Dancing with the Widowmaker: The Porsche 911 Turbo's 50-Year Legacy
A Journey Through Time with the Original Porsche 911 Turbo
There’s something special about driving a car that has stood the test of time. For Angus MacKenzie, the opportunity to drive an original 1975 Porsche 911 Turbo was too good to pass up. The invitation from the Porsche Museum was always a highlight, and this year’s event marked a significant milestone: the 50th anniversary of turbocharged Porsches. Among the cars on display was the iconic 911 Turbo, a vehicle that had eluded him until now.
The 911 Turbo is more than just a car; it's a symbol of innovation and performance. While Porsche didn’t invent the turbocharger—its origins trace back to a 1905 patent by Swiss engineer Alfred Büchi—the company played a pivotal role in making turbocharging a household name. Before BMW introduced the 2002 Turbo in 1973, there were other early adopters, including General Motors, which offered turbocharged models as far back as 1962. However, it was the 911 Turbo that truly popularized the concept and set the standard for performance vehicles.
The Origins of the Porsche 911 Turbo
Porsche’s journey with turbo technology began in the early 1970s, primarily for racing. The development of the 917/10, a powerful flat-12 engine, laid the groundwork for future innovations. Key figures like Ferdinand Piëch, Hans Mezger, and Valentin Schäffer were instrumental in advancing turbocharger technology, introducing features such as the wastegate, which helped manage boost levels and reduce turbo lag.
The inspiration for the 911 Turbo came not from BMW’s 2002 Turbo but from a sleek gullwing sports car concept called the BMW E25 Turbo. This concept, built to celebrate the 1972 Munich Olympics, showcased a mid-mounted, turbocharged four-cylinder engine producing 276 hp. It was this concept that sparked Porsche’s interest in developing its own turbocharged road car.
The First Production 911 Turbo
Porsche teased the 911 Turbo at the Frankfurt Show in 1973 with a concept car called the 911 RSR Turbo. By August 1974, a one-off model was delivered to Ferry Porsche’s sister, Louisa Piëch. The production model made its debut at the Paris Show later that year. The 911 Turbo featured a 3.0-liter flat-six engine producing 256 hp and 253 lb-ft of torque. It could accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in under 5.0 seconds and reach a top speed of 155 mph. Despite its performance, it was also known for its reliability and comfort, coming equipped with leather seats, air conditioning, and power windows.
The "Widowmaker" Reputation
The 911 Turbo earned a reputation as a "widowmaker," a term used to describe its unforgiving nature when driven aggressively. Veteran testers often spoke of its need for respect and precision. The car’s binary boost states made it challenging to handle, requiring quick reflexes and skill. Even today, driving the 911 Turbo demands attention, especially given the lack of modern safety systems like ABS or traction control.
Driving the 911 Turbo
When MacKenzie first sat behind the wheel, a voice in his head whispered "widowmaker." His initial drive was cautious, focusing on understanding the car’s behavior. The engine was tractable, with a noticeable surge in acceleration once the tachometer reached 3500 rpm. However, the legendary rush of the turbo wasn’t as intense as expected, possibly due to his experience with modern high-performance cars.
The 911 Turbo’s torque curve was impressive, with peak torque available from 4000 to 5000 rpm. Keeping the engine revving above 4000 rpm was key to maintaining performance. The four-speed manual transmission added to the challenge, as drivers needed to manage boost effectively while navigating corners.
The Evolution of the 911 Turbo
A few weeks after driving the original 911 Turbo, MacKenzie found himself behind the wheel of a new hybrid 911 GTS. This model represents a significant evolution in Porsche’s approach to performance and efficiency. The GTS features a hybrid powertrain with a turbocharger that includes an electric motor to reduce lag and improve response. This innovation showcases how Porsche continues to push the boundaries of what a 911 can achieve.
Conclusion
The 911 Turbo remains a testament to Porsche’s engineering prowess and commitment to performance. From its inception in 1975 to the present day, the 911 has continually evolved, adapting to new technologies while maintaining its core identity. As MacKenzie discovered, the original 911 Turbo is still an impressively fast and engaging car, proving that some classics never lose their charm. The journey of the 911 Turbo over the past 50 years is a remarkable story of innovation, resilience, and enduring performance.