What's all this about?

If you think that Porsche's wild 650hp 911 Turbo S is a little too much for you then there's great news, as the company is debuting its (slightly) more sensible 911 Turbo.

What's the difference?

There's been a 911 Turbo in the line-up since 1975, and the latest version still packs quite a punch thanks to its 580hp output from a 3.7-litre flat-six. In case you were wondering, that's a 40hp increase over its predecessor, and there's a similar bump in torque to 750Nm. Porsche has also done away with an overboost time limit, making that latter figure even more usable.

Porsche now uses symmetrical VTG turbochargers in the engine that feature electrically controlled wastegate bypass valves. The system can adjust the intake boost in relation to the engine's speed and load. This symmetrical layout means that the turbocharger compressor and turbine wheels rotate in opposite directions.

Distributing that power to all four wheels is an eight-speed PDK transmission with software that is specifically tuned for the 911 Turbo. The top speed is 199mph. In comparison to the previous generation, front axle width has been increased by 42mm and the Porsche now runs 20-inch wheels on the front and 21-inch wheels on the rear. The rear axle width also been increased, by 10mm.

Also coming in for an upgrade is the braking system. The Turbo now uses cast iron brakes discs that are 28mm larger in diameter at 408mm and 2mm thicker, measuring 36mm. On the rear axle Porsche fits 380mm discs and the Turbo also gets red calipers. Alternatively, it is possible to upgrade the brakes to the Porsche Ceramic Composite Brake (PCCB) system that uses ten-piston fixed calipers on the front discs.

As standard Porsche equips the 911 Turbo with its Porsche Active Suspension Management (PASM) chassis setup, but optionally buyers can upgrade to a PASM Sports suspension. This reduces ride height by 10mm and is claimed to enhance the car's dynamics to deliver greater stability at higher speeds.

What else can you have with it?

If you want to shave a bit of weight off the 911 Turbo, then you may want to specify the aptly named Lightweight Design package. This is available only on the 911 Turbo Coupe and reduces the overall weight by 30kg thanks to lightweight bucket seats and the deletion of the rear seats, along with a reduction in sound insulation. Furthermore, a Sport Design package replaces some features in black and carbon finishes and adds bespoke Design taillights.

Any word on price?

The Porsche 911 Turbo will have a starting price of £134,400 for the Coupe and £143,560 for the Cabriolet. Both are now available to order from Porsche Centres.

Dave Humphreys - 15 Jul 2020