Porsche 911 Third Generation (1988-1994)

The third generation Porsche 911 is known internally as the type 964. It was manufactured between 1988 and 1994.

Porsche 911 Third Generation

The third generation Porsche 911 combined the traditional silhouette of the classic model with state-of-the-art technology. The bullish-looking front end and the modified sill covers gave the car a muscular look. The newly developed rear spoiler fit seamlessly into the silhouette of the 964. It extended at speeds over 80 km/h, providing downforce and enhancing the engine cooling. Beneath the skin, almost 85 per cent of all parts in the new 911 were newly developed.

The new 911 was designed to bring in more customers, including everyday drivers. It offered more comfort features and a new level of luxury to the model’s well-known sportiness. For example, Porsche integrated power steering, ABS, a more powerful heater, a central locking system and electrically height-adjustable front seats into the newly designed body.

All-Wheel Drive

The first model variant immediately showed just how advanced the new 911 was. An all-wheel drive system, that Porsche had originally designed for the high-performance sports car 959, was introduced to the series for the first time on board the Porsche 911 Carrera 4. With electronically controlled and hydraulically regulated power distribution, it was well ahead of its time.

The 911 Carrera 2 with rear-wheel drive followed in 1989. At the same time, the Cabriolet and Targa versions also celebrated their debut alongside the Coupe. From 1990, an automatic transmission was available, which was an important feature for the US market. Modern MacPherson struts and coil springs on semi-trailing link rear axles replaced its predecessor’s torsion bar springs and offered a more precise and better driving experience.

At 3.6 litres, the air-cooled flat-six engine reached new heights in terms of displacement, and delivered 250 PS in the Carrera 2/4 models. One of the technical innovations in the boxer engine was its twin-spark ignition, which Porsche had originally developed for greater operational reliability in aircraft engines.

Special Models

The 911 Jubilee model was one of the most distinctive variations of the 964 generation, with only 911 of these special, limited-edition cars to mark 30 years of the 911 made available on the market in 1993. With wide wings at the front and rear, this model combined the drive unit of the Carrera 4 with the Coupe body and 17-inch chassis of the 911 Turbo, but came without its rear wing. Porsche combined the exclusive exterior colour Viola Metallic with a full leather interior in Rubicon Grey.

Adding to the exclusivity, the 911 Speedster was launched in 1993. It featured a shortened windscreen, modified roof structure, and signature double-bubble cover behind the front seats. 930 cars were built on the basis of the Carrera 2 Cabriolet, plus a further 15 vehicles with a wide turbo-look body.

The turbocharged versions were the top-of-the-range 911 type 964 models. The 911 Turbo initially adopted its predecessor’s 3.3 litre engine, which at that time produced 320 PS, and the 911 Turbo S engine delivered an impressive 381 PS. The model was switched to the new 3.6-litre engine with 360 PS at the start of 1993, and the next in line was already knocking at the door from October of that year, and so the sports car icon took the next step.

Porsche produced a total of 63,762 type 964 vehicles between 1988 and 1994.

Image by Porsche