Parts
By DesignTek
The 996 Turbo made its debut at the Frankfurt Auto Show in September 1999 and hit the US market as a 2001 model in the summer of 2000. Powered by a water-cooled twin-turbocharged and intercooled 3.6-liter flat-6 engine derived from the victorious 911 GT1 race car of 1998 Le Mans, it delivered 309kW (420PS; 414hp) at 6,000 rpm and 415 lb⋅ft (563Nm) of torque. Equipped with all-wheel drive, it offered a choice between a 6-speed manual or a 5-speed Tiptronic transmission.
The Turbo sported revised styling, a broader stance compared to the naturally aspirated 996 Carrera models, and enhancements like new bi-xenon headlamps and a fixed rear wing. Features like VarioCam Plus, stability management, and an electronically adjustable rear spoiler were included. Bodywork tweaks facilitated airflow to three radiators up front and accommodated 18-inch wheels and tyres.
In 2002, Porsche introduced the X50 package as an option for the Turbo, boosting power output to 331 kW (450 PS; 444 hp) with upgrades like larger K24 turbochargers and intercoolers, a revised ECU, and quad-pipe exhaust. Additional features introduced that year included a glove box, center-mounted cup holders, an optional Bose stereo, and rain-sensing wipers.
For the 2004 model year, the Turbo Cabriolet made a return, marking the first mass-produced Turbo Cabriolet since the 1989 930 Turbo Cabriolet.
In 2005, Porsche unveiled the Turbo S, available in coupe or cabriolet versions. Essentially a 996 Turbo with the X50 option, it also boasted extras like PCCB, a 6-disc CD changer, and aluminum-faced instruments.
