Porsche Carrera 964 Review / History
1989 saw the release of the 964 Carrera, initially this was only available as a 4 wheel drive with the Carrera 2, rear wheel drive 911 arriving in 1990. Both models were available as a coupe, Targa or Cabriolet. There was a new engine for the 964 with a 3.6 litre displacement (the M64) producing upwards of 247 bhp. A review of the suspension saw the torsion bars being replaced with coil springs and dampers, we also saw the introduction of anti-lock braking systems (ABS) and power assisted steering along with an electronically operated rear spoiler which raises automatically at speed (around 50 mph) and retracts back flush with the engine lid when returning to a slow speed again. Another significant benefit was the introduction of an electronically operated heating system which provided a much more consistent heat and cooling supply to the driver compartment.
1992 saw the arrival of a light weight rear wheel drive only version of the 964 called the Carrera RS, the RS was powered by a revised version of the standard M64 engine seeing a power increase to 260 bhp, the RS was only available with a manual transmission which now had a limited differential. The suspension saw a more track inspired setting with a 40mm lower ride height, stiffer suspension and adjustable anti roll bars.
The turbos, in 1990 Porsche introduced the first turbo charged model into the 964 range, it was a 3.3l turbo charged unit like that of the earlier 930 but with an increased power and refined delivery.
In 1992 Porsche unveiled the turbo S, still using the 3.3l motor which had been tuned to deliver even more power though greater fuel deliver, higher boost pressure and revised camshafts. The 367 bhp Turbo S was also stripped out with most of its creature comforts removed as a weight saving exercise. Geared for performance, this was to be one of the fastest cars on the road.
The 3.6 turbo came into production in 1993 producing 355 bhp, production only took place during the 93 – 94 period unfortunately resulting in limited numbers, Porsche did however have a few bodies left at the end of production which they passed over to the exclusive division for them to build one final special to see the 964 out.
