Redefining speed: The T4 Van with the heart of a Porsche 911 Turbo
Installing an engine from a Porsche 911 in a rear-engine T3 is no longer impressive. It becomes a new story when such a setup is found in a T4. Naturally, someone has gone ahead and done just that.
That someone is Rüdiger Claer, who had previously perfected the T3 models. However, he decided it was time for a change. Reports from 2002 indicate that the T4 was equipped with an engine from a Porsche 993 Turbo, but efforts were already underway to integrate a liquid-cooled engine from the 996 into the Transporter.
But this isn't just any ordinary engine. Instead of delivering 408 hp, it puts out an impressive 522 hp and 623 Nm of torque. Claer doesn’t tune it himself but entrusts it to the foremost Porsche expert: RUF. Opening the hood reveals only batteries and a fuel tank, with all-wheel drive as standard.
Interestingly, the modifications add only about 30 kg more weight over the rear axle (transferred from the T3) than over the front. The Transporter's standard suspension would be inadequate for handling the capabilities of the tuned 993 Turbo (accelerating from 0 to 97 km/h in roughly 5.1 seconds, with a top speed of about 274 km/h), necessitating the replacement of shocks, control arms, and springs.
The interior hasn't been left untouched, either. The second-row bench has been removed and replaced with six bucket seats, a steering wheel, and Porsche gauges, alongside a towering central tunnel.
Price? In 2002, the tuner's asking price was 168,000 euros, not including the cost of the T4 itself. A construction crew has never moved so swiftly.
