Porsche 911 flagship is unveiled with more punch than ever before and better aero
The range-topping icon has returned to Porsche’s latest 911 line-up with the launch of the new 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 variablevane 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.
It gives the 911 Turbo S a 0-62mph time of just 2.7sec and a top speed of 205mph
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 992 are 20in up front and 21in at the rear, with 255/35-profile front and 315/30-profile rear tyres.
The added performance has led to the development of a new generation of Porsche’s ceramic composite brakes. Fitted as standard to the 911 Turbo S, they now use 10- piston calipers at the front for even greater stopping power.
Aerodynamic developments include a new pneumatically extendible front spoiler and larger surface area for the rear wing – a combination that Porsche claims delivers up to 15% more downforce than the model it replaces. Inside, the new 911 Turbo benefits from the same interior upgrades brought to other 992-series 911 models, with a GT-style multi-function steering wheel, a 10.9in Porsche Communication Management display, the Sport Chrono package with Porsche Track Precision app, 18-way adjustable sports seats and a Bose sound system among the standard equipment.
Porsche has yet to announce details and UK pricing for the new range-topper. In Germany, the 911 Turbo S Coupé is priced from the equivalent of £155,970, while the 911 Turbo S Cabriolet starts at £165,127.
Rear wing and diffuser help boost downforce by up to 15% and brakes are carbon-ceramic as standard. GT-style steering wheel and 10.9in display feature inside.
