For more than 50 years, the 911 Turbo has defined sportscar performance
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From the first-ever production example, the type 930, to its most recent incarnation, the type 992, the 911 Turbo embodies what Porsche engineering, innovation and design is all about. Creating a feeling. Discover the history of a legendary sportscar
The 911 Turbo story began in September 1973 with the unveiling of a silver 911 Coupé with a difference at the Frankfurt International Motor Show. It didn’t try hard to hide what it would become – a ‘Turbo’ logo on its rear wing announced that this was a prototype, turbo-charged model of the 911. The following year, it went on sale to wide acclaim. Including that debut model, there have now been eight generations of 911 Turbo – with three of those generations producing two model upgrades, to make 11 in total. Time to delve into each to understand why the 911 Turbo has become a sportscar icon.911 Turbo 3.0 (type 930) • 1974-1977How it began – the type 930 Turbo. Back in 1974, its 0-100 km/h (0-62 mph) time of 5.4 seconds was astonishing. And still is… Photo: PorscheThe original. When the 930 Turbo – the first-ever 911 Turbo production model – went on sale, back in 1974, it caused a sensation. From its flared wings to its large rear spoiler, topped off by Fuchs wheels, it looked like a dream and performed like one too.Taking several cues from race car construction – including rigid wheel hubs from the 917 and properties from 911 Carrera RSR axles – it also was the first of its kind to feature a boost pressure-controlled turbocharger. Its 260 PS (256 hp) 3.0-litre engine was able to claim a top speed of over 250 km/h (155 mph) and roar from 0-100 km/h (0-62 mph) in 5.4 seconds. Some 2,850 units of the first version of the 930 Turbo were made and its success meant that production was ramped up for its successor…911 Turbo 3.3 (type 930) • 1977-1990Launched in 1977, the second-generation 911 Turbo swapped the first model’s 3.0-litre engine for a 3.3-litre variant and featured several improvements derived from Porsche motorsport activities. That influence continues to the present day and remains a defining factor of the model Photo: PorscheThat successor to the 930 Turbo 3.0 – the 930 Turbo 3.3 – was about more than just a bigger engine when it went on sale in 1977. In order to get the most from its larger powertrain and adequately deal with the accompanying power boost, Porsche found a way to lower the intake temperature. Looking to its motorsport division for inspiration, it positioned a charge-air cooler just below the rear spoiler. Racing technology was also behind its lightweight alloy brake system with internally ventilated brake discs, similar to that used in the all-conquering Porsche 917 race car, because very fast cars need very good brakes.And the 930 Turbo 3.3 was exceedingly quick. With a power output of 300 PS (296 hp), it had a top speed of more than 260 km/h (161 mph) and revelled in a 0-100 km/h (0-62 mph) time of 5.4 seconds. But it was a sportscar that didn’t forget the luxury experience either – a quality that the 911 Turbo has become known for ever since.At the end of the 1970s, with the help of the Sonderwunsch programme, customers were able to order the 911 Turbo Slantnose, which resembled the 935 race car and incorporated the pop-up headlights of the 944. A further 30 PS (30 hp) power boost allowed the Slantnose to hit a top speed of 275 km/h (171 mph). The type 930 model also saw the introduction of the first 911 Turbo Cabriolet and 911 Turbo Targa. When production finally concluded after 13 epic years, a total of 17,792 units of the 930 Turbo 3.3 had been made.911 Turbo 3.3 (type 964) • 1991-1993The 911 Turbo (type 964) model was the first example of the model to feature ABS and power steering and saw the introduction of a powerful rear wing – another trademark of this legendary sportscar Photo: PorscheThe first of two versions of the type 964 version of the 911 Turbo arrived three years after the launch of this new 911, in the form of a Carrera 4. That car had been developed for greater performance and to comply with ever-stricter emissions requirements. The Turbo version again upped the ante for Porsche performance cars.Its 3.3-litre engine now had a power output of 320 PS (316 hp). With a top speed of 270 km/h (168 mph), it’s been described as “extremely beautiful” by the great Porsche test driver, brand ambassador and former World Rally Champion, Walter Röhrl. It also featured cutting edge – at the time – technology like ABS and power steering. Every one of the 3,871 units of this sportscar was the full package.911 Turbo 3.6 (type 964) • 1993-1995The second generation of the type 964 Turbo is rightly lauded as one of the great Porsche sportscars – with its powerful 3.6-litre engine leading the way. A car that former World Rally Champion, Porsche test driver and brand ambassador, Walter Röhrl, dubbed “a dream car” Photo: PorscheThe headline of a new type 964 version of the 911, on sale from 1993, was a major engine upgrade. This was a newly-designed, 3.6-litre block with a power output of 360 PS (355 hp) that helped boost pressure to build more quickly, meaning smoother turbocharger activation. A focus on creating more torque at lower revs came into its own on overtaking manoeuvres.The chassis was lowered by 20mm (0.8 inches) compared to its predecessor and a retuned suspension considerably helped steering feel. It also saw the debut of red calliper brakes – a feature of Turbo models ever since. This translated to a top speed of 280 km/h (174 mph) and a sub-five second 0-100 km/h (0-62 mph) time of 4.8 seconds for its production run of 1,437 cars.911 Turbo (type 993) • 1995-1998The type 993 version of the 911 Turbo saw a significant leap forward with the introduction of all-wheel drive – a vital addition given that this was a car that boasted power of 408 PS (402 hp) Photo: PorscheUnveiled at the 1995 Geneva Motor Show, the type 993-model of the 911 Turbo saw the biggest power increase to date. Its 3.6-litre engine generated 408 PS (402 hp), with a 0-100 km/h (0-62 mph) time of 4.5 seconds and top speed of 290 km/h (180 mph).Two smaller turbochargers rather than the single large one fitted to previous models meant a notable reduction in turbo lag when accelerating and power to burn, even at 2,000 rpm. Another highlight saw all-wheel adopted as standard for the first time. “Early on during development I said that it wasn’t possible to make a car with 408 PS without all-wheel drive,” said Walter Röhrl in 2020. The result was greater confidence and safety for drivers at high speeds and on slippery surfaces. With enhanced dynamics, stiffened chassis, a new rear wing weighing half that of its predecessor, and 18-inch aluminium wheels with a hollow-spoke design, all 6,015 units made were optimised for the very best in performance. 911 Turbo (type 996) • 2000-2006The first water-cooled 911 Turbo model, the type 996 version came with Porsche Carbon Ceramic Brakes (PCCB) as standard. They provided stopping power to match a 3.6-litre engine that could accelerate from 0-100 km/h (0-62 mph) in 4.2 seconds Photo: PorscheEvery new Porsche 911 Turbo launched is a significant event. But when the 996-era debuted at the Frankfurt International Motor Show in 1999 (on sale the following year), it was a gamechanger for the model. In place of the air-cooled 911 Turbo engines used up to this point was a new water-cooled variant.If some traditionalists were left aghast, they were quickly assuaged by the new car’s outstanding performance. While it’s true that every generation of 911 Turbo is all about evolution, the type 996 911 Turbo was new from floor to roof, nose to tail. The 420 PS (414 hp) engine certainly grabbed the headlines. For the first time, a 911 Turbo could achieve more than 300 km/h (186 mph) – 305 km/h (190 mph) to be exact – and could hit the 0-100 km/h (0-62 mph) mark in 4.2 seconds, making it the fastest roadgoing 911 ever produced at the time.That power was reflected in its design too, with a standout, extendable rear aero wing and striking, cooling air intakes in the front bumper, with rear air outlets inspired by those of the 959 hypercar. By the end of its production run, some 20,499 units were made.The type 996 also saw the addition of the 911 Turbo S model to the line-up. Even more performance-focused than its 911 Turbo sibling, it came with Porsche Ceramic Composite Brake (PCCB) as standard.911 Turbo (type 997.1) • 2006-2009The type 997.1 version of the 911 Turbo heralded a significant upgrade in power. The engine displacement remained at 3.6 litres, but huge improvements to turbo technology translated to 480 PS (473 hp) – 60 PS (59 hp) more than its predecessor Photo: PorscheA little over a year after the first type 996-era 911 Turbo went off sale, along came a new one derived from the type 997 variant of the 911. And what an evolution this was.A power output of 480 PS (473 hp) meant a boost of more than 14 per cent on the type 966 model, helped by turbochargers with Variable Turbine Geometry (VTG) – a first for any petrol-engined production car. As a result, this was a 911 Turbo that broke the sub-four second mark for the 0-100 km/h (0-62 mph) sprint for the first time (3.9 seconds), with the optional Sport Chrono Package Turbo. This activated overboost at full acceleration at the push of a button. Its top speed checked in 310 km/h (193 mph). By the end of its production in 2009, the 997.1 model had reached 21,725 units.We’ll leave it to Walter Röhrl to sum it up. “Even today I still cannot find anything negative to say,” he enthused about the car in 2020. “I always enjoy sitting behind the wheel of a 997 Turbo. There is a marvellously analogue feeling to the set-up of the steering, running gear and brakes.”911 Turbo (type 997.2) • 2009-2012The type 997.2 version of the 911 Turbo – pictured here with famed Porsche test driver and motorsport legend, Walter Röhrl – was fitted with a new 3.8-litre engine, translating to a sizeable increase in torque. The model also saw the introduction of a seven-speed dual clutch transmission (PDK) option Photo: PorscheWho says you can’t improve on what many saw as perfection? Not Porsche. The type 997.2 version of the 911 Turbo saw another engine upgrade in the form of a 3.8-litre, twin-turbocharged flat-six that made it the first of the model line to the 500 PS (493 hp) mark. Another first saw the introduction of the PDK (Doppelkupplungsgetriebe) seven-speed dual clutch transmission as an alternative to the six-speed manual transmission.The 997.2 model also saw the return of the Turbo S. With more power and torque than the 911 Turbo, it could sprint from 0-100 km/h (0-62 mph) in just 3.3 seconds – 0.4 seconds faster than the Turbo version.The 911 Turbo (type 997.2) was a logical progression of what had come before but would also be a significant expression of what the future would hold.911 Turbo (type 991.1) • 2013-2015Responsiveness, balance and brutal power – words that sum up every 911 Turbo model. With the type 991.1 version, these were taken to unprecedented levels at the time. How about a 0-100 km/h (0-62 mph) time of just 3.4 seconds for starters? Photo: PorscheRaw performance figures make it easy to detail the progress of every 911 Turbo, but an engine is only as good as the car built around it. When the type 991.1 version of the 911 Turbo went on sale in 2013, here was a car that reflected the thousands of hours that Porsche invested in optimising driving dynamics. It was led by active rear-wheel steering for increased agility in corners and stability at highway speeds, meaning that at speeds above 80 km/h (50 mph), front and rear wheels steered in the same direction, while below 50 km/h (31 mph) they steered in opposite directions. The seven-speed PDK dual-clutch system was further improved, enhancing the speed of gear changes, joined by aerodynamic enhancements such as a new adjustable rear wing and multi-stage extendable front spoiler, meaning a considerable upgrade in downforce. As for those all-important performance figures? The 991.1 model was good for 520 PS (513 hp), a top speed of 315 km/h (196 mph) and an eye-popping 0-100 km/h (0-62 mph) time of 3.4 seconds.Meanwhile, the 991 Turbo S, fitted with the Sport Chrono Package with Launch Control, could sprint from 0-100 km/h (0-62 mph) in just 3.1 seconds.911 Turbo (type 991.2) • 2016-2019The type 991.2 Turbo built on the credentials of its elder sibling by improving the 0-100 km/h (0-62 mph) time to a startling 3.0 seconds and on to a potential top speed of 320 km/h (199 mph) Photo: PorscheNew model, even more power. The type 991.2 model update for the 911 Turbo in 2016 featured a dynamic boost function, which held boost pressure when the accelerator was briefly released so that if engaged again, the engine responded almost instantaneously.A new feature of the Sport Chrono Package, the Sport Response Button – yet another Porsche innovation rooted in motorsport – allowed drivers to adjust engine and transmission responsiveness at the touch of a button, aiding overtaking manoeuvres by allowing the 911 Turbo to accelerate optimally for up to 20 seconds. It all helped improve power by 20 PS (20 hp) on the 991.1 model which meant you could hit the 100 km/h (62 mph) mark from standstill in just 3.0 seconds and reach a top speed of 320 km/h (199 mph).The 911 Turbo S model also returned for the type 991.2, boasting a 0-100 km/h (0-62 mph) time of 2.9 seconds and a top speed of 330 km/h (205 mph). A special 911 Turbo S version – 911 Turbo S Exclusive Series – was launched soon after. Limited to just 500 units, it featured a unique design, higher-quality materials and luxurious details.911 Turbo (type 992) • 2020-present*The most recent 911 Turbo – the type 992 – dipped below the three-second mark for the first time when it came to its 0-100 km/h (0-62 mph) figure, at 2.8 seconds. It’s a car that’s always had presence, but it’s even more muscular styling helped dramatically ram the point home Photo: PorscheAn astonishing fact about the most recent 911 Turbo is that it has more than double the power of the first 911 Turbo, the 930 model (260 PS/256 hp). In plain terms, that means 580 PS (572 hp) of power (compared to 260 PS/256 hp for the 930 Turbo), a top speed of 320 km/h (199 mph) and a 0-100 km/h (0-62 mph) time of 2.8 seconds.As we’ve seen, each 911 Turbo has bettered its predecessor. For the 911 Turbo (type 992), it’s bigger too – 20 mm wider at the front and 45 mm wider across the rear. Its spoilers, front and back, were also larger. Faster and bigger, yes, but also satisfying when it comes to comfort on long journeys. Everyday usability remains a major facet of the 911 Turbo.In 2020, a type 992 version of the 911 Turbo S was launched. Featuring a 3.8-litre boxer engine and two VTG turbochargers, it could power from 0-100 km/h (0-62 mph) in 2.7 seconds. And, in September 2025, it was followed by the new 911 Turbo S (type 992.2). Described as the “most complete and versatile form of driving a Porsche 911”, by Frank Moser, Vice President of the 911 and 718 model line at Porsche, it has a 0-100 km/h (0-62 mph) time of 2.5 seconds and reach a top speed of 322 km/h (200 mph).In 2024, the Turbo name celebrated 50 years of being at the forefront of performance car innovation with a special anniversary edition. As for the next generation of the 911 Turbo? You’ll have to watch this space…*as of October 2025
Consumption and emission information911 Turbo 50 Years
(WLTP): Fuel consumption combined: 12.5 – 12.3 l/100 km (preliminary value); CO₂ emissions combined: 283 – 278 g/km (preliminary value); CO₂ class: G (preliminary value).
A celebration of power. The 911 Turbo 50 Years
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