Porsche 993

Even in its purest, most basic form, the 911 Carrera radiates with fervor, its presence delighting the eyes that witness it. Its shape soothing the hands that run across it. The 911 Carrera is a machine, bettered only by its brothers, whose 4 wheel drive systems and turbochargers enlighten the epitome of a sports car. The basic Carrera states its point and proves that point on its own.

Perhaps the most major change from the 1994 Carrera 2 is the suspension. At the rear, Porsche has designed a magnificently engineered multilink suspension, replacing the 30 year old semi-trailing arm setup. The new suspension is an aluminum subframe, with 2 sets suspension links horizontally in line with each other, creating that "Weissach" effect of toe-in stabilizing.

The engine is the familiar 3.6 liter flat-6, now producing 282 horsepower, compared to 270 for the 1995 model. It has 12 spark plugs, familiar to previous 911 models. The engine, which is mounted behind the rear wheels, possesses a low center of gravity which provides for better handling and control. The 911 takes its oil system straight from the racing versions: a dry sump setup, utilizing every bit of the 12 quarts it holds.

Stripped to its bare essentials, the 911 RS offers a racecar feel for the road. For about $16,000 more than the basic 911 Carrera you get wind-up windows instead of push button electrics, no air conditioning, no central locking, lightweight front seats, thinner glass, an alloy front luggage lid and 300bhp instead of 285bhp. On the face of it you pay more and get less. Some people won't understand all that. You can almost hear them saying: Wind-up windows? Hardly any quicker than the standard Carrera? And you pay more? But the RS isn't a Carrera with the bits taken off. It's built an RS from the ground up. Forced to choose one of these cars, this is probably the one to go for. With the possible exception of air-conditioning, we wouldn't miss the add-on luxury.

At 1270kg, the RS weighs 100kg less than the ordinary Carrera and that is significant. It translates into finer, faster responses. The difference isn't night or day but if you appreciate such things it is important. Porsche knows this: that's why the RS exists. On another level, its enough to say that the RS has excellent power steering that on the move is light, positive and informative. The seats look spartan but in use they are great. As you would expect, there's a bit more noise inside and a bit more 'go' than you get with the standard car. But then that noise is very enjoyable and the ride is surprisingly good.

The leaner meaner RS is an enthusiast's dream. It has that rare but oh-so desirable lightweight feel and quicksilver responses. Although only slightly quicker than the standard Carrera in a straight line, its extra alertness is a defining factor. This is one serious driving machine, but a practical everyday car too.

In 1997 when the new 911 (996) was announced Porsche came with the Carrera S. This car also had the Turbo's shell, but was equipped with two-wheel drive. This car was built to stimulate sales of the 'old' 911, before the new model went on sale. Because of the wider tires the Carrera S displays excellent roadholding. The split grill is unique to the Carrera S, along with a special script on the engine cover, similar to the traditional red rear reflector of the pre-94 911 cars.

The 993 TT, GT2, and Turbo S are explained more in the 930 info.

993 Production numbers:

14,541 were 993 Carrera from 95-98
1,123 were Carrera RS between 94-96 (16 built in 94, 1,130 built in 95, 57 built in 1996 (data for both Carrera RS and Carrera RS CS)
50 were street 993 GT2 between 96-98
2,442 were 993 targa between 96-98
5,978 were 993TT from 96-98
_____ 993 C4S between 96-99
_____ 993 C2S between 97-98
199 units were 993 Turbo S in 1998
There are several variants 993 RSR, 993 GT2 race, 993 GT2 Evo.

updated numbers will be posted when known.