Units Produced: 67,535

 

Porsche introduced the Porsche 911 (Type 993) in 1994 as the replacement for the 964 model. The external design of the Porsche 993, penned by English designer Tony Hatter, retained the basic body shell architecture of the 964 and other earlier 911 models, but with revised exterior panels, with much more flared wheel arches, a smoother front and rear bumper design, an enlarged retractable rear wing and teardrop mirrors. According to Porsche, every part of the car was designed from the ground up, including the engine and only 20% of its parts were carried over from the previous generation. Porsche refers to the 993 as "a significant advance, not just from a technical, but also a visual perspective. Porsche's engineers devised a new light-alloy subframe with coil and wishbone suspension (an all new multi-link system), putting behind the previous lift-off oversteer and making significant progress with the engine and handling, creating a more civilized car overall providing an improved driving experience. The 993 was also the first 911 to receive a six speed transmission.

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The 993 was the first generation of the 911 to have a 6-speed manual transmission included as standard; its predecessors had 4 or 5-speed transmissions. In virtually every situation, it was possible to keep the engine at its best torque range above 4,500 rpm. The Carrera, Carrera S, Cabriolet and Targa models (rear wheel drive) were available with a "Tiptronic" 4-speed automatic transmission, first introduced in the 964. From the 1995 model year, Porsche offered the 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 recognising climbs and descents. The Tiptronic equipped cars suffer as compared to the manual transmission equipped cars in both acceleration and also top speed, but the differences are not much notable. Tiptronic cars also suffered a 55 lb (25 kg) increase in weight.[10]

 

Considered by many Porsche enthusiasts as the perfect 911, the 993 represents a unique blend of power and simple elegance with great driver engagement and modern performance and technology too. It was the first 911 to have a real reputation for exceptional dependability and reliability. It was also the last of the air-cooled 911’s so it holds a special place in many enthusiasts minds.

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A new all-aluminum multilink rear suspension and an all-aluminum subframe, engine weight reduced by 14 pounds and other weight saving made it lighter than the 964 models while having body-structure rigidity increase by 20 percent.

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The air-cooled flat six developed 272 horsepower in base trim, with the Carrera 4S and Carrera 2S both getting slightly more powerful 285 horsepower output. The engine was mated to a standard six-speed manual transmission – making the 993 the first-generation of 911 to get a six-speed transmission, in addition to the automatic Tiptronic transmission.

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The 993 also received a redesigned suspension system for better ride and handling. This new suspension system was specifically developed to produce improved handling characteristics during inclement weather while retaining the stability offered by the aforementioned all-wheel drive system.  The Type 993’s optional all-wheel-drive system was revised, eliminating the three-differential setup that had been used in the Type 964 car and replacing it with a revised setup reminiscent of that found on the Porsche 959 supercar.

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A Turbo-version of the Type 993 Porsche 911 was also introduced in 1995. It featured a twin-turbo engine, permanent all-wheel drive, and nearly 400 hp. The car also featured hollow-spoke aluminum wheels. These wheels had never been used before on any vehicle, and marked an important innovation when they were introduced on the 1995 Porsche Type 993. A Turbo S followed in 1997 with more power, a larger spoiler, and better cooling. It was rare with only 183 cars ever made.

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In terms of special edition 993 911s, there were a few awesome machines. The Speedster model, was a variant of the 993, with a lowered roof, and a redesigned interior. In contrast to the G-model and the 964, Porsche never officially offered the 993 in a Speedster body style. However, two were built by the factory.

 

The 911 Carrera RS nameplate returned as a light-bodied, limited-run car. It had a naturally aspirated 3.8 liter engine with 296 hp. It has a massive fixed rear wing, small front flaps and 3-piece 18 in lightweight wheels. Rear seats were removed, other creature comforts erased and special racing seats added. Soundproofing was almost non-existent.  It was street legal in European and many other countries around the world, but was not approved for export to the United States.

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The discontinuation of the Porsche 993 in 1998 officially marked the end of the air-cooled Porsches.

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