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The 1997 Porsche 911 Turbo
Key features
The newest 911 Turbo in the model's 22-year history is based upon the revised Porsche 911 Carrera series. Major elements included on the new 911 Turbo are the exterior styling, redesigned rear suspension, ABS 5 anti-lock braking system, stronger body shell and enhanced driver and passenger comfort levels and ergonomics. Added to the package are the all-wheel-drive (AWD) system from the Porsche 911 Carrera 4, further revised bodywork featuring the unmistakable fixed "Turbo-wing" rear spoiler and extensive luxury equipment including leather interior, power seats and a 150-watt audio system.
Horsepower and torque
Developing 400 horsepower (300 kW) and 400 ft.lbs. (540 Nm) of torque from its 3.6 liter, twin-turbocharged and intercooled, horizontally opposed, six-cylinder engine, the 1997 Porsche 911 Turbo is the most powerful production Porsche ever offered for sale on this continent. The latest Porsche supercar dashes from 0 to 60 miles per hour in 4.4 seconds (0 to 100 kilometers per hour in 4.5 seconds) and has a top track speed of 180 mph (290 kph). (Performance data is provided for comparison purposes only. Porsche recommends obeying all traffic laws.)
Its performance and overall driving qualities have brought the Porsche 911 Turbo a number of significant media awards including being named MotorWeek Television's "Best Dream Machine" in 1996, Popular Science Magazine's "Best of What's New" for 1996, Popular Mechanics Magazine's "Design and Engineering Award" for 1995, The duPont Registry Magazine's "Car of the Decade" for 1995, The Robb Report Magazine's "Exotic Car of the Year" for 1996, Business Week Magazine's "Best New Product" for 1996 and Financial World Magazine's "Top Ten Cars of the Year" for 1995.
Heritage
Inspired by the legendary Porsche 959
The 1997 Porsche 911 Turbo was inspired by the legendary Porsche 959, a vehicle acknowledged as one of the great cars of the 20th century. Introduced in 1985 as a limited-edition model offered for sale outside of North America, the 959 incorporated a twin turbocharged engine and all-wheel-drive system in a 911 chassis. This marriage of power and handling resulted in an exotic supercar capable of winning such grueling competition events as the Paris-Dakar Rallye. The 1997 Porsche 911 Turbo features these same engine and drivetrain designs in a less expensive production version designed to be driven daily on North American roads.
Racing heritage
As with many of its technical innovations, Porsche first developed twin-turbocharging for its racing programs-to be more specific, for its all-conquering Porsche 917/10 and 917/30 race cars created for the 1972-73 SCCA Can-Am Series. In 1974, a single turbocharger was installed in a Porsche 911-based race car for International Group 4 competition. This model, the Porsche 911 Carrera RSR Turbo, preceded the turbocharged Porsche 934 and 935 entries which went on to prove the performance advantages of turbocharging by scoring hundreds of victories in the 1970s and early 1980s, including seven overall victories in the 24 Hours of Daytona and an overall victory in the 24 Hours of LeMans.
Production heritage
In late 1974, Porsche launched the world's first production turbocharged sports car, the 1975 Porsche 911 Turbo. It featured a 3.0-liter, 245-horsepower flat-six turbocharged engine that propelled it from 0 to 100 kph (62 mph) in 5.5 seconds. The second production 911 Turbo was introduced in 1978. The addition of an intercooler and an increase in displacement to 3.3 liters raised power to 265 horsepower. Further engine development resulted in a boost to 315 horsepower in the third generation 911 Turbo in 1991. The next generation 911 Turbo was the 1994 model. Based on a revised, larger displacement 3.6-liter engine, this version produced 355 horsepower and accelerated from 0 to 60 mph in 4.7 seconds.
Engine
Boxer engine
The current Porsche 911 Turbo engine incorporates further developments resulting in operating efficiencies, reduced weight, maximum recyclable components and ease of production, and also meets all of the world's demanding exhaust-emission regulations. The 911 Turbo's 3.6-liter, aluminum block, air-cooled, horizontally opposed, six-cylinder boxer engine features multi-port sequential fuel injection, electronic engine management, twin-turbochargers with dual intercoolers, knock sensing, three-way catalytic converters with Lambda control and OBD II (on-board diagnostics, second generation) equipment, a true dual exhaust system, and dry-sump lubrication.
Emissions System
OBD II
All 1997 Porsche 911 models feature a system for monitoring all components with exhaust emission control relevance. While the car is being driven, the OBD II (on-board diagnostics, second generation) system measures the efficiency of the catalytic converter, identifies misfiring, and monitors the functions of the fuel system, fuel-tank venting, secondary-air injection, oxygen sensors and other components and systems which affect exhaust emissions.
Transmission
Six-speed manual
Transmission modifications have made the Porsche 911 Turbo more enjoyable to drive in everyday conditions. They include double-cone synchromesh on first and second gears to reduce shifting effort by 40 percent, ball-bearing engagement sleeves for all internal shift rods to minimize friction, along with a hydraulically-assisted clutch unique to the Turbo which needs some 25 percent less effort and 15 percent less travel.
The new transmission, despite demands for added strength and the extra gearset, weighs virtually the same as the previous five-speed version. Weight savings coupled with operating efficiencies were design parameters throughout development of the Porsche 911 Turbo. Curb weight of the Turbo (3,307 pounds [1500 kg]) is only 33 pounds (15 kg) more than its predecessor, despite the addition of all-wheel drive and other equipment.
All-Wheel Drive
Viscous clutch
Power flows out of the engine, through a six-speed manual gearbox optimized for smooth, light and positive shifting, and into the same all-wheel-drive (AWD) system found on the Porsche Carrera 4. At 111 pounds (50 kg), the system is half the weight of the earlier Carrera 4 AWD system and is 33 percent more efficient in operation. A maintenance-free viscous center clutch controls power distribution between the front and rear wheels. Running in silicone fluid, the viscous clutch responds to power, engine speed and temperature differences to vary the amount of slip between the front and rear axles.
If both rear wheels spin, the center clutch diverts engine power to the front wheels, ensuring that maximum traction is always available. A conventional rear locking differential regulates the torque split between the rear wheels. The viscous clutch and rear differential act together to divert engine torque to the wheels with the most traction.
Automatic brake differential
Rear differential action is augmented by Porsche's Automatic Brake Differential (ABD) system. Should one rear wheel begin to spin, the locking differential transmits the power to the other wheel which still has traction. If this is not sufficient, then ABD, using input from the anti-lock brake system sensors, applies braking power to the slipping wheel to help initiate traction. (These functions operate only at speeds up to 43 miles per hour [70 kph]).
The combination of locking differential and ABD, along with all-wheel drive, provides greater directional stability under all circumstances and offers maximum traction on less-than-ideal road surfaces. All-wheel drive reduces weight transfer differences, which can affect stability, by allowing the maximum of the Turbo's weight to be used at all times to help maintain traction.
Suspension
Front suspension
Stability, handling and ride comfort are enhanced by the redesigned chassis of the Porsche 911. The front suspension is an evolution of the MacPherson-type strut, coil spring and stabilizer bar unit from past 911 models. Changes to components result in a system weighing some 6.6 pounds (3 kg) less than its predecessor, thus improving driving characteristics through reduction of unsprung weight. The semi-trailing arms and struts of previous 911 models have been replaced by Porsche's Lightweight-Stable-Agile (LSA) multi-link, subframe-mounted rear suspension system.
Rear suspension
A subframe-mounted design was used for the first time in a rear engine production car on the 1995 Porsche 911 Carrera. The multi-link rear suspension was designed to withstand, without modification, the added power of the 911 Turbo. Four links in two horizontal planes (appearing like upper and lower A-arms) provide precise wheel control while further development of the "Weissach" suspension pioneered on the Porsche 928 helps improve stability by using the outside rear wheel toe-in during cornering. Stability, regardless of side forces, and precise tracking are the system's virtues. The LSA package, in addition to the four links, includes dual-tube gas shock absorbers, coil springs and a stabilizer bar mounted to the aluminum subframe.
Brakes
ABS 5
The Bosch ABS 5 anti-lock braking system augments the four-wheel disc setup which includes cross-drilled rotors and four-piston fixed calipers at each wheel. The rear brakes are larger than in the past. ABS 5 helps ensure shorter stopping distances and control on uneven surfaces, decreased pedal kickback during ABS braking and improved modulation, resulting in more constant deceleration.
The maximum braking power available has been calculated as 1941 horsepower (1427 kW), almost five times the engine power of the Porsche 911 Turbo. Depending on driving and road conditions, it is possible to brake a Turbo from 62 mph (100 kph) to a standstill in 2.61 seconds, compared to the 0-62 mph (0-100 kph) acceleration time of 4.5 seconds.
Wheels and Tires
18-inch wheels Hollow-spoke, friction-welded aluminum wheels play a key role in the 911 Turbo's dynamic performance. The wheels were designed to further reduce unsprung weight which can adversely affect handling and stability. Compared with conventional designs, the new wheels save some 24 pounds (11 kg), weighing a total of approximately 90 pounds (41 kg). Up front, the eight-inch wide, 18-inch diameter wheels are mounted with Z-rated 225/40 ZR-18 tires, while the 10J by 18 rear wheels use 285/30 ZR-18 tires.
Interior
Standard equipment
The 1997 Porsche 911 Turbo interior features Porsche's 2+2 seating package with its familiar look and operation, including five round analog gauges and ignition switch to the left of the steering wheel. The electrically-controlled front seats, interior panels, steering wheel, gear shift and emergency brake levers are all leather covered. Other standard comfort and convenience features include dual front airbags, three-point restraints for driver and all passengers, automatic temperature-controlled air conditioning, electronic sunroof, power windows, heated external rearview mirrors, individually folding rear seat backs, interior lights with delayed shut off, cruise control, cassette/coin holder and door trim panels with covered armrest bins and open map pockets.
Audio system
A 10-speaker 150-watt audio system with AM/FM/cassette is standard in the 911 Turbo. Manufactured by Becker, its features include head units with removable control panels (for security), electronic tuning and digital display. Digital signal processing is available as an option.
A six-function computerized driver information center and an electronically controlled remote keyless entry and alarm system are standard. An infrared security system is available as an option. (The 911 Turbo is not available with the Tiptronic S automatic transmission.)
Warranty
New vehicle warranty
Every new Porsche sports car is covered by a two-year, bumper-to-bumper limited warranty with unlimited mileage, including Porsche's roadside assistance program. The galvanized body and 26-step paint and anti-corrosion process enable Porsche to warrant each car against rust perforation for 10 years and unlimited mileage. In addition, the paint has a three-year limited warranty.
Pre-owned vehicle, parts and accessory warranties
Porsche offers a one-year limited warranty on qualifying 1989 and newer pre-owned vehicles sold by authorized Porsche dealers. The pre-owned warranty includes Porsche's roadside assistance program. Porsche also warrants parts and accessories for two years and unlimited mileage. Labor costs are covered for parts and accessories installed by authorized Porsche dealers.
Leasing and Financing
Porsche Credit Corporation
Porsche Credit Corporation offers attractive leasing, financing and balloon payment plans for new and pre-owned Porsche sports cars. Conventional fixed rate financing is available for new and qualifying used Porsches with standard terms up to 84 and 72 months, respectively. The Porsche Preferred Lease program is available for new and qualifying used Porsches with lease terms as long as 60 months. Porsche Options, an innovative retail balloon loan, combines the economies of leasing with the benefits of ownership for new and qualifying used Porsches. Porsche Credit Corporation also offers conventional and Porsche Options financing to U.S. customers participating in Porsche Cars North America's tourist delivery program.
All Porsche Credit Corporation programs are subject to credit approval and available only through authorized Porsche dealers in the United States. Certain programs may not be available in all 50 states. Similar programs are available to authorized Porsche dealers in Canada through a Canadian financial organization.
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Last modified 5/17/97. Copyright ©1996, 1997 by AUTOPEDIA, all rights reserved. AUTOPEDIA™, AUTO411™, CAR-IQ™, DEALERPEDIA™, INTERLOT™, SIMULSEARCH™ and INTERQUOTE-RFP™ are trademarks of AUTOPEDIA. All other trademarks, tradenames and/or service marks are the property of their respective holders. Although all information and prices contained herein are obtained from sources deemed to be reliable, AUTOPEDIA assumes no responsibility for the accuracy of the information and no liability for any errors and/or omissions. All information is subject to change without notice.