Facelifted Porsche 911 Turbo

  • Thread starter Thread starter Leonidae
  • 61 comments
  • 9,607 views

Leonidae

(Banned)
Messages
6,881
Messages
GTP_Leonidae_MFT
[Source: Porsche]


PRESS RELEASE:

Stuttgart. Dr. Ing. h.c. F. Porsche AG, Stuttgart, is proudly presenting a new top model at the pinnacle of its broad range of production sports cars: The new Porsche 911 Turbo combines far-reaching innovations in technology with fine tuning and supreme refinement in design. All key features of this high-performance sports car have been significantly improved, the new 911 Turbo combining a substantial improvement in fuel efficiency and lower weight with more power, even higher speed, and enhanced driving dynamics.

Particularly in terms of fuel economy and dynamic performance, the new top-of-the-range 911 from Zuffenhausen now stands out even more than before from its competitors in the market. Porsche's new top model will be presented to the public for the first time at the Frankfurt Motor Show from 17 - 27 September.

The heart and highlight of the seventh generation of the Turbo is the new power unit displacing 3.8 litres and delivering maximum output of 500 bhp (368 kW). The first entirely new engine in the 35-year-history of the Turbo comes with features such as Direct Fuel Injection and Porsche's exclusive turbocharger with variable turbine geometry on a gasoline power unit. And as an option, the new six-cylinder may be combined for the first time with Porsche's seven-speed PDK Doppelkupplungsgetriebe (Double-Clutch Gearbox).

Models equipped with PDK are also available with a new, optional three-spoke steering wheel with gearshift paddles as an alternative to the standard steering wheel with its proven shift buttons. Fitted firmly on the steering wheel, the right paddle is for shifting up, the left paddle for shifting down. In conjunction with the optional Sport Chrono Package Turbo both the gearshift paddle and the PDK steering wheel with its shift buttons come with integrated displays for Launch Control and the Sport/Sport Plus mode, which are however designed differently on the two steering wheels.

The combination of PDK, Direct Fuel Injection and turbocharging ensures an unprecedented standard of efficiency, agility, responsiveness and performance, the Porsche 911 Turbo reducing CO2 emissions versus its predecessor by almost 18 per cent and therefore ranking unique in its segment also in this respect. Depending on the configuration of the car, the new top model requires just 11.4 - 11.7 ltr/100 km (equal to 24.8 - 24.1 mpg imp) under the EU5 standard. And unlike most other cars in its segment, the new Turbo remains even further below the crucial level of fuel consumption for gas guzzler tax in the USA, the special tax imposed on cars with substantial fuel consumption. All this despite acceleration to 100 km/h in 3.4 seconds. Top speed, in turn, is 312 km/h or 194 mph.

The Turbo driver of the future will also enjoy a further improvement in driving dynamics, detailed enhancement of PTM fully controlled all-wheel drive and PSM Porsche Stability Management being further supported by new PTV Porsche Torque Vectoring available as an option. This makes the car even more agile and precise in its steering for an even higher level of driving pleasure.

Sales of the new Porsche 911 Turbo in both Coupé and Cabriolet guise are starting in Germany on 21 November 2009. The Euro base price without value-added tax and national specifications is Euro 122,400.- for the Coupé and Euro 131,800.- for the Cabriolet. The gross retail price in Germany, therefore, is Euro 145,871.- for the Coupé and Euro 157,057.- for the Cabriolet, in each case including 19% value-added tax and national specifications.

motivator181db3037d5a21.jpg
 
I see it! I see it!

The tail lamps have the bottom inside corners clipped off.

What do I win?!:)
 
I much prefer the older one, but yes the differences are really obvious, particularly at the rear.
 
Such a minor change it wasn't worth doing.:odd: HSV will show them how a facelift is done in a month from now.:p
 
yeah, but everyone buys Porsches.. hardly anyone else than aussies buy HSVs. :lol:

So? Who cares about sales volume when we're talking about how to do a facelift right?:odd:

Maybe the 911 is just at a point now they can't improve the look any further without changing what the 911 is, improvements over previous models as opposed to clean sheet designs.
 
hmh.. good point. But I think they can improve it a lot by returning to more classic front end style, similar to the ones in the first 930-chassis 911's.. as it is now, it looks like stretched new beetle, which sadly has been their style since 959, 993 etc..
 
hmh.. good point. But I think they can improve it a lot by returning to more classic front end style, similar to the ones in the first 930-chassis 911's.. as it is now, it looks like stretched new beetle, which sadly has been their style since 959, 993 etc..

Function over form, they need the sleek style for aerodynamics.
 
The 997 gen2 turbo might look almost the same as the gen1 car, but that's always been the way with Porsche... the development tends to go in to the engineering for mid-life face lifts.

Personally, I think the 997 styling is less beetle like than the 930 and a great step forward compared to the styling of the 996 - yes, I own a 996, but I do think in styling terms, it is the weakest in the 911's evolution.

At the end of the day, the 911 is one of the true motoring icons, and as such it's very difficult for Porsche to change the look of the car without alienating it's user base.
 
hmh.. good point. But I think they can improve it a lot by returning to more classic front end style, similar to the ones in the first 930-chassis 911's.. as it is now, it looks like stretched new beetle, which sadly has been their style since 959, 993 etc..

Wut? The most New Beetle-like of all the 911s so far has been the 997. The 993 and 996 were nothing of the sort. Sixties original aside, the 993 is the best-looking 911 model of all, for me.
 
You win internets and e-cookie. The exhaust tips are also slightly changed..

The wing mirrors are also slightly different (noticeable on the top) and the ducts on the front bumper on each side have more defined... bits across them. Yes thats the technical term :crazy:
 
and the ducts on the front bumper on each side have more defined... bits across them. Yes thats the technical term :crazy:

You might be right but I think it might be just be a matter of color contrast. Yellow stands out more than the dark blue.
 
Observations:

Models equipped with PDK are also available with a new, optional three-spoke steering wheel with gearshift paddles as an alternative to the standard steering wheel with its proven shift buttons. Fitted firmly on the steering wheel, the right paddle is for shifting up, the left paddle for shifting down.

Leave it to Porsche to make you pay extra for something they should have gotten right on the basic model. :rolleyes:

The first entirely new engine in the 35-year-history of the Turbo<snip>

This is far more headline news than new body details. One of the things that always appealed to me about the Turbo is that it kept an evolution of the legendary race proven dry sump M64 series engine, as with all the GT series cars. Meanwhile the main stream 911 range moved on to integrated wet sump designs 'pioneered' by the Boxster.

I wonder if the new engine is closer in concept to the M64 series or a 'bored out' Boxster motor with a DI head and a couple of hairdryers bolted on.

Sad to think that the Turbo is going to be positioned as simply a mainstream car. But I guess it was inevitable.

Despite all that, I still really want a 997 at some point.


M
 
Yeah...they fixed the good stuff, I guess that's what matters.

But, yes, they really need to do something about this car. It's coming to the point where it and the Cayman'll have to swap places. The mid-engine chassis has a ton of potential, where the Rear-engine chassis has been so finely tuned that just a little change could upset everything.

They could've given it a Lunch Tray and wider fenders, though.
 
But, yes, they really need to do something about this car. It's coming to the point where it and the Cayman'll have to swap places. The mid-engine chassis has a ton of potential, where the Rear-engine chassis has been so finely tuned that just a little change could upset everything.

They could've given it a Lunch Tray and wider fenders, though.

As I understand it, Porsche have carried out a lot of customer research on how they might replace the 911 and the reply from the people who buy the cars has always been 'don't do it'.

And each time they bring a new model out (or update a current one) they seem to be able to improve it significantly over the previous one. Go read the latest press comments on the gen2 997 GT3. The gen1 997 GT3 was widely recognised as the best model in the 997 range, yet the latest model has been lauded as a massive step forward... recently being rated ahead of the GTR, V12 Vantage and V10 R8 by Evo Magazine.
 
I prefer subtle changes to a good design rather than this other pandemic radical uglification that we see in the rest of the industry.
 
I wonder if the new engine is closer in concept to the M64 series or a 'bored out' Boxster motor with a DI head and a couple of hairdryers bolted on.

My understanding was that it was based on the 3.8L unit from the "standard" (?) Carrera S, running the new direct-injection system, pushing out 500 BHP. I'd vote "nice," especially when there is an apparent fuel economy increase as well.

I still love my Porsches, and the 997T is still a wonderful car, but if I'm spending the money, I'd have a "standard" 911 Carrera instead.
 
Funny though, it seems to be that it's always the Japanese cars that set the new benchmarks, forcing the Europeans to step up their own pace.
 
My understanding was that it was based on the 3.8L unit from the "standard" (?) Carrera S, running the new direct-injection system, pushing out 500 BHP. I'd vote "nice," especially when there is an apparent fuel economy increase as well.

Nice enough for a mainstream street car, which see little or no track time. There are limitations to the integrated semi-wet sumps units slung out the back of all water cooled 911s. Read up on the advantages of a dry system with external oil reservoir and cooler. Every 911 until the 996 had this feature. AFAIK, all Turbos still supposed to retain the M64 based motors.

The change to the mainstream Porsche architecture has not insignificant implications. If this is true, it will change the character and mission of the Turbo, meaning that if you want a hardcore Porsche, your only choices are a GT3 or GT2. Or go with an aftermarket dry sump solution. Either way, you're going to bend over and grab your ankles for it.


This wouldn't stop me from buying a 996 or 997 for daily driving or light track use. But the Turbo is supposed to be for hardcore owners. I guess only the GT cars are now.


M
 
Porsche makes another attempt at beating the GTR, but will fail again.
 
The turbo used to be the hardcore model, but not any more... The Turbo is now more super fast GT than track day missile. If you want a harcore track day Porsche you buy a GT2, GT3 or GT3RS, depending on how much money you have and how scared you want to be.

If the Turbo is moving to wetsump it will be interesting to see what they do with the next GT2. Previous GT2's have received a lightly modified Turbo engine but, as a car designated by Porsche as their ultimate track day weapon, a wet sump engine isn't really a sensible move.


Porsche makes another attempt at beating the GTR, but will fail again.

People with enough money to buy a new 997 Turbo wouldn't even have a GTR on their radar. When you have >£100k to spend on a car image/prestige is vital and the GTR just doesn't have it. 997 C2, C4 or M3 buyers might look at a GTR, but a Turbo or a GT2 is in another class.
 
Last edited:
That's funny, because atleast on 6speedonline.com there's many P-car owners who have either sold their Porsche and get a GT-R instead, or have both, and Z06 and M3 just for the hell of it.
 
Funny though, it seems to be that it's always the Japanese cars that set the new benchmarks, forcing the Europeans to step up their own pace.

Apart from with hot hatchbacks.

Porsche makes another attempt at beating the GTR, but will fail again.

Beating the GT-R at what, exactly? Around the 'Ring? It's sad that a generation of people are growing up believing a 'Ring laptime is the be-all and end-all of a performance car. I like the GT-R but I wouldn't even choose one over the basic 997 Carrera. There are many more aspects that define a car than outright performance - even a sports car. Styling, for one. And even pedigree. GT-Rs of all generations have done next to nothing on the racetracks outside of Japan until very recently, wheras Porsches have been competitive on many different levels of motorsport since the company came into existance.

That's funny, because atleast on 6speedonline.com there's many P-car owners who have either sold their Porsche and get a GT-R instead, or have both, and Z06 and M3 just for the hell of it.

It's a mass exodus of all the old yuppies moving to the next "in thing".
 
Wait, wasn't the engine used in the 996 Turbo entirely new? Or was it just the NA Porsche engines that were?
 
Last edited:
Everyone complains about Porsche's design techniques, but I think it's admirable. Every year Apple redesign the iPod, and every year you and your 'old' one feel horrible and pathetic and stupid. But buy a 911 and you're pretty much set for life - in 20 years time they'll still be churning out identical ones.


Porsche makes another attempt at beating the GTR, but will fail again.

Will it? Oh right, good to know 👍
 
But buy a 911 and you're pretty much set for life - in 20 years time they'll still be churning out identical ones.

Not quite so, I used to like the looks of the 996 very much, but now the design seems very dated compared to the new ones.
 
I think the iPod is a good analogy actually though probably not in the way Jon intended: Every so often, Porsche release a "new" 911 that looks more or less the same as the previous one but somehow manages to be even more amazing, useable and tactile even when you thought it was already as good as it could get. Exactly like iPods.
 
Back