Nothing Porsche does is done without careful forethought it seems, and this is prefaced by the Porsche product offensive in the company’s 50th anniversary year of the 911. 50 years ago, the first ever 911 made its debut and just ten years after that, the 911 Turbo prototype was shown off for the first time.
On this 50th anniversary of the 911 and 40th anniversary of the Porsche Turbo, the Stuttgart-based manufacturer is now presenting the new 991-generation 911 Turbo and Turbo S. Boasting a new all-wheel drive system, active rear-wheel steering, adaptive aerodynamics, full-LED headlights and the signature ‘Turbo’ flat six-cylinder engine with twin-turbo charging, Porsche say the 911 Turbo model has reached its pinnacle in this 991 model.
Underscoring the role of the new 911 Turbo as a circuit racing car, everyday sports car and technology platform, Porsche say there is virtually no driving scenario where the 911 Turbo won’t be right at home. Crucial to this success is the entirely new chassis in lightweight design with a 100 mm longer wheelbase and larger 20-inch wheels.
The Porsche Dynamic Chassis Control (PDCC) active anti-roll system, which is being offered for the first time in 911 Turbo models, increases dynamic cornering performance. This system is part of the standard equipment in the 911 Turbo S, as are the Sport Chrono Package Plus with dynamic engine mounts and Porsche Ceramic Composite Brakes. All of these features are available as options in the 911 Turbo.
The result of all this high-technology is that the new 911 Turbo S shortens the lap time for the North Loop of the Nürburgring to well under 7 minutes and 30 seconds; featuring standard production tyres Porsche are quick mention. The long-time nemesis of the Porsche 911 Turbo, the Nissan GT-R has bested that with a fastest lap time for the 2013 GT-R model of 7 minutes and 18 seconds.
The interior was completely redesigned in both 911 Turbo models, based on the 911 Carrera range. The S model is particularly well equipped, offering features, such as an exclusive interior in a Black/Carrera Red colour combination and sport seats plus with 18-way adjustment and memory. In addition, the seat backrest shells are leather upholstered with double cap seams and various elements in carbon look.
A high-end surround sound system is also available as an optional feature. A radar-controlled cruise control system, camera-based road sign recognition and speed limit recognition are other new options being offered. The 911 Turbo features a standard sound symposer which intensifies the driving experience by transmitting induction sounds of the turbo engine to the passenger compartment via a speaker diaphragm.
The two new top models display their performance visually through the characteristic, rear body panels of the new generation 911 Turbo. The panels are 28 mm wider than on the standard 911 Carrera 4 models. Other differentiating characteristics include two-tone forged 20-inch wheels. 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.
The twin-turbocharged 3.8-litre six-cylinder engine with direct petrol injection produces 387 kW in the 911 Turbo and 412 kW in the S model. Thanks to the two turbochargers with variable turbine geometry, power is transferred to the drivetrain via the seven-speed dual clutch transmission (PDK), featuring auto start/stop function. Together with the new thermal management system for the turbo engine and the PDK transmission, fuel efficient technologies have reduced the fuel consumption by up to 16% to 9.7 L/100 km for both models.
For an even faster and more precise power distribution to the two axles, Porsche developed a new PTM (Porsche Traction Management) all-wheel drive system with electronically controlled and activated multi-plate coupling. The system is equipped with a new water cooling function, so that it can direct even more drive torque to the front wheels if necessary.
The 911 Turbo with the optional Sport Chrono Package Plus accelerates from zero to 100 km/h in 3.2 seconds, which is one-tenth better than the value of the previous 911 Turbo S. The new 911 Turbo S handles the standard sprint to 100 km/h in just 3.1 seconds. The car’s top speed is 318 km/h.
The introduction of rear-wheel steering in all turbo models immensely improves both circuit racing and everyday performance. The steering angle of the rear wheels can be varied by up to 2.8 degrees, depending on vehicle speed. At speeds up to 50 km/h, when the front wheels are turned the system steers the rear wheels in the opposite direction. Porsche claim this actually equates to a virtual shortening of the wheelbase by 250 mm.
At speeds above 80 km/h, the system steers the rear wheels parallel to the turned front wheels. This is equivalent to a virtual lengthening of the wheelbase by a significant 500 mm and gives the car tremendous stability at high speeds.
It is the first time that Porsche developed an active aerodynamic system for the new 911 Turbo. It consists of a sturdy, retractable three-stage front spoiler, whose segments can be extended, and a deployable rear wing with three adjustable wing positions. This makes it possible to tune the aerodynamics of the 911 Turbo according to the driver’s demands.
The front spoiler, when fully extended, generates considerable downforce at the front axle. Similarly, when the rear wing is extended to its maximum height, this enhances the downforce at the rear axle. Dynamic performance is improved to such an extent that lap times at the North Loop of the Nürburgring are improved by up to two seconds due to this system alone.
Porsche South Africa will introduce the new 911 Turbo and Turbo S models in all markets with the first customer deliveries starting from October 2013. Prices will be announced closer to the launch date.
