During the end of the 80's to 1994, Porsche have produced a lot of limited and exclusive models based on the 911 Type 964 and 965 (Carrera 4 Leichtbau, 965 Turbo S, 965 Turbo Leichtbau, 911 Carrera 4 Anniversary, 911 Carrera Cabriolet Turbolook, etc) to gain a great image and to rise up the sales. As a finishing touch on this long chain of special editions, while the public was waiting for the new 911 Turbo, the type 993, Porsche produced this real oddball based on the 964. Its main features were the old slantnose look and an improved engine. This mighty funk of a Porsche was called the 911 Turbo 3.6 Flachbau.

1995 Porsche Turbo 3.6 (964)

Specifications
  • Make: Array
  • Model: 1995 Porsche Turbo 3.6 (964)
  • Horsepower: 385@5750
  • Torque: 4200
  • Transmission: 5-Speed Manual

2005 Porsche Boxster S (987)

Specifications
  • Make: Array
  • Model: 2005 Porsche Boxster S (987)
  • Engine/Motor: 4.5 liter V8
  • Horsepower: 110@5750
  • Torque: 3500
  • Transmission: 5-Speed Manual
  • [do not use] Vehicle Model: Array

The last factory cars fitted with the slantnose look, prior to this Flachbau, were some of the 930 Turbo 3.3 in the mid 80's. They were modified by a special department of the factory to remind the public of the look (and the success) of the 935 'Moby Dick' race car. Following that example, the 964 slantnose was born.

Exterior

This 911 received flat front fenders with pop-up headlights (like on 928 and 968) and some elements from the ultimate 964, the Turbo Leichtbau. The front spoiler, from Porsche's "Exclusive" department, features two little wings to provide downfore, an air inlet for oil cooler and two fog headlights combined with two front air dams (for brake cooling). The rear air inlets on both sides are for engine cooling of the mighty KKK turbocharged flat 6 powerplant (more on that later). The fixed rear spoiler also featured some modifications, mainly on the sides.

Wheels

Perhaps the most beautiful thing on this car are the 18" polished Speedline wheels, complete with the Turbo logo on hub wheels. The brakes were standard : 322x32 mm front and 299x28 mm rear with huge red brake calipers. The tyres were also similar to the stock Turbo 3.6 : 225/40 ZR 18 on 8J x 18 wheels front and 265/35 ZR 18 on 10 J x 18 wheels rear. Suspensions settings hadn't been modified since the increased output isn't significant enought to require any changes in the set-up and geometry.

Engine

The engine (type M64/50S) of the 911 Turbo 3.6 Flachbau was available as an option on standard model. It developps 25 horsepower more than the previous engine with the same total capacity. Modifications went on camshaft and turbocharger with settings similar to those on the Turbo Leichtbau. The engine is better cooled thanks to an additional front oil cooler. The transmission was not touched, remaining the type G50/52 with limited slip differential (20/100% locking factor).

Interior

The interior of the car didn't receive a lot of considerations, unlike the Leichtbau's amenities, for example. It's as simple as the 'normal' Turbo 3.6, but that's a high standard : full leather, double airbags, A/C, power seats and windows, CD/radio player, and, of course, all the options available on standard version.

The Flachbau also received a four-pipe exhaust system which improve gas flow and sound. The rear fixed spoiler is a new version of the one fitted on the Turbo Leichtbau. The side winglets are wider and aerodynamic is better to match the top speed of nearly 300kph. Compared to the 965 Turbo, it has no awkward plastic protection 'bumpers' for a better look. With its striking looks and its improved engine, the 911 turbo 3.6 Flachbau is really exciting to drive whether it's for calm road use or intensive track racing. Of course, fuel consumption is truly horrid. The pleasure distillated by the violent accelerations of the turbocharged engine more than makes up for silly things such as mileage. Unfortunately, the slantnose look wasn't as warmly welcomed by the public as Porsche would have hoped. The model wasn't very popular, and one can only deduce that the slantnose look of the 928 and 968 just wasn't meant to be on a 911.

This car is very rare since only 100 of these models have been commercialized in the world in three major versions : US, Japan and Rest of the World with minor modifications between them. It was sold around $200,000, an amount that has made it a nice toy regarding the new Turbo launched one year later for much, much less.