Porsche 911 (993)

Porsche 993
Porsche 993
	Porsche 993 Turbo S
Overview
Manufacturer	Porsche
Also called	Porsche 911; Porsche Carrera
Production	January 1994 – March 1998
Assembly	Germany: Stuttgart, Zuffenhausen
Designer	Tony Hatter (1991)
Body and chassis
Class	Sports car (S)
Body style	2-door coupé; 2-door convertible; 2-door Targa top; 2-door speedster;
Layout	Rear-engine, rear-wheel-drive/rear-engine, all-wheel drive
Related	Ruf Turbo R; Ruf CTR2; Ruf BTR2;
Powertrain
Engine	3.6 L M64 air-cooled SOHC H6; 3.8 L M64/20 air-cooled SOHC H6; 3.6 L M64/60 air-cooled twin-turbo SOHC H6;
Transmission	4-speed automatic; 5-speed manual; 6-speed manual;
Dimensions
Wheelbase	89.45 in (2,272 mm)
Length	167.7 in (4,260 mm)
Width	1994–1998 Coupé: 68.3 in (1,735 mm); 1994–1995 Convertible: 69.9 in (1,775 mm); 1996–1998 Convertible: 70.7 in (1,796 mm);
Height	1994–1995: 51.6 in (1,311 mm); Speedster: 50.4 in (1,280 mm); 1996–1998: 51.8 in (1,316 mm);
Curb weight	Base Coupé: 3,064 lb (1,390 kg)
Chronology
Predecessor	Porsche 964
Successor	Porsche 996; Porsche 911 GT3 (for 911 Carrera RS)

The Porsche 911, internally type 993, is the fourth generation of the 911 model of Porsche sports car, manufactured and sold between 1994 and 1998 (model years 1995–1998 in the United States), replacing the 911, type 964. Its discontinuation marked the end of air-cooled 911 models.

The 993 was much improved over and quite different from its predecessor. According to Porsche, "every part of the car was designed from the ground up, including the engine" but nevertheless "only 20% of its parts were carried over from the prior 911". Porsche refers to the 993 as "a significant advance, not just from a technical, but also a visual perspective."

The external design of the Porsche 993 was penned by English designer Tony Hatter. It retained the core cabin and body shell architecture of the 964 and prior 911 model iterations, but exterior panels were revised with much more flared wheel arches, a smoother front and rear bumper design, an enlarged retractable rear wing, and teardrop shaped mirrors.

Porsche engineered a new light-alloy rear subframe with an entirely new multi-link coil springs and wishbone rear suspension design, dubbed the Weissach axle – making significant progress with the engine's impact on the car's handling, putting behind the previous lift-off oversteer and providing an improved driving experience and creating a more civilized car overall.

The 993 had several variants, like its predecessors, varying in body style, engines, drivetrains, and included equipment. Engine power was increased by the addition of the VarioRam system, that added particularly in the mid-range of rpms, and also resulted in more throttle-noise at higher revs. The VarioRam system resulted in a 15 percent increase in the new 911's engine power over its predecessor.

The 993's available all-wheel drive system replaced the 964's centre differential with a viscous coupling, similar to the 959's, making the new system significantly lighter. The 993 was also the first 911 to receive a six speed gearbox, which came standard. Rear-wheel drive models remained available with Porsche's Tiptronic 4-speed automatic transmission.

A 993 GT2 was used as the safety car during the 1995 Formula One season.