1993 Porsche 911 Turbo S Leichtbau

In May of 1992 Porsche announced that it was planning to produce a very special limited edition of its current 964 Turbo that was to be christened the 911 ‘Turbo S Leichtbau’ (Light build). They expected to build 25-50 units (later upped to 80), they would be sold through Porsche Centres at a price not exceeding 300,000 DM, and the car was to be built in the fiscal year ending July 1992. The new project was to be a lightweight, road-legal, Turbo that would feature an increased engine output, together with enhanced handling and subtle styling differences.

A prototype was built using a 1992 3.3ltr Turbo chassis and the “1992 Turbo S Leichtbau” came into being but, ironically, production did not start until July 1992 meaning that they were all built in the 1993 Model Year. The car was a development of the Turbo S2 and the target was to increase engine output by around 40bhp, however, that was comfortably exceeded and, in the end, an additional 61 horses were found bringing net power up to 381 bhp. Porsche explained: “With different camshafts, precision-machined intake ducts, slightly higher charge pressure and an optimised ignition and fuel injection system, this six-cylinder engine was capable of producing 381 bhp. To deliver all that power to the road surface safely, the car was lowered by 40 millimetres and the running gear was given firmer settings.” However, the main quest was to find a significant weight reduction, and in this, they were very successful reducing the overall weight by 180 kg. This was achieved by doing without under body protection, sound-proofing, air conditioning, power steering and rear seats. Further savings came from thin glass, aluminium doors, a carbon fibre luggage compartment and even thinner carpets.

 

 

The actual build numbers for this model have been misquoted over time with official Porsche records concluding 80 Leichtbaus were built initially. In fact, there were an additional 6 vehicles. The 81st car was added on as part of the recorded end of production run on November 20, 1992. The 82nd – 86th cars lack definitive production information in the Porsche official records for their final production and delivery dates.