Porsche Museum, Stuttgart-Zuffenhausen, Germany
Until January 12th, 2025
Although Porsche wasn’t the first to use turbocharging in competition and series production to boost engine power, the company has built up a solid reputation for this solution through numerous advances and spectacular models. With the “50 Years of Porsche Turbo” exhibition, the Porsche Museum retraces the history of one of its iconic models and of a technology mastered by the Stuttgart-based manufacturer.
In the early 1970s, Porsche decided to get involved in racing in the United States and set its sights on the Can-Am championship, which was very popular at the time. The regulations were fairly liberal, and the cars were open, lightweight sport-prototypes powered by large 8-liter V8s developing around 800 hp. With the 917 (which had just triumphed at Le Mans), Porsche had an interesting base, but its 4.5-liter V12 lacked power. After various studies (including a V16 derived from its V12), Porsche opted for the turbocharged 5-liter V12. The engine delivers a phenomenal 1000 hp, then 1100hp and even over 1200hp. The 917/10 and 917/30 spyders went on to win most races and championships in 1972 and 1973.
Porsche then applied the Turbo solution to the 911 with the 1974 Porsche 911 Carrera RSR Turbo. Equipped with a turbocharged 2.1-liter flat-6 engine, it represented Porsche in endurance championships and at the 24 Hours of Le Mans, finishing 2nd overall. From then on, all the Porsches that won at Le Mans were equipped with turbocharged engines. Porsche also won in F1, rallying and the Dakar with its Turbo engines. Several racing models are on display, including the famous 935.
But, with Porsche, the path from racing to road racing (and vice versa) is a short one. The first 911 Turbo road car was a unique model offered to Louise Piëch (Ferry Porsche’s sister) on August 29, 1974, for her 70th birthday. The car had a narrow body and a 2.7-liter engine, and a badge on the glovebox bore the initials “LP” and the inscription “Turbo-Porsche No. 1, Stuttgart-Zuffenhausen, 29 Aug. 1974”. The “production” version was presented at the 1974 Paris Motor Show, with wider bodywork, a large rear wing and a 260 hp 3-liter engine. Intended as a special series for racing homologation, it was a real commercial success and became a fully-fledged model in the 911 range.
Since then, Porsche has continued to improve the 911 Turbo over the generations, making it a Grand Tourer to rival the likes of Ferrari and Aston Martin. As with the GTS designation, the Turbo label defines a level of performance in the 911 range. The “Turbo” designation can be found on other Porsche models, and even on the 100% electric Taycan and new Macan!
For this 50th anniversary exhibition, the Porsche Museum is showcasing different generations of Porsche Turbo, with a rotation of the cars on display. There are also some unique models, such as the car presented to Louise Piëch, a 1976 Porsche 911 Turbo that once belonged to Ferry Porsche, or the LEGO® “Big Brick” 911 Turbo in the same metallic oak green. Among the rarities, the 2020 911 Turbo S “Duet” is the result of a collaboration between Porsche and business jet manufacturer Embraer. This 911-992 Turbo S 992 in an exclusive two-tone silver finish was offered as an option to buyers of the Embraer Phenom 300E business jet!
Several areas are dedicated to themes such as “The Turbo Principle”, “Beyond Turbo” and “Motorsport”. A large showcase contains technical parts, such as various turbochargers, a bypass valve, charge-air coolers, a K-Jetronic mechanical injection system or a spoiler from the Porsche 911-991 with active aerodynamics. Also on display are drawings and photographs, the original data sheet for the Porsche 911 Turbo RSR from the 1973 Frankfurt IAA, and a technical drawing of the 930-generation Porsche Coupé.
Visitors will be able to view films and digital explanations on large touch screens, covering development, technology and the interior and exterior. In addition, a child-friendly digital educational adventure, Tina and the Secret of the Turbo, has been developed for this exhibition.
The photos on this page belong to the Porsche Museum, no right of reproduction without the express permission of the museum.