2002 Porsche 911 (996) Turbo Techart

The 911 (996) Turbo offers genuine supercar performance in a compact and practical package. The turbocharged version of the 996 appeared in 2000, three years after the normally aspirated 996 had replaced the much loved 993 and was as radical a departure from the 993 Turbo as its, opinion-dividing sibling had been. Arriving with four-wheel drive as standard, a water-cooled engine, a smooth new body shell and a radically updated cabin, the new 996 Turbo was a thoroughly sophisticated, all-weather, competent supercar and although it went out of production in 2005, in real terms it's still as quick as anything on the road.

Water cooling, a first for Porsche, allowed an engine redesign that included four valves per cylinder, enabling higher power outputs to be achieved with much better fuel economy. Although the Turbo is water-cooled it's not the same engine that's in the regular 996. The 3.6 litre Mezger engine in the Turbo, can trace its ancestry back to the old air-cooled units and is directly related, not only to the 996 GT3, but also the GT1 racer with 3.2 litres and 600bhp. This engine has proved virtually bulletproof and the standard 420bhp can be comfortably extended to 500bhp with confidence.

The 2002 model, sometimes known as the Mark 2, also saw body revisions which increased stiffness and improving handling. The chassis and brakes are a perfect match for the engine's performance, whilst the ride is taut but retains enough suppleness for long journeys to remain comfortable. With four-wheel drive and the engine slung out the back, both grip and traction are incredibly strong, promoting a feeling of confidence that can border on invincibility.

Full Techart conversion

Conversion cost approximately €350,000 including the car

Very highly optioned and exclusively built from new

This stunning 996 Turbo has been extensively upgraded by renowned Porsche specialist Techart. Initially ordered from the factory in a very high specification (Porsche Exclusive) including special color choices and cabin materials, the full carbon package,and a full extended leather package. Very unusually the car was ordered with 2 different interiors.

One Cabin layout with 'Comfort' full electric memory heating and leather trim is like new (never been installed but included, in the same color specification) and the second 'Club Sport' cabin layout is currently fitted. This configuration includes a Porsche factory rear roll cage (rear seats removed), and GT2 'Racing' leather / Alcantara bucket seats fitted. In addition to this, the car is fully equipped with ABS, PSM, PCM, DVD, sat-nav, full Bose audio package with subwoofer, 6 CD changer, climate control, cruise control, and much more.

The Techart redevelopment was carried out immediately after delivery and is documented in the old German registration certificate. The Techart conversion comprised full bi-colour Alcantara with contrast stitching, aluminum pedals, mats etc. Full Techart 'VARIO' adjustable suspension which includes adjustable swaybars.

The engine modifications consisted of upgraded turbos, engine management, modified air flow/filter and modified intake and manifolds in addition to the complete Techart exhaust with 2 types of tailpipes included.

Externally the car features a full Techart aero kit with adjustable wing air intakes and splitters and a rear window airflow wing.

The total new price of the Techart modifications was around €350,000 including the car. Purchased by the owner of an IT company, the current owner is in contact with him and working to obtain the missing service book, however, there is no guarantee he will be able to source it.

The modifications result in a conservative 560HP and well over 780NM, 0-100 in 3.8 sec and a massive top speed of 323 km/h.

Showing 69,000kms the car has clearly been very well maintained and is currently offered with a partial service book, although it has recently been subject to a service along with the Porsche 111-point check with any issues immediately addressed. Complete new brakes, new coolers, various hoses, and a complete bearing set were fitted a few hundred kms ago, and the car has recently had the corner weights checked and set up.

A truly unique car that really stands out from the crowd, this is possibly one of the quickest Porsches you could purchase and is sure to make you smile.