1992-1993
Up until 1993, the 964-model 911 Turbo used basically the same 3.3-litre engine that debuted in 1978, albeit with various updates to increase power. However, for the final year of production the Turbo was treated to a new 3.6-litre engine that was based on the more modern unit used in the normally aspirated Carrera 2 and 4.
For the 964 Turbo 3.6, the larger 3600cc engine was uprated with new cylinder heads that accommodated single spark plugs (the Carrera 2 and 4 used twin plugs per cylinder) and new camshafts. The single KKK turbocharger from the previous engine was carried over, essentially unchanged, but with new exhaust and wastegate designs. The engine management system was tweaked to suit the new arrangement.
This combined to give a maximum output of 360bhp and 520Nm of torque, while fuel consumption actually improved slightly. Driveability also benefited because the engine had a flatter torque curve and more low-down power, although that single turbocharger meant that turbo-lag was still apparent, if somewhat reduced.
The 964 Turbo 3.6 was fitted with the same 18-inch Speedline wheels that first appeared on the Turbo S, and it also had that car’s large, red-finished brake calipers. Suspension was lowered by 20mm (except for US cars) and fitted with uprated springs and a front strut-brace.
The larger engine transformed the 911 Turbo. Not only was it faster and more powerful than ever, it was also more driveable and useable as an everyday car. It was the last Turbo to be rear-wheel-drive and to use a large single turbocharger and for that reason it has a place in Porsche history as the last and best of the wild 911 Turbos, before the power was tamed with four-wheel-drive and smaller twin turbos.
Variations
911 Turbo 3.6S flatnose
A small number (around 75) of the last 964 Turbo S were produced as flatnoses with pop-up lights from the 968 and air intakes in the rear wings. Engine power was increased to 385bhp. Note that a handful of Turbo 3.6S cars did not feature the flatnose front.
Specification
Capacity: 3600cc
Compression ratio: 10.3:1
Maximum power: 250bhp at 6100rpm
Maximum torque: 310Nm at 4800rpm
Brakes: Front: 298mm discs; rear: 299mm discs. Servo assisted with ABS
Suspension: Front: Lower wishbones and MacPherson struts with combined coil springs and dampers, plus anti-roll bar
Rear: Semi-trailing arms with combined coil springs and dampers, plus anti-roll bar
Wheels & tyres: Front: 16x6J with 205/55ZR16 tyres. Rear: 16x8J with 225/50ZR16 tyres (17-inch rims optional)
Length: 4250mm
Width 1650mm
Weight: 1350kg (coupé)
Specification
Capacity: 3600cc
Compression ratio: 7.5:1
Maximum power: 360bhp at 5500rpm
Maximum torque: 520Nm at 4200rpm
Brakes: Front: 322mm discs; rear: 299mm discs. Servo assisted with ABS
Suspension: Front: Lower wishbones and MacPherson struts with combined coil springs and dampers, plus anti-roll bar
Rear: Semi-trailing arms with combined coil springs and dampers, plus anti-roll bar
Wheels & tyres: Front: 18x8J with 235/40ZR18 tyres. Rear: 18x89J with 265/35ZR18 tyres
Length: 4250mm
Width 1775mm
Weight: 1470kg
