This is the new Porsche 911 Turbo, which is faster, lighter, more powerful and sharper than ever. It was launched today at the Frankfurt motor show.
Stuttgart has responded to ever-quicker rivals from Ferrari, Lamborghini and even Nissan with the GT-R by bringing the 911 Turbo bang up to date.
See expanded 911 Turbo picture gallery
Watch the new Porsche 911 on video
The current twin-turbo 3.6-litre engine has been ditched in favour of a blown version of the direct-injection 3.8-litre flat six from the Carrera S.
The variable-vane twin turbochargers have been extensively revised to increase responsiveness, and the intercooler and fuel system have been uprated, giving a 20bhp power boost, to 493bhp.
While the current Turbo is supremely surefooted, Porsche is determined to inject more fun into the car. The new Turbo should be more playful, thanks to an overhauled Porsche Traction Management system, which distributes the torque between the front and rear wheels through an electronically controlled multiple-plate clutch.
A Porsche insider told Autocar that the changes will “provide more of a sporting flavour” over the old car, with extra throttle adjustability and a more rearward power bias.
Forged alloy wheels, as seen here on the cabrio, will be standard fit on all 911 Turbos. The lightweight 19in RS Spyder rims seen on these coupes will be available as an option.
A six-speed manual gearbox is standard and a seven-speed dual-clutch PDK is optional, with larger clutches and revised ratios compared with the unit used in other 911s.
For the first time, the 911 gets proper paddle shifters to change gears in PDK models. The paddles are mounted to the back of the steering wheel — right shifts up, left shifts down — and are a no-cost alternative to the flawed double-function shift buttons currently used.
The steering wheel also houses a display showing when Sport, Sport Plus and launch control have been selected through the optional Sport Chrono package. The 911 Turbo now hits 62mph in 3.4sec with PDK (0.3sec quicker than today’s Tiptronic auto) and top speed rises by 2mph, to 194mph.
Despite the extra performance, fuel economy has improved from 22.1mpg to 24.1mpg in the manual and from the Tiptronic’s 20.8mpg to 24.8mpg with PDK. The 911 Turbo goes on sale in November, priced at £101,823 (coupé) and £109, 048 (cabrio).
Ollie Stallwood
Twitter - follow autocar.co.ukSee all the latest Porsche reviews, news and video
Join the debate
Add your comment
Re: New Porsche 911 Turbo revealed
these last times, this post seems like a playground...
but still, there is at least one person IMHO more wise-minded
I really like 911!
But c'mon guys, Nissan didn't understood that, but please stop a second and read this:
The 911 (or the turbo) it`s not the car to run in X seconds...
it`s a lifestyle! it`s a way to live and commute in a Gran Turismo pattern.
this is rocket science?
I do not think so...
now, please teach me, please, how we can have this in the monster way, heavy, ugly and uncheersfull that is the Nissan GTR.
If I want that fun, maybe I will choose a Donkervoort...
c`mon!
Re: New Porsche 911 Turbo revealed
Just a necessary intermediate step before the 998 version arrives... You think Porsche's engineers are only aiming to get an extra 20 bhp out of 0.2 litres? Pah-Leeeez
Re: New Porsche 911 Turbo revealed
Great point - seriously.
Magazines etc seem to place the GTR against cars that are much more expensive, but anyone who's done basic marketing realises that in most cases (not all of course), competitors for any semi-luxury to proper luxury product are really only defined by the price - i.e. you have X to spend, so what are you going to spend it on?
Therefore - if this is true, no one is really going to be comparing a new 911 turbo against a GTR. However, they may look at a 996 turbo against a GTR - I think that is a much more interesting proposition.
Anyway, just my view. I've seen a good few GTRs now on the road, and I'm definitiely more interested than I thought I'd be. But over a 2 year old 997 C2S - couldn't see it, and yes part of that is badge snobbery, I'm happy to admit!