In the forty years since the first prototype appeared, the place of the Porsche 911 Turbo at the technological summit and peak of dynamic performance has never been in doubt.
Now, with the unveiling of the new ‘Type 991’ generation 911 Turbo and Turbo S, the car’s reputation as a technology showcase combining the virtues of a circuit race car with those of an everyday road car reaches new heights.
New all-wheel drive running gear with active rear axle steering, adaptive aerodynamics, full-LED headlights and up to 560 hp from the flat six-cylinder twin-turbocharged engine emphatically underline the character of the 911 Turbo and Turbo S models. Playing an equally crucial role is the entirely new, lightweight design chassis with a 100 mm longer wheelbase riding on larger diameter 20-inch wheels.
The Porsche Dynamic Chassis Control (PDCC) active anti-roll system, which is offered for the first time on the 911 Turbo models, increases the dynamic performance potential even more. This system is standard equipment on the 911 Turbo S, together with the Sport Chrono Package Plus incorporating dynamic engine mounts, and Porsche Ceramic Composite Brakes (PCCB). These are also each available on the 911 Turbo.
As a consequence, the 911 Turbo S shortens the benchmark lap time around the Nürburgring-Nordschleife to well under 7 min 30 sec – naturally on standard production tyres. The standard ‘sound symposer’ intensifies the driving experience further still; transmitting induction sounds of the turbo engine to the passenger compartment via a speaker diaphragm.
As has become the tradition, the performance potential of the new 911 Turbo is plain to see but the new models express it more clearly than ever before. The characteristic, expansively wide rear body panels of the new generation 911 Turbo are 28 mm wider than those of the 911 Carrera 4 models – they feature a nearly level surface, about the width of a hand, between the base of the rear C-pillar and the outer edge of the car body.
Other differentiating characteristics include forged two-tone 20-inch diameter wheels – which on the 911 Turbo S have hub wheel locks. The Turbo S is also making its appearance with new full-LED headlights that feature four-point daytime running lights and dynamic, camera-based main beam control. This can be ordered as an option for the 911 Turbo.
The interior was completely redesigned in both 911 Turbo models, building on the styling themes of the 911 Carrera family. The Turbo S offers an exclusive interior in a Black/Carrera Red colour combination and Sport Seats Plus with 18-way adjustment and position memory. In addition, the seat backrest shells are leather upholstered with double cap seams and various elements in Carbon Look. As with the prior model, a Bose Surround Sound audio system is standard; however, a higher output Burmester upgrade is also available as an option for the first time. A radar-controlled cruise control system, camera-based road sign recognition and speed limit recognition are other new options offered.
The Turbo is priced from £118,349 and the Turbo S from £140,852. First right-hand drive UK deliveries will arrive in September 2013.
