was done in the 959). However, the 993 did not fit into Porsche's strategy to implement lean production methods and to exploit economies of scale by building an entry-level roadster (the Porsche Boxster) sharing various parts with the 911 series.

The 993 was an evolution of the 964 platform. The Porsche 996 (and Boxster) concept was itself an evolution of the 993 platform. At the same time, Porsche was troubled with very low demand in the U.S. requiring Porsche to modernize their design. Even though the 964 was an excellent sports car, in the 993 Porsche refined flaws of the 964 and developed the innovations begun with in the 964. Not only the visual modernization attracted new customers, but the Porsche 993 was technologically advanced enough that even nowadays it leaves its traces: the multi-arm rear suspension, the 4WD concept, the dual-flow exhaust, and the Targa roof in the 996 / 997 derive from 993's technology. With the launch of the 993, Porsche gained precious time to develop the Porsche 996 and Boxster.

Performance

Production figures

References

Further reading

*Streather, Adrian (2005). "Porsche 993: The Essential Companion" (first edition). Veloce Publishing. ISBN 1-904788-94-7
*Bongers, Marc (2004). "Porsche - Serienfahrzeuge und Sportwagen seit 1948" (first edition). Motorbuch Verlag. ISBN 3-613-02388-1
*Frère, Paul (2002). "Die Porsche 911 Story" (revised and last edition). Motorbuch Verlag. ISBN 3-613-02225-7
*Porsche, "Christophorus", Issue no. 5 (September) of 1993, pages 11 ff. ISSN 0412-3417

External links

* [http://www.porsche.com Official Porsche web-site]
* [http://www.911uk.com 993 Owners and information]
* [http://www.993C4S.com Information on and about Porsche 993]