Porsche 993

Did You Know?

• A 993 GT2 was used as the safety car during the 1995 Formula One season.
• The VarioRam system resulted in a 15 percent increase in engine power over the predecessor.

Overview

The 993's rear suspension was a completely new all-alloy multilink design attached to an alloy subframe, derived from the 989 four-door sedan that never entered production. This system required widening the rear wheel arches, which improved stability, and it reduced the tendency to oversteer when the throttle was lifted during hard cornering, a trait of earlier 911s. Interior noise was also reduced and ride quality improved. The 993 was the first 911 generation to include a six-speed manual transmission as standard; earlier 911s had four- or five-speed units. Rear-wheel-drive models could be ordered with a Tiptronic four-speed automatic, and from the 1995 model year the Tiptronic S added steering-wheel-mounted controls and refined software. The optional all-wheel-drive system replaced the 964's centre differential with a viscous coupling unit similar to that of the 959, reducing weight. The four-wheel-drive Carrera 4 weighs 111 lb more than its rear-wheel-drive counterpart. Other improvements over the 964 included a new dual-flow exhaust system, larger brakes with drilled discs, and revised power steering.

Variants

The Carrera was offered in rear- and all-wheel-drive versions, powered by a further-developed 3.6-litre M64 engine with a new dual-flow exhaust system incorporating two catalytic converters. The 1994 coupé had a curb weight of 1370 kg and a ground clearance of 110 mm (120 mm for the US version). The Cabriolet, introduced in April 1994 for the 1995 model year, featured a fully electrical hand-stitched soft top reinforced with metal sheets and an automatic wind blocker; it weighed 1420 kg. Both coupé and Cabriolet were available with all-wheel drive.

Media

The 993 generation of the 911 is widely considered the finest and most sought-after version of the model line. It is described as the final true modern classic, combining elegance with muscular design. Often called the purist's Holy Grail, it offers an old-school feel with modern usability, featuring excellent steering, strong brakes, and a well-balanced package. Its build quality reflects an era when Porsche refused to compromise on any detail.