FOR PORSCHE AFFICIANADOS, the Holy Grail is (and always has been) the 911 Turbo. Now the new one has arrived, and for those with sufficient (read: considerable) cash reserves, the line starts here.
The new-generation 911 Turbo S delivers 478kW (650hp) and, according to Porsche, unprecedented power, driving dynamics and comfort.
A new 3.8-litre boxer engine with two VTG turbochargers is the beating heart of the car and delivers 51kW (70hp) more than its predecessor. The maximum torque now reaches 800Nm (an increase of 50 Nm).
The Turbo-specific eight-speed Porsche Doppelkupplung (PDK) cuts the sprint from zero to 100 km/h to 2.7 seconds (a decrease of 0.2 seconds), while the top speed is unchanged at 330km/h (we’ve said before how pointless these numbers are for Australian drivers on public roads, but the 911 Turbo S sits in a class of its own).
Available in Coupé and Cabriolet form, the 911 Turbo S will go on sale in Porsche Centres around Australia in the second half of 2020.
Bigger all round
The dimensions of the 911 Turbo S have been increased significantly in line with the enhanced driving dynamics: the body is now 45mm wider above the front axle (1840mm), and the overall width is 1900mm above the rear axle (an increase of 20mm). Modified track widths, further developed aerodynamics and the new mixed-size tyres contribute to its agility and sportiness: the track is now 42mm wider at the front axle and 10mm wider at the rear axle. The adaptive aerodynamics now include controlled cooling air flaps at the front, while the larger rear wing has been designed for even more downforce.
Different sized tyres front and rear
For the first time, the 911 Turbo S transfers its power to the road with mixed tyres in two different sizes: it has 20-inch tyres with their unique 255/35 dimensions at the front and 21-inch 315/30 tyres at the rear.
More options
New optional equipment has been introduced to underline the much sportier image of the all-wheel drive 911 Turbo S. These include the Porsche Active Suspension Management (PASM) sports chassis that has been lowered by 10mm and the sports exhaust system with adjustable flaps that guarantees a distinctive sound.
And engine changes
The completely new engine of the 911 Turbo S is based on the 911 Carrera engine generation. It features a completely redesigned charge air cooling system; new, larger VTG turbochargers in a symmetrical layout with electrically adjustable wastegate flaps, as well as the use of piezo injectors, which have significantly improved the vehicle’s characteristics with regard to responsiveness, power, torque, emissions and revving ability.
The new six-cylinder engine is aspirated by a new intake system. In this instance, the previous routing of process air and charge air cooling was swapped around: part of the process air now flows through the characteristic Turbo air intakes in the rear side sections. In front of the air filters, now situated in the rear wings, two other airflows have also been incorporated, through the rear lid grille. This means the new 911 Turbo S has four intakes with a larger overall cross-section and lower resistance, helping to improve engine efficiency.
Two symmetrical turbochargers with variable turbine geometry (VTG) and larger dimensions replace the previous identical parts, with the compressor and turbine wheels now rotating in opposite directions. The diameter of the turbine wheels has been increased by five millimetres to 55mm, while the 61mm compressor wheel is now three millimetres larger. The wastegate flaps are electrically controlled with stepper motors.
The harmonious design balances driving pleasure, dynamics and sportiness and is ideally suited for everyday use as well as the race track. The leap in performance of this new generation is particularly noticeable in the sprint from zero to 200 km/h: at 8.9 seconds, the new 911 Turbo S is one full second quicker than its predecessor.
Thanks to the enhanced Porsche Traction Management (PTM) all-wheel drive, the transfer case can distribute significantly more torque, with up to 500Nm being transferred to the front wheels. The new generation of the standard PASM chassis is also even sportier. Faster and more precisely controlled dampers provide significant advantages to the driving dynamics with respect to roll stability, road holding, steering behaviour and cornering speeds.
The new front end with wider air intakes has a characteristic Turbo-look with dual front light modules as well as standard LED matrix headlights with dark inserts. The redesigned, pneumatically extendable front spoiler and the larger rear wing deliver 15 percent more downforce. The rear wing sections with integrated air intakes emphasise the sleek body of the 911 Turbo S. The new look of the rear is completed by rectangular tailpipes in high-gloss black, a Turbo trademark.
Upgraded interior
The interior has a high-quality and sporty finish. The standard equipment list includes a full leather interior and carbon trim in combination with Light Silver accents. The 18-way adjustable sports seats feature stitching that pays homage to the first 911 Turbo (type 930). High-quality graphic elements and logos in the instrument cluster complete the characteristic Turbo S features.
The centre screen of the PCM is now 10.9-inches, and can be operated quickly and without distraction thanks to its new layout. Other standard features on board ex-works are the GT sports steering wheel, the Sport Chrono package with newly integrated Porsche Track Precision app and BOSE Surround Sound system.
Additional Australian-specific standard equipment also includes seat heating for driver and front passenger, Lane Change Assist (blind-spot monitoring), Comfort Access and digital radio.
The 911 Turbo S Coupé will be available in Australia at a price of $473,900 (plus substantial on-road costs) while the 911 Turbo S Cabriolet will be priced at $494,900 (again, plus on road costs).