The new 997-series 911 Turbo now delivers 480bhp up 60bhp over the already hugely fast and enormously accomplished outgoing model.
That power comes via a turbocharged 3.6-litre (not 3.8-litres as in the Carrera S models) flat six, the turbochargers featuring variable turbine geometry for the first time in a petrol engine. This allows the 911 to offer greater flexibility across the engine-speed range, boosting the torque on offer to 620Nm. Its also delivered earlier in the rev range with peak torque on offer from 1,950rpm right through to 5,000rpm. Combined with its sophisticated four-wheel drive transmission this translates to a 911 that can reach the benchmark 62mph from rest in just 3.9 seconds and a 192mph maximum speed.
Porsche are typically rather conservative with their performance estimates so its entirely possible in perfect conditions that the 911 Turbo will be faster than its quoted figures. However, if maximum performance is your goal then you need to opt for the Tiptronic S automatic transmission that reduces the 0-62mph sprint from the 3.9 seconds of the manual car to 3.7 seconds. The Tiptronic S also improves the Turbos performance through the gears, shaving 0.3 seconds off the manual cars fifth gear 3.8 second 50-75mph acceleration.
The Tiptronic S might result in marginal improvements in the already supremely rapid performance of the manual Turbo, but the trade off is not only the loss of using Porsches excellent manual transmission but also increased consumption; the manual delivering a 22mpg combined consumption figure over the 20.8mpg of the Tiptronic S car. As with the regular Carreras Porsche will also offer the new Turbo with an optional Sport Chrono package. Press the Sport button next to the gear lever and the Turbo will provide overboost of 0.2 bar for up to 10 seconds increasing torque from 620Nm to 680Nm. This allows a manual Turbo to claw back the advantage offered by its Tipronic S equipped car in the 50-75mph mid-range, the manual cars time dropping to just 3.5 seconds.
Ensuring the Turbos prodigious grunt is used as effectively as possible Porsche has developed a new generation of all-wheel-drive transmission with an electronically controlled multi-disc clutch. Electronic sensors via Porsche Traction Management (PTM) constantly varies the distribution of torque to the wheels with the most grip, Porsche boasting its PTM transmission as one of the lightest all-wheel-drive systems around. Naturally, the 911 Turbo will have stopping ability to match its phenomenal pace. Larger internally ventilated and perforated brake discs feature, their diameter 350mm at the front, gripped by six-piston calipers. As impressive as the standard braking system will undoubtedly be its certain most buyers will opt for Porsches optional ceramic brakes (PCCB) these increase the brake diameter to 380mm at the front and 350mm at the rear while also offering a significant 17kg reduction in weight.
Externally the Turbo will be distinguishable from its humbler 911 relatives by the larger cooling intakes in the front bumper, a lower front splitter, air intakes puncturing the rear wings and vents in the rear bumper. Obviously a large rear wing dominates the rear view, the top portion of it raising at speed to increase downforce and stability. And how much does all this cost? Expect a price of around £98,000 a relative bargain when you consider the Turbos Ferrari F430 and Lamborghini Gallardo rivalling performance.
However, if the Turbo is perhaps a bit too refined for your tastes Porsche is also due to unveil its 911 GT3 at Geneva. This stripped out racer follows Porsches long tradition of producing purist, focussed, lightweight road cars to compliment (and homologate) their hugely successful race cars. No further details are available yet, but if youre a serious Porsche fan you need to be at this years Geneva show. Just dont forget your chequebook.
