New Special Exhibition: ‘Beyond Performance – Celebrating 50 Years of Porsche Turbo’

On July 30, the Porsche Museum launched the special exhibition “Beyond Performance. 50 Years of Porsche Turbo,” celebrating half a century of the iconic Turbo models. Running until January 12, 2025, this exhibition showcases numerous cars and smaller exhibits, embodying the powerful and sculptural essence of Porsche sports cars, revered by enthusiasts as the pinnacle of their segments.

The Zuffenhausen Turbo symbolizes a blend of experience and success, performance, and everyday usability. Each Turbo car encapsulates the victories Porsche has achieved on racetracks worldwide.

This special exhibition commemorates this legacy, sharing inspiring stories of overcoming challenges and pushing the boundaries of what is possible, capturing the essence of the Turbo spirit. Curator Iris Haker emphasizes that the exhibition aims to give a face to the “Turbo feeling” across all model lines, illustrating the Turbo’s success recipe through a diverse range of sports cars and exhibits, from the “Turbo look” to turbocharging. Haker hopes visitors will leave with a renewed understanding that “when you speak of Turbo, you mean Porsche.”

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Visitors can explore numerous previously unseen cars and exhibits, with a focus on the technical marvels behind Turbo technology. The exhibition features cutaway models that reveal the inner workings of Turbo technology.

A 13-meter-long display case houses various technical exhibits, drawings, and photographs, including turbochargers, a bypass valve, charge-air coolers, and a K-Jetronic. Large touchscreens provide films and digital explanations on development, technology, and design topics. Highlights include the original specification sheet of the 1973 Porsche 911 Turbo from the IAA Frankfurt Motor Show, a technical drawing of the 930-generation Porsche Coupé, a spoiler from the 991-generation Porsche 911 with active aerodynamics, and a design model from the early 1970s.

One of the early stars of the exhibition is a unique 911 Turbo presented to Louise Piëch on her 70th birthday on August 29, 1974. This one-off model featured a narrow body and a 2.7-liter engine, with “Carrera” branding instead of “Turbo.” Another standout is the 992-generation 911 Turbo S ‘Duet,’ created in collaboration with aircraft manufacturer Embraer. This silver two-tone model from 2020 was paired with the Phenom 300E business jet, offering a matching customized 911 Turbo S.

The exhibition is designed to offer a rich, immersive experience, with themed areas like “The Turbo Principle,” “Beyond Turbo,” and “Motorsport.” The epilogue contrasts heritage with future innovations, showcasing a 1976 Porsche 911 that belonged to Ferry Porsche and the 911 Turbo Lego Big Brick anniversary car in Oak Green Metallic. These cars illustrate how Porsche maintains its DNA while advancing driving dynamics, comfort, and progress.

For younger visitors, the exhibition includes an age-appropriate digital learning adventure, “Tina and the Turbo Secret.” Guided by the Porsche 4Kids mascot, Tina Turbo, children can explore the Turbo world, discovering its history and significance through interactive activities and a multimedia guide available in several languages.

Overall, “Beyond Performance. 50 Years of Porsche Turbo” offers a comprehensive tribute to the Turbo legacy, highlighting the technical prowess, historical significance, and future potential of Porsche’s Turbo models.

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