If one summarizes the Porsche 911 to 1973 and 1974 to 1989 simplifying as the first stages of development of Porsche 911, then the Porsche 964 led one of the most charismatic sports cars of our time as the third stage of development in the modern era. Not only technically, but also regarding manufacturing and distribution, Porsche had entered new territory with the model 964. The key word model diversification, an old hat today as basic exercise of the automobile manager, was applied with this model for the first time. In front of this background and the fact that the successor 993 waited (almost developed) for his introduction on the market, the celebration of 30 jubilees of the sports-car icon Porsche 911 approached.
A special model was planned which should be unique concerning equipment and appearance. A renewed milestone in the history of Porsche 911 and a valued memory to the past 30 years. Due to the spectacular appearance, best experiences with the acceptance of the customers and enough available capacities, it was certain, that the special model should be manufactured in the Turbo-Look with option M491. Traditionally this option, beside the car body, also contained the suspensions and the brake assembly of the Turbo
In addition to an individual colour scheme, an extended full leather interior and an increase in factory output to 3.8 litres without an increase in cubic capacity were also planned. This was therefore a “small” solution, which included machined cylinder heads and an adaptation of the control unit and increased the rated output of the engine to 270 hp. The four-wheel drive should complete the whole package as an other unique selling proposition. The customer service report pointed out how far this beginning was already considered. As an official document it referred to the standard chassis and the brake assembly of the turbo, which should belong, as with Turbo-Look vehicles of the past always did, to the full equipment package of the anniversary model.
From today’s point of view the plans of the development department to the 30. Birthday came at the wrong time. After a once more expected record loss in the model year 1993, Zuffenhausen was close to the heart of the darkness. The rumors about the loss of the independence of Porsche did not want to stop.
In summary it was such a costly project surrounded by world economy crises and utilization emergency. Despite of staff reduction and a manufacturing order for Mercedes, (500E-manufacturing) no one had the courage to enforce the plans before the executive committee and staff.
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