On the cusp of the next all-new 992 Porsche 911, we trace its origins back to 1963
Porsche ‘964’ 911: 1989 - 1994
Post 959, Porsche suddenly had a glut of new technology that could be applied to mass-production 911s. To incorporate this, Porsche revealed the new Typ 964, 85 per cent new from the previous 3.2 Carrera with a new M64/01 3600cc engine developing 247bhp in base form.
The 964 also introduced all-wheel drive in most models, a new interior and an automatically extending rear spoiler. The Turbo model would also return in the 964 in 1991, with a bespoke wide-body and new realisation of the iconic ‘Whale Tail’ spoiler. In 1992 Porsche revealed the hardcore Carrera RS, combining the standard Carrera’s narrow body with the M64/04 3746cc naturally aspirated flat-six engine and a lighter, stripped out interior.
> Click here for our comparison between the 964 Carrera RS and a Ferrari 348 GT Competizione
Porsche ‘993’ 911: 1994 - 1998
1994 brought the short-lived 964 model to an end, replacing it with the smoother, sleeker and significantly revised 993. The Carrera’s engine was only gently revised over its 964/05 form, but the 993 model proved to be more successful than the 964, selling in higher numbers.
The Turbo was also proving to be a popular model, now gaining all-wheel drive borrowed from the Carrera 4 to make the turbocharged flagship less of a handful at the limit. Later in the 993’s lifecycle, an even more powerful Turbo S model was released featuring a M64/60S twin-turbo 3600cc flat-six, with a 959-matching 444bhp and carbon ceramic brakes, a first for the 911.
> Click here for more on the 993 911
Competition also played a bigger role in the 993’s life, with Porsche needing to hom*ologate for various racing series, leading to the first 911 GT2, a wide-bodied, rear-drive model running a racing-derived M64/83 engine with 424bhp in standard trim, and massive 592bhp in ‘EVO’ form.
The ultimate hom*ologation special was also introduced in 1996, called the GT1. Designed to allow Porsche to compete in the GT1 class at Le Mans, a number of road-going models needed to be sold – a total of 21 units were built. Like the 959 before it, the M64/80 twin-turbo engine featured a water-cooled head, but maintained its air-cooled block. The 993 would in fact become the last air-cooled Porsche, as 1996 brought about the biggest step change in 911 history.
