Renowned drivers and engineers reflect on their experiences with Porsche’s turbo technology, from the racetrack to the road, highlighting the power, innovation, and legacy that the Turbo has left in motorsport and beyond.
Walter Röhrl, two-time World Rally champion, recalls his early experience with the 911 Turbo, starting with the 3.0 in 1978 and later purchasing a 911 Turbo 3.3 in 1979.
Röhrl fondly remembers his victories in the 924 Carrera GTS and the 911 Turbo S Le Mans GT, describing the raw power and adventure of racing a 500 PS car with minimal downforce. Today, he considers the 992-generation 911 Turbo the best car in the world for its combination of high performance and comfort.
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Peter Falk, former head of Porsche’s testing department, was deeply involved in the development of the first 911 Turbo. He recalls the initial challenges of taming the car’s power for everyday drivers, with early test models reaching almost 300 km/h. Falk also reminisces about a pivotal moment in 1977 when, after convincing Porsche’s board to use race-car brakes in the 911 Turbo, he secured approval over drinks in the south of France.
Valentin Schäffer, head of racing engines from 1964 to 1991, known as the “Turbo Wizard,” developed the winning engine for the Group C 956/962. Schäffer describes the intense process of modifying an engine originally built for a canceled U.S. project, transforming it into a twin-turbo configuration for Le Mans, leading to multiple victories throughout the 1980s and beyond.
Timo Bernhard, Porsche works driver from 2002 to 2019, reflects on his wild experience driving the 996-generation 911 Turbo in the 24-hour race on the Nordschleife, and his record-breaking lap in the 919 Hybrid Evo, which delivered over 1,000 PS. For Bernhard, the evolution of turbo technology is closely tied to his most memorable racing achievements.
Alwin Springer, former president of Porsche Motorsport North America, recounts the success of the 964-generation 911 Turbo in the 1991 IMSA Supercar Championship. This victory revitalized customer interest in the 911 Turbo and laid the foundation for Porsche’s dominance in Gran Turismo Sport.
Roland Kussmaul, a key figure in Porsche’s engineering team for four decades, remembers the powerful turbocharged 917/10 Spyder and the advancements in turbocharger responsiveness in the Group C 962. He highlights the sequential turbocharging system of the 959, which allowed for sensitive power delivery in off-road conditions during the Paris-Dakar Rally.
Hans-Joachim Stuck, a two-time Le Mans winner, reflects on his first 911 Turbo, a black 300 PS beast he drove to Formula One races in the mid-1970s. For Stuck, the Group C Porsche 962, with its 700 PS, stands out as the best racing car he ever drove, symbolizing the pinnacle of Porsche’s turbo innovation.
Hurley Haywood, America’s most successful endurance racing driver, shares his memories of adapting to Porsche’s turbocharged engines in the late 1970s. He recalls the strategic driving style required to maintain turbo boost during races, a challenge that tested even the most skilled drivers.
Mark Webber, former Formula One driver and Porsche brand ambassador, reminisces about winning the 2015 World Endurance Championship with the 919 Hybrid, equipped with a V4 turbo engine. Webber notes that the 911 Turbo, with its combination of power, all-wheel drive, and comfort, continues to push the limits of performance, a tradition Porsche has upheld since 1974.
These personal stories capture the spirit of Porsche turbo technology—its raw power, innovative breakthroughs, and lasting impact on motorsport and road cars alike.
Source: Fascination Turbo: Personal Insights and Memories from Porsche Experts
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