1994 Porsche 911 Turbo S X85 'Flat-Nose'

In the vast tapestry of automotive history, certain vehicles emerge as rare gems, capturing the imagination of enthusiasts and collectors alike. Among the illustrious lineup of Porsches, the 1994 911 Turbo S “Flat-Nose” stands as a beacon of exclusivity and engineering brilliance. In the twilight of the Type 964 generation, Porsche, in collaboration with Porsche Exclusive, gave birth to a masterpiece that seamlessly merged the classic air-cooled Turbo era with cutting-edge enhancements, resulting in a machine that remains among the most coveted in the marque’s storied history.

As the Type 964 generation approached the finale of its production, Porsche decided to bid farewell in grand style. In late 1993, a select group of 911 Turbo coupes,76 to be exact,embarked on a transformative journey at the hands of Porsche Exclusive. This heralded the birth of the Turbo S, an elevated version that took the already potent 911 Turbo to unprecedented heights. Among the variants, the X85, famously known as the “Flat-Nose,” emerged as the epitome of automotive artistry.

At the heart of this special breed was the formidable "Works Increased Horsepower X88” air-cooled flat six-cylinder engine. An engineering marvel, the X88 engine underwent meticulous enhancements, featuring an uprated KKK turbocharger with increased boost, a more efficient intercooler, modified cylinder heads with larger ports, increased-capacity fuel injectors, and more aggressive camshafts with advanced engine timing. This symphony of upgrades translated into an additional 25 horsepower, culminating in a peak output of 385 horsepower at 5,750 rpm. Torque, the lifeblood of any performance machine, saw a substantial boost to 384 pound-feet, available across a wider rev range. The G50 five-speed manual transaxle, coupled with a 40-percent locking differential, ensured that this formidable power was efficiently transmitted to the rear wheels.

Fine-tuned by Porsche Motorsports race engineer Roland Kussmaul, the Turbo S retained the standard 3.6 Turbo suspension but saw a reduction in ride height by about an inch and a half. This adjustment aimed to elevate the already stellar handling characteristics of the 911 Turbo, making it a true driver’s delight.

While the entire Turbo S cohort was a sight to behold, the X85 Flat-Nose version was the pièce de résistance. Crafted with meticulous attention to detail, the X85 featured hand-fabricated and exorbitantly expensive bodywork that set it apart from its siblings. The visual spectacle included 968-style retractable “flounder” headlamps, asymmetrical 959-style air intakes on both rear quarter-panels, a specially designed front air-splitter, a louvred rear wing housing the intercooler, quad exhaust tips, and bespoke 18-inch modular, light-alloy wheels crafted by Speedline exclusively for Porsche.

The X85 variant was a testament to Porsche’s commitment to pushing boundaries. The retractable headlamps paid homage to the 968, while the air intakes and rear wing drew inspiration from the iconic 959. Every curve and contour of the Flat-Nose body was a work of art, an aesthetic journey that elevated the 911 Turbo S to a realm of unparalleled beauty.

However, exclusivity came at a price, both in terms of dollars and numbers. The Manufacturer Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) for the U.S.-market X85 started at a staggering $162,000. This price tag didn’t include additional optional equipment or the bespoke tailoring that these exclusive cars typically received. Only 39 fortunate souls in the United States had the privilege of owning the Flat-Nose wonder, making it an instant classic.

The Turbo S Flat-Nose wasn’t just an American affair; it captivated hearts across the globe. Among the 76 Turbo S coupes, 10 X83s found homes in Japan, 27 X84s were destined for the “Rest of the World” market, and the remaining 39 X85s made their mark in the United States. An additional 17 X85s were crafted with standard 964 Turbo front fenders and fixed headlights, offering a subtle alternative to the iconic Flat-Nose design.

The option codes X83 (Japan), X84 (non-US), and X85 (US) encapsulated the essence of the Turbo S Flachbau. In the U.S. market, this flachbau option came at an additional cost of $60,179 on top of the base price of the Turbo 3.6. The package included the ‘X88’ option featuring the ‘Turbo S’ motor, the ‘X92’ Exclusive front spoiler, ‘X93’ Exclusive rear spoiler, and ‘X99’ Exclusive rear fender air intakes inspired by the Porsche 959.

For collectors and enthusiasts, the 1994 Porsche 911 Turbo S X85 ‘Flat-Nose’ is a testament to automotive excellence and the pursuit of perfection. Its rarity, stemming from the limited production numbers and the bespoke nature of each vehicle, has elevated it to the upper echelons of automotive collectibles.

The Flat-Nose variant, in particular, has become a symbol of Porsche’s daring spirit. It dared to reimagine the classic 911 Turbo design, infusing it with a modern yet timeless allure. Each of the 39 X85s that graced American roads became a rolling masterpiece, a blend of art and engineering that spoke to the soul of automotive enthusiasts.

As the sun set on the Type 964 generation, the Turbo S Flat-Nose emerged as a fitting crescendo. It was a statement,a statement of Porsche’s unwavering commitment to craftsmanship, performance, and the pursuit of automotive perfection.

Today, as collectors cherish these rare machines and enthusiasts yearn for a glimpse of the Flat-Nose wonder, the echoes of elegance persist. The 1994 Porsche 911 Turbo S X85 ‘Flat-Nose’ remains a beacon in the vast landscape of automotive history, a reminder of a time when Porsche dared to dream beyond conventions and created a masterpiece that transcends the boundaries of time and style.