An Intro

To mark the 50th anniversary of the 911 Turbo lineage (dating back to the 1974 Type 930), Porsche has released the 911 Turbo 50 Years, a special edition limited to just 1,974 units worldwide. Based on the 992-generation 911 Turbo S, it retains the same 3.7-litre twin-turbo flat-six producing around 650 PS (478 kW) and 800 Nm of torque, mated to the PDK and all-wheel drive. What sets it apart are the exclusive design and heritage cues: the new “Turbonite” accent colour appears on the engine-cover inlay, fuel-cap and logos; exterior graphics echo the original 911 Turbo’s 1970s side livery; interior elements include McKenzie-style tartan seat centres and door panels, Turbonite-stitching, a “Turbo 50” badge and illuminated kick plates. The standard GT Silver Metallic paint can be replaced with Aventurine Green if the optional Heritage Design Package is chosen, which adds further throwback details like vintage Porsche crests and gold logos. In short: the 911 Turbo 50 Years blends top-tier performance with a refined celebration of Turbo heritage—aimed squarely at collectors and those who want the ultimate expression of the modern 911 Turbo.

Stuttcars takes a close look at a special edition rarity

It’s not often I get to sit behind the wheel in a modern Porsche, especially a rare PTS “Turbo 50 Years” edition. Needless to say, I was “all in” when the opportunity arose. While numerous limited editions of the modern 992 have been released, the Turbo 50 Years edition is certainly one to be revered, as it pays homage to one of Porsche’s most coveted technical achievements: turbocharging. And with only 1974 built (commemorating the year it was first revealed), it begs a closer look.

Background

When the Porsche 911 Turbo (Type 930) was revealed at the Paris Auto Show in October 1974, it marked a milestone moment not only for Porsche but for the sports-car world. Having only been around for ten years, the 911 had already enjoyed success as a driver-focused icon—but the Turbo took it into a new level. Equipped with turbocharging technology derived from the racetrack (e.g., 917/30), it brought racetrack tech to the public roads and redefined what a production sports car could be.

Meet the new “Bully” on the block

The 1975 911 Turbo delivered blistering performance—with its wide stance, the now-iconic “whale tail” spoiler, and a surge of turbo boost that made it unmistakably something beyond a standard 911. It also introduced many street-car enthusiasts to the exhilarating—and sometimes unforgiving—characteristics of turbocharging (especially in the era before widespread electronic driver aids). Its arrival signified that Porsche was serious about turbo performance in the street-car realm: this wasn’t just a motorsport halo model, but a bona fide production sports car that carried the “Turbo” badge into everyday driving and prestige.

Racetrack to Street

Before 1974, Porsche’s turbocharging efforts were primarily in motorsport. The leap into applying turbochargers to a road-legal 911 meant that tech such as high-boost forced induction, cooling, and packaging became part of Porsche’s core production ethos. The Type 930 911 Turbo introduced that first step: taking racetrack learnings, adapting them for road use, and doing so in a package that retained the 911’s sporting character.

Refinement

From that point onward, turbocharging became an integral part of Porsche’s performance narrative. Subsequent generations of the 911 Turbo evolved the concept by introducing intercoolers, twin-turbo setups, all-wheel drive, variable-geometry turbochargers, and refined electronics. For example, by 1995 the 993-generation 911 Turbo had biturbo technology, modernizing and smoothing the power delivery.

Uniqueness

The new Porsche 911 Turbo 50 Years edition (sometimes referred to simply “Turbo 50”) offers numerous top-shelf attributes that add to its uniqueness and collectability:

• Limited production: Porsche is limiting production to 1,974 units globally, in honor of the 1974 debut year of the first 911 Turbo.
• Based on the current 911 Turbo S (992-generation): The car uses the most advanced performance variant of the 911 platform, so it isn’t just a cosmetic or badge-only special edition—it carries top-tier hardware.
• Unique design cues and heritage styling: Exterior highlights can include the exclusive “Turbonite” accent color (for the first time on a 911), an Anthracite Grey rear wing blade and other trim elements, and side vinyl graphics inspired by the 1973 911 RSR Turbo show car.
• Interior touches lean heavily into Porsche heritage: the iconic “Mackenzie” tartan cloth appears on the seats and door panels (a callback to the original 911 Turbo’s offerings), Turbonite contrast stitching and trim, illuminated “turbo 50” door sill plates, an anniversary plaque with individual number, and even a Porsche Design Sub second clock mounted in the dashboard.

Specifications and Performance

Engine & Powertrain

• Engine: 3.7-liter twin-turbocharged flat-6 (boxer configuration)
• Output: 640 horsepower @ 6,750 rpm
• Torque: 590 lb-ft @ 2,500–4,000 rpm
• Drivetrain: All-wheel drive (AWD)
• Transmission: 8-speed Porsche Doppelkupplung (PDK) dual-clutch automatic
• Fuel type: Premium unleaded

Performance

• 0–60 mph: 2.6 seconds (with Sport Chrono Package)
• 0–100 mph: 5.9 seconds
• Quarter-mile: 10.3 seconds @ 132 mph
• Top speed: 205 mph (330 km/h)
• Braking (60–0 mph): ~97 ft (29.6 m)
• Lateral acceleration: 1.09 g (skidpad average)

Dimensions & Weight

• Length: 178.6 in (4,537 mm)
• Width: 74.8 in (1,900 mm)
• Height: 51.1 in (1,298 mm)
• Wheelbase: 96.5 in (2,450 mm)
• Curb weight: 3,640 lb (1,651 kg)
• Weight distribution: 37 / 63 (front / rear)

Chassis, Suspension & Brakes

• Front suspension: Aluminum double-wishbone
• Rear suspension: Multi-link with adaptive damping (PASM)
• Brakes: Porsche Ceramic Composite Brakes (PCCB) with 10-piston front calipers
• Steering: Variable-ratio electric power steering with rear-axle steering

Wheels/Tires:

• Front: 20-inch forged alloys, 255/35 ZR20
• Rear: 21-inch forged alloys, 315/30 ZR21

Aerodynamics & Body

• Active aerodynamics: Adaptive front spoiler and multi-stage rear wing
• Cd (drag coefficient): 0.33
• Cooling: Variable air-flap control for optimal aero efficiency
• Body construction: Aluminum-steel composite

Wrap-up

Fast-forward 50 years from the initial Porsche 911 Turbo, and the 911 Turbo 50 Years edition honors that legacy by combining the very best of modern performance with revered design cues and a limited-run collector appeal. With just 1,974 units worldwide, a unique appearance, and top-tier hardware, it very clearly targets both enthusiasts who want a modern performance 911 and collectors who value rarity and history. If history is any guide, this edition stands a strong chance of being regarded in years to come as one of the standout 911 special editions of its era. Please contact Copley West for more information on this specific vehicle.

Above contents © 2025 Rex McAfee , @rexmcafee