New Porsche 911 Turbo S packs 641bhp for 205mph

The range-topping icon has returned to Porsche’s latest Porsche 911 line-up with the launch of the new Porsche 911 Turbo. The 992-series sports car has been re-engineered to create the biggest step up in performance in the boosted variant’s 45-year history.

Unveiled in both coupé and cabriolet bodystyles, the Honda NSX rival retains a turbocharged 3.8-litre flat-six petrol engine. However, the rear-mounted unit is described as being “completely new” as well as having a new cooling and intake system. The variable-vane turbochargers introduced on the previous 911 Turbo have also been revised, with larger turbine and compressor wheels.

In combination with a host of other changes, power has risen by as much as 69bhp and torque has advanced by up to 37lb ft. This pushes the output of the top-of-the-line 911 Turbo S (the first to be revealed) to 641bhp and 590lb ft between 2500rpm and 4500rpm.

Unlike before, peak torque is no longer limited for brief periods of full-throttle acceleration but available on demand.

The reworked engine channels its increased reserves via a new eight-speed dual-clutch gearbox and a four-wheel drive system that can now deliver up to 369lb ft of torque to the front wheels.

This gives the 911 Turbo S a 0-62mph time of just 2.7sec – 0.2sec quicker than its predecessor – and a top speed of 205mph.

Porsche says the increase in performance brought by the new engine is particularly noticeable in the sprint to 120mph, which it claims is a full 1.0sec quicker than before, at just 8.9sec.

As well as being more powerful, the new 911 Turbo is wider than ever. Its width has increased by 20mm to 1900mm to accommodate a track that is now 42mm wider at the front and 10mm wider at the rear. The standard wheels for the 911 Turbo S are 20in up front and 21in at the rear, with 255/35-profile front and 315/30-profile rear tyres.