Porsche 911 Turbo
Despite the market and racing success of the 911 in the early ’70s, the general automotive climate certainly could have been more performance-oriented. The oil embargo, recession, and quest for environmentally friendly cars threatened to kill the sports car market. Porsche introduced a new generation called the 930, which featured the same basic layout, new and improved design, and more significant engines. But the real news was the 1975 930 Turbo. Faced with government-imposed restrictions, Porsche needed something to boost power but still retain average displacement. Turbocharging proved to be the perfect solution (via Porsche).
The 930 Turbo produced 260 hp from its 3.0-liter flat-six. It also featured signature air cooling, a big rear wing, and a wider rear track. It was notorious for its ill-handling capabilities but it delivered exhilarating performance at a time when performance cars were almost nonexistent. It also started a legendary breed of lightning-fast Porsches and turbocharged sports cars.