Revving up the unlikely: Porsche power transforms the T4 Transporter

Installing an engine from a Porsche 911 in a rear-engine T3 is no longer impressive. It's a different story when such a setup is found in a T4. Of course, someone has done it.

That someone is Rüdiger Claer, who perfected the T3 models. However, the time for changes had come. According to information from 2002, a Porsche 993 Turbo engine powered the T4, but work was already underway to insert a liquid-cooled engine from the 996 into the Transporter.

But here, too, it's not just a regular, standard engine. Instead of 408 hp, it generates 522 hp and approximately 623 Nm of torque. Claer doesn't tune it himself but sends it to the best Porsche specialists: RUF. Under the hood, you'll find only batteries and a fuel tank. All-wheel drive is standard.

Interestingly, only about 30 kg more ballast over the rear axle (transferred from the T3) than over the front. The Transporter's standard suspension wouldn't be able to handle the capabilities of the tuned 993 Turbo (0-60 mph in around 5.1 seconds, top speed of approximately 170 mph), so the shocks, control arms, and springs have been replaced.

The interior has also changed. The bench in the second row has been removed and replaced by six bucket seats, a steering wheel, Porsche gauges, and a giant central tunnel.

Price? In 2002, the tuner asked for 168,000 euros, excluding the price of the T4. A construction crew has never been so fast.