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® Auto Editor

a Andrew McCradie
965-2131 | (147)

THE MOST powerful, and
perhaps the most desirable
production Porsche ever
offered for sale in North
America is here -— a car that
goes faster, steps quicker, and
handles better than any other
914 ever built, with the pessi-
ble exception of the limited-
preduction 1945 955 upon
which the new Turbo drew its
inspiration.

. The 1996 911 Turbo’s twin tur-
bocharged/intercooled 3.6-litre air-
cooled horizentally opposed six-
cylinder engine develops a whop-
pirig 400 horsepower, 45 more than
the previous 1994 Porsche 911
Turbo 3.6 which had a single tur-
bocharger. ‘The 1996 911 Turbo
coupe will sprint from a standing
start to 100 km-h (62 m.p.h.) in just
4.5 seconds, and tops out at 290 km-
h (180 m.p.h.) on the test track,

All previous Turbos were rear-
wheel-drive, but the new Turbo has
Porsche’s improved, lightweight all-
wheel-drive system which is also
used on the Carrera 4. Combined
with a limited slip differential and
an automatic braking device on each
of the rear wheels, the Turbo pro-

[We are

drive

vides tremendous traction and stabil-
ity in slippery conditions.

After testing the Turbo, Carrera 4
and Carrera Z back to back at
Mission Raceway, | came away feel-
ing that the new all-wheel-drive sys-
tem is superior to traditional rear-
wheel-drive. Why? Because it com-
bines the advantages of both in a
unique way.

_ Most of the time, Porsche's
AWD system drives the rear wheels
only, unlike some systems which
drive the front wheels only, or all
four wheels. But when the rear
wheels begin to slip, some of the
power is directed to the front

“Auto Show Prices” are M.S.R.P. (The Wanufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price) .,

wheels. This has the effect of
“pulling” the car through the corners
when rear traction is lost, enhancing
stability and control.

As safe and sophisticated as this
car is, it does require some perfor-
mance driving skills, primarily
because of its prodigious horsepow-
er. I would recommend investing in
a high-performance driving course
lo fully appreciate this car.

Surprisingly, the Turbo is a rela-
tively easy car to drive around town.
Outward visibility is excellent, its
power-assisted steering requires very
litle effort at around-town speeds,
and the Turbo has a power-assisted
clutch which makes changing into
any one of its six gears less of a
chore. (By the way, the Tiptronic S
semi-automatic transmission is not
available on the Turbo).

Some of the Turbo's dashboard
controls are poorly placed, including
the heater controls, and the interior
looks spartan for a $154,000 car.
And the trunk, under the hood, is
barely big enough for a couple of
grocery bags.

But for pure driving pleasure, the
Turbo has few equals even with its
price tag of $153,700. If you've got
to have the best Porsche toy there is
right now, the 1996 Turbo is the one.

O11

Price as tested: $154,886

Type: two-door coupe

Layout: longitudinal rear
engine/all-wheel-drive

Torque: 400 @ 4,500 r.p.m.
Tires: front — 225/40ZR-18; rear
—- 285/30ZR-18

Fuel consumption: city — 18.5
100 km (15 m.p.g.); hwy — 11.4
W100 km (25 m.p.g.)

Warranty: two years

THE 1996 Porsche Turbo
offers a 400 horsepower 3.6-
itre turbocharged six-cylinder
engine at a base price tag of
$153,700. Test drive a new
Porsche at MCL Motor Cars at
1730 Burrard St., Vancouver.

: ERS]

If you wish to sell your vehicle directly to Mercedes
Benz or for a current evaluation of your ve'sicle, please
contact the Sales Manager at your convenience.

SERVICE & USED PARTS
(MECHANICAL & BODY PARTS)

the home of “Ante Show Prices’ all year roundts;

Models in the few examples below show Additieua? Savings off current M.S.R.P. (on “in-stock” units).
Payments shown are 2 36 month GMAC Smartlease with $2, 000. 00 cash or trade down Q.A.C. Taxes are extra.

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