Type 993, 450 bhp, 3,605 cc SOHC air-cooled horizontally opposed six-cylinder engine with twin turbochargers and Bosch Motronic management, six-speed manual transmission, independent front suspension with McPherson struts, Bilstein coil-over dampers, and an adjustable anti-roll bar; independent rear suspension with semi-trailing arms, Bilstein coil-over dampers, and an adjustable anti-roll bar; and four-wheel cross-drilled ventilated disc brakes. Wheelbase: 89.4 in.
Introduced in 1997 and built for only two years, the Turbo S was a huge step up in performance, looks, exclusivity, and price over the standard 911 Turbo. Of the acclaimed Type 993 produced from 1994 to 1998, the Turbo S was among the last of the air-cooled 911s and was capable of performance that still impresses today. The 0–100 sprint, of only 8.9 seconds, was half a second faster than that of the Turbo and if the driver was brave enough, the car would reach a top speed of 184 mph.
The heart of the Turbo S is a flat six-cylinder engine fitted with a pair of K-24 turbochargers that produces 430 horsepower in U.S. specification. Power is put to the ground through a six-speed manual transaxle and all-wheel-drive system that was developed for the earlier 964 Carrera 4. Porsche altered the Bosch Motronic engine-management system and added an additional oil cooler to handle the increased heat load. Large, 12.68-inch power-assisted ventilated and cross-drilled multi-piston disc brakes with yellow calipers delivered impressive stopping power from any speed.
Porsche’s Exclusive Department built only 345 examples of the Turbo S, and this incredibly rare car is easily identifiable by its numerous unique features throughout. The front fog lights were removed and replaced with air ducts to aid front brake cooling, the exhaust system was replaced with a modified unit that has quadruple rear tips, the flared rear fenders sprouted large air inlets, and the rear deck featured an impressive “Aerokit II” biplane spoiler to increase downforce.
Unlike some other special-edition models, Porsche did not sacrifice creature comforts and usability for track performance with the Turbo S. Inside was a luxurious full leather interior with generous amounts of carbon fiber trim on the lower portion of the dashboard, around the gauges, along the doorsills, and on the center console, door panels, and door pulls. It even has an electric sunroof.
The Turbo S delivered stunning performance in a package as luxurious and exclusive as Porsche’s discerning customers had come to expect. It really was the ultimate supercar that could be used as a daily commuter if the owner wished. Collectors today value the Turbo S for its rarity, performance, timeless styling, and that it is the last iteration of the air-cooled Turbo.
This black-on-black Turbo S was purchased new by its first owner in North Carolina and had its delivery inspection on 21 April 1997 at Porsche Greensboro. In 2004, it had its 15,000-mile service completed at Beechmont Porsche in Cincinnati, Ohio. As of July 2007, the car was residing in Massachussets and was recorded as having 16,610 miles on its odometer.
The current owner purchased the car in December of 2008 and imported it to his home in Switzerland. Today, it has just over 18,000 miles. Although highly equipped as standard, this example was further optioned with a sunroof, lumbar support on the left seat, pleated leather seats front and back, and the Nokia digital audio system. Furthermore, the car also boasts a handful of carbon fiber options, including trim on the steering wheel and dashboard. Included in the sale are the owner’s manuals, maintenance manual, and the warranty and customer info booklet in their black Porsche pouch.
The perfect combination of creature comforts and exciting performance, the 993 Turbo S is one of the most desirable cars of its era and therefore, one of the most thrilling air-cooled Porsches to drive and enjoy.