Porsche 964 Carrera 2 Cabrio WTL

In August 1989, Porsche presented the replacement for the 911 Carrera 3.2L, available only with all-wheel drive. This came as a shock to Porsche enthusiasts (which rhymes with purists)! Despite this, the name Carrera 4 gave reason to hope that there would be a 911 Carrera 2, since Porsche was betting big on its new generation of 911s and couldn’t do without its regular customers. The following year, shortly after the launch of the Carrera 4, the 2-wheel-drive 911 (Carrera 2) was released. Aesthetically, the two cars appear identical, with the obvious exception of the logo on the hood.

Naysayers and neophytes will even say that since the 3.2L, only the bumpers have evolved… In reality, appearances are deceiving: the 911 type 964 is 85% new. On the specification sheet, the difference between the C2 and C4 is limited to a weight reduction of 35 kg – resulting in a change in weight distribution more in keeping with the 911 spirit, with 40% on the front and 60% on the rear.

The Carrera 2’s flat 6 is strictly identical to that of the Carrera 4. No need to be jealous. Just a reminder that this 3.6-liter engine delivers 250 bhp at 6,100 rpm and 310 Nm at 4,800 rpm, for a claimed weight of 1,350 kg. The cylinder head, which was initially attached directly to the engine block without a head gasket, gave rise to sealing problems, resulting in oil leaks on many models up to ’91. A racing-inspired innovation, dual ignition also brought its share of mishaps, due to a poorly designed distributor.

The cabriolet version is also in the Stuttgart manufacturer’s catalog. It features the alluring “turbo look” with its wide fenders. Very expensive at the time of its launch (580,000 F), the price was justified by the use of the 964 Turbo 3.3 chassis, with special suspension and anti-roll bars, ventilated and perforated discs – the brakes on the real Turbo are unbelievably efficient – and an extraordinary range of equipment. In addition, it was offered in very small series and in original colors, which helped to give it that very exclusive Porsche aura. The European mechanical gearbox version of the 964 TLU Cabriolet produced 702 units.

1992 was a busy year for the 911 Carrera 2. First of all, the engines were overhauled after a number of teething problems. Sealing was reinforced, the dual mass flywheel changed supplier (LUK) and the dual ignition distributors were cooled to prevent belt breakage.