New Porsche 911 Turbo

Porsche is extending its current product range with the addition of a new 911 Turbo. The sixth generation of the top-of-the-range 911 model will be on sale in the UK early this summer.

The 911 Turbo (Type 997) now has an output of 353 kW (480 bhp) at 6,000rpm, 60 bhp more than its predecessor (Type 996). The specific output of the 3.6-litre ‘boxer’ engine thus climbs to a new all-time high of 98 kW (133 bhp) per litre of displacement. Rated torque has been increased from 560 to 620 Nm. The speed range in which this power is available has also been extended. While the previous model’s maximum torque was available between 2,700 and 4,600rpm, the corresponding figures are now 1,950 to 5,000rpm.

Featured for the first time in a petrol engine, the turbocharging system of the new 911 Turbo uses variable turbine geometry technology to increase engine performance across the rev range. These improvements translate into a stunning driving performance. The new 911 Turbo with six-speed manual transmission requires 3.9 seconds for the standard sprint from 0 – 100km/h

(0-62mph). The coupé reaches the 200 km/h mark (124mph) in 12.8 seconds. And just 3.8 seconds are all it takes for the most powerful series-built 911 model of all time to accelerate from 80 to 120 km/h (50–75mph) in fifth gear. Against this background of enhanced performance statistics, Porsche engineers have also succeeded in reducing average fuel consumption to 22.1mpg.

The 911 Turbo with the optionally available Tiptronic S automatic transmission puts in an even more impressive performance. An optimised set-up gives the vehicle the ability to power from 0 – 100km/h (0-62mph) in just 3.7 seconds and to reach 200 km/h (124mph) after just 12.2 seconds.

The Turbo with Tiptronic automatic transmission also has the advantage when it comes to flexibility. In fourth gear it accelerates from 80-120 km/h (50-75mph) in 3.5 seconds. Furthermore, fuel consumption of the Tiptronic S variant is also lower than that of its predecessor: 20.8mpg in accordance with the EU standard. Both transmission variants have a top speed of 310 km/h (193mph).

The flexibility of the 911 Turbo can be enhanced even further with the optional Sport Chrono Package Turbo, available for the first time. By engaging the Sport button adjacent to the gear lever, this feature enables the driver to activate a short-term turbocharger ‘overboost’ function at full throttle. This increases boost pressure in the mid-speed range by 0.2 bar for up to ten seconds; torque rises by 60Nm to 680 Nm. In this configuration, the time required by the 911 Turbo with manual transmission for intermediate acceleration from 80 to 120 km/h (50-75mph) is reduced by 0.3 seconds to 3.5 seconds.

This is the first time that the 911 Turbo has offered an overboost characteristic, and is due to the variable turbine geometry technology. At the heart of this innovation are adjustable guide blades, which direct the engine exhaust flow variably and precisely onto the turbine wheel of the exhaust turbocharger. The principle of variable turbine geometry unites the advantages of small and large exhaust turbochargers and leads to a discernable improvement in flexibility and acceleration, particularly at low speeds.

To transfer the available power to the road the 911 Turbo once more offers four-wheel drive but the transmission has been redesigned with an electronically controlled multi-disc clutch. Porsche Traction Management (PTM) ensures variable power distribution to the two driven axles. Depending on the driving conditions, the all-wheel electronics system constantly determines the optimal torque distribution to ensure the best possible traction. In practice this translates to high agility on narrow country roads, outstanding traction in rain and snow and optimal active safety at all speeds. These properties make the Porsche Traction Management system in the new 911 Turbo one of the most capable and, at the same time lightest, all-wheel drive systems on the market.

The commitment to ultimate performance demonstrated by the new 911 Turbo is also reflected in its brake system, which comprises monobloc fixed-caliper disc brakes with six pistons at the front axle and four at the rear. In comparison with the Type 996, the diameter of the internally ventilated and cross-drilled steel brake discs at the front and rear has been increased by 20 millimetres to 350 millimetres.

As an option, Porsche is also offering its optimised ceramic brake system, PCCB (Porsche Ceramic Composite Brake). The advantages of this high-tech material mean a reduction of 17 kilogrammes compared to the standard brake system, excellent fading stability owing to consistent friction values and absolute corrosion resistance. The brakes now have a diameter of 380 millimetres at the front axle and 350 millimetres at the rear.

A characteristic design feature of the new 911 Turbo is the modified front end with its distinctive, tautly drawn cooling air inlets. In conjunction with the standard-equipment xenon headlights, they define its unmistakable image. The front view is enhanced by deep-set fog lights and by new LED indicators, which are situated in the lateral air inlets. From behind, the Turbo also takes on a more powerful appearance. This is due first and foremost to its rear aspect, 22 millimetres wider than that of the previous model, to which the re-designed aerofoil element has been aligned. It now slopes downward slightly at the sides into the contours of the rear wheelarches. The lateral air inlets behind the doors have also been re-drawn and, together with the new air ducts, afford a more efficient supply of cooling air to the charge-air intercoolers.

The 911 Turbo and will be priced from £97,840 and will be on sale from 24 June 2006.