(1994 – 1997) Porsche 911 Cabriolet (993) – Ultimate Guide
The 993 initially launched with two models: the rear-wheel-drive Carrera and all-wheel-drive Carrera 4 in both coupe and cabriolet body styles. The M64/01 3.6-liter 964 engine layout was retained but refined. The crankshaft vibration dampener was eliminated in the 993. Hydraulic valve lifters were utilized for the first time in a 911 engine, valve weight was reduced, plus the 993 exhaust system was completely redesigned. When the 993’s M64/05 engine went into production it was rated at 272 horsepower at 6,100 rpm and 243 pound-feet of torque at 5,000 rpm. Also, Porsche changed the G50 manual transmission and added a sixth gear; this gave the normally aspirated (NA) 993 a top speed of 168 miles per hour.
A four-speed Tiptronic automatic transmission was also available. MacPherson strut suspension was retained up front, yet at the rear the semi-trailing arms setup that 911s had used since the beginning was replaced by a more sophisticated multilink suspension. Production 993 models first became available in Europe in April 1994 as a 1994 model year (MY) car, while the 993 was released in the US in September 1994 as a 1995 MY car.
The 993 Carrera Cabriolet was developed alongside the Coupe which required little changes to adopt the soft top. Only the A-Pillars required increased stiffening.1 For speeds over 160 mph, the soft-top was equipped with sheet steel below the fabric which covered over half its area. At the push of a button, the retractable top automatically deployed in 18 seconds. The Tonneau cover was manually affixed and removed from the car.
The basic form of the new 911 generation was changed: the fenders have smoother lines, the back of the car is wider, and the bumpers are integrated in the bodywork. The interior design was improved. The Convertible is available from spring 1994 and is fitted with a 6-speed gearbox. From model year 1995 Porsche also delivers the Convertible with Tiptronic S. – Porsche
