Porsche's new 911 Turbo does exactly what you'd expect from a replacement. It's faster, Porsche conservatively quoting a top speed of 194mph while 62mph arrives in 3.4 seconds when equipped with PDK; it's greener too with fuel consumption improving by as much as 4mpg. That it's visually indistinguishable from its predecessor is also a given.
What is highly significant is not just the adoption of Porsche's PDK dual-clutch transmission but the company's inclusion of paddle-shifters on the options list. The seven-speed, two-pedal transmission can now be controlled by wheel-mounted paddles, the right one shifting up and the left down - as per convention. Not that Porsche is admitting defeat with its clumsy wheel-spoke dual-action switches, as these remain standard fit.
The 3.6-litre engine of the
outgoing model has been replaced by a heavily revised version of the
Carrera S's 3.8-litre flat-six. Fitted with Porsche's variable vane turbochargers, the Turbo's powerplant produces 493bhp - or 20bhp more than its predecessor. The increase in power has not come at the expense of emissions though, the Turbo emitting nearly 18 percent less CO
2 thanks to the adoption of direct injection and weight reduction measures. When equipped with the PDK transmission, the Turbo will return 24.8mpg on the official combined cycle - or 24.1mpg in standard manual guise.
Porsche is also claiming that the new Turbo will deliver a more exciting and involving drive, with enhancements to the Porsche Traction Management and stability systems. Porsche Torque Vectoring also features, which Porsche claims aids the four-wheel drive machine's agility and improves precision in its steering responses. Launch control and Sport/SportPlus modes - which sharpen the throttle response and raise the stability and traction control's thresholds - are all offered with an optional Sport Chrono Pack. It's likely - if the Sport Chrono Pack follows its predecessor - that it will also bring a short overboost function momentarily increasing maximum torque.
Full technical specifications will be revealed at the Turbo's launch at next month's
Frankfurt Motor Show. UK prices are known though, the coupé costing £101,823 and the Cabriolet £109,048. Sales in the UK and Ireland start on November 21.
Kyle Fortune - 7 Aug 2009