具体描述
The Chrysler Corporation started using Mitsubishi engines many years earlier. It was a great success and the alliance continued when the Mitsubishi 3000GT appeared wearing Dodge badges and the name Stealth. By this stage Mitsubishi had demonstrated that it was fully capable of competing alongside the longer-established super-coupT builders and the sleek 3000GT boasted 0-60mph in under six seconds straight out of the box. This is a book of contemporary road and comparison tests, technical and specification data, new model introductions, driver's impressions. Models covered include: 3000GT, Stealth R/T, 3000GT VR-4, Stealth R/T turbo, Stealth ES, 3000GT Spyder VR-4.
Performance Portfolio: Porsche 911 (993 Generation) – The Definitive Guide A Deep Dive into the Zenith of Air-Cooled Engineering This comprehensive volume serves as the definitive exploration of the Porsche 911 (993), the final iteration of the iconic air-cooled 911 lineage. Far beyond a mere technical manual, this portfolio meticulously documents the evolution, engineering innovations, road-testing triumphs, and enduring legacy of a platform that represents a high-water mark in automotive history. We move beyond surface-level appreciation to dissect the mechanical philosophy that defined this generation, from the revolutionary lightweight aluminum engine block to the nuanced aerodynamic refinements that set it apart from its predecessors. I. Genesis and Design Philosophy: The End of an Era The 993 generation, introduced in 1993 as a 1994 model, faced the daunting task of modernizing the timeless 911 silhouette while adhering to increasingly stringent global emissions and safety standards—all without abandoning the signature air-cooled flat-six architecture. This section chronicles the complex design brief handed to Tony Lapine’s team. We analyze the shift from the upright, somewhat utilitarian aesthetics of the 964 to the smoother, more integrated, and visually wider stance of the 993. Exterior Evolution: Detailed examination of the redesigned front fascia, incorporating the iconic, steeply raked headlamps that visually pulled the car forward, a significant departure from the traditional upright lamps. Analysis of the integrated bumpers and revised aerodynamics, crucial for high-speed stability. Chassis Transformation: Focus on the critical engineering shift: the introduction of the all-new multi-link rear suspension, known internally as the LSA (Lightweight, Stable, Agile) system. This modification fundamentally altered the 911's handling characteristics, taming the infamous snap oversteer endemic to earlier generations while maintaining the driver connection enthusiasts craved. We illustrate the geometric changes and their impact on camber control during hard cornering. Interior Refinement: A look at how Porsche modernized the cockpit for the 1990s without sacrificing the driver-centric layout. We explore material upgrades, ergonomic improvements to switchgear placement, and the integration of early electronic amenities without compromising the mechanical purity of the driving experience. II. The Mechanical Heart: The M64 Engine Saga The core narrative of the 993 is inextricably linked to its engine—the final evolution of the air-cooled boxer. This chapter dissects the technical sophistication achieved in the final years of this propulsion method. The M64/01 (Carrera 2/4): Detailed teardown of the standard 3.6-liter engine. Emphasis is placed on the lighter, cast-aluminum crankcases replacing the previous magnesium units, improving durability and reducing weight. We examine the revised intake manifolds, dual-thermostat system for more consistent oil temperature management, and the performance gains realized over the preceding 964 engine. Comprehensive specification tables detailing torque curves and power outputs across various international specifications (US vs. European). Varioram: The Airflow Revolution: In-depth technical analysis of the Varioram intake system introduced mid-cycle. This variable-length intake manifold significantly broadened the torque curve, particularly in the mid-range, offering a more flexible and usable power delivery without resorting to forced induction. We include schematic diagrams illustrating the butterfly valve operation at different RPM ranges. Biturbo Integration (993 Turbo): A dedicated deep-dive into the game-changing 993 Turbo. This was the first mass-produced 911 Turbo to utilize twin turbochargers, eliminating turbo lag that plagued earlier single-turbocharged variants. Examination of the unique intercooler system, the integrated all-wheel-drive hardware derived from the 964 Turbo, and the sheer performance metrics that cemented its status as a contemporary supercar slayer. III. The Apex Predators: GT and RS Models No portfolio on the 993 is complete without exhaustive coverage of the limited-production, motorsport-derived variants that commanded the platform's ultimate potential. The 993 RS (Rennsport): This section focuses on the philosophy of pure, analog driving. We trace the evolution from the initial Carrera RS Clubsport homologation special to the street-legal 993 Carrera RS 3.8. Critical components analyzed include the lightweight body panels (aluminum doors and thinner glass), the stripped interior, the bespoke engine tune featuring unique cylinder heads and cams, and the revised geometry of the suspension components specific to the RS model. Documentation of the various option codes (e.g., M002 Clubsport vs. M003) and their corresponding weight savings. The GT2: The Turbo That Went Racing: Detailed study of the transformation from the 993 Turbo platform to the wide-body, rear-wheel-drive GT2 homologation special. Analysis of the massive fender flares, the distinctive bolted-on rear wing (designed for track adjustability), and the significant power hikes achieved through revised engine management and cooling systems required for endurance racing. We feature period documentation showing the GT2's dominance in the BPR Global GT Series. IV. Drivetrain and Dynamics: Mastering the Mechanics The 993 offered a sophisticated choice of transmissions, reflecting the varying demands of its global clientele. Gearbox Chronology: A comprehensive overview of the available transmissions: the robust G50 manual gearbox, known for its crisp, precise gate; the Tiptronic automatic option, analyzing its electronically controlled four-speed architecture and its performance compromises/benefits; and the introduction of the revolutionary six-speed manual, standard on all Carreras by the end of the run, offering improved high-speed cruising capabilities. All-Wheel Drive Systems (Carrera 4/Turbo): Technical mapping of the viscous coupling units (VCU) employed in the Carrera 4 and Turbo models. We detail the differential setup, explaining how Porsche managed traction delivery in varying conditions and contrasting the system’s behavior with modern electronic differentials. Braking Technology: Focus on the standard four-piston fixed calipers and the introduction of Porsche's first standard-equipment cross-drilled rotors across the range, a key performance upgrade aiding heat dissipation under heavy use. V. Legacy and Collectibility: An Unrepeatable Machine This final section assesses the long-term impact of the 993. As the final air-cooled 911, its mechanical connection to the original 1964 model is profound. Market Trajectory: Analysis of why the 993 continues to appreciate strongly, often exceeding the values of early water-cooled successors. This is attributed to the sensory experience: the unique mechanical sound, the direct mechanical feedback through the chassis, and the relative simplicity of the engine architecture compared to its successor. Common Issues and Maintenance Benchmarks: A practical guide for owners and prospective buyers. Detailed documentation of known long-term wear points, including Vario-Ram actuator failure, rear main seal integrity in higher-mileage examples, and the proper procedure for checking the structural integrity of the suspension mounting points. Detailed documentation of recommended service intervals for valve adjustments and belt replacements specific to the M64 engine over a 100,000-mile service life. This portfolio is an indispensable resource, meticulously compiling factory service bulletins, period press reviews, engineering schematics, and high-resolution studio photography to provide an unparalleled record of the Porsche 911 (993)—the ultimate expression of the air-cooled era.