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Preview Porsche 911 Turbo by Juergen Zoellter
OK, here are the answers to your 13 questions.
This is the sixth generation of the 911 Turbo. What could possibly be new about this new model?
~It has a new turbocharged engine with variable-geometry turbos that make 473 horsepower and 502 pound-feet of torque – 58 horses and 87 pound-feet more than the last one. There’s also a new four-wheel-drive system with electronic control over the way torque is distributed among the four wheels. And thanks to the use of aluminum in key locations, it’s about 90 pounds lighter than the 996 Turbo. Aluminum doors alone save 31 pounds.
How different does it look from the standard 997?
~Not very. The Turbo uses the body of the 997 Carrera 4, which has wider front and rear fenders – 1.7 inches overall. From the front, it looks a little like the Carrera GT, but most bystanders will still see a 911.
~Detail changes include a unique front spoiler and a rear one that’s a two-stage affair, as it is with the 996 Turbo. New lower rear bodywork matches the special Turbo exhaust pipes. The drag coefficient is 0.31, and the Turbo body generates virtually no lift in front and a little downforce in the rear when they spoiler is extended.
The 911 Turbo has often been Porsche’s new technology leader. What’s new or innovative on this one?
~The variable-geometry turbos on the new VTG engine virtually eliminate turbo lag above 2,000 rpm. The peak torque of 502 pound-feet is available for 10 seconds during a special overboost mode of 20.9 psi. Normal peak torque is 457 pound-feet.
~The new Porsche Traction Management (PTM) combines the electronically controlled four-wheel-drive system with the Porsche Stability Management (PSM) feature to employ the torque distribution to balance the car’s handling and maintain traction and stability.
Is this Turbo the first Porsche to get the new twin-clutch type of transmission?
~Not yet. But a six- or seven-speed version of this technology, which Porsche calls PDK, is currently being tested and will probably be introduced during the life cycle of this model.
How much quicker will this Turbo be?
~With substantially more power and less weight, Porsche predicts this 911 Turbo will accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in less than four seconds, which is about 0.3 seconds quicker than its predecessor. With the manual transmission, it should stop our clocks in about 3.6 seconds. Claimed top speed increases from 189 to 193 mph, although we measured 192 already with the old car. Commensurate improvements should also be realized with the optional five-speed Tiptronic transmission.
In a world brimming with 500-hp sedans and sports cars, will 473 horses be enough for the Turbo to be competitive?
~The 500-hp sedans of the world weigh about 4,000 pounds, sit higher on the road, and have bodies designed more for utility than aerodynamic performance. The 911 Turbo’s 3,400-pound weight, lower center of gravity, and low drag and lift should more than compensate for its small power deficit.
Are more-powerful versions of this Turbo on the way?
~Yes. Expect a Turbo S model with more than 500 horsepower in a few years, as well as a hard-edged GT2 model.
How does it drive compared with 997, the excellent standard model?
~It is more sporting and more stable thanks to the new four-wheel-drive system. By dynamically apportioning the torque to the four wheels based on the PSM sensors, the system allows the driver to hang the rear wheels out, but in a stable-fashion. As long as you keep the front wheels pointed in the correct direction, the system will ultimately save even a clumsy driver.
Many 911 Turbos are used as everyday drivers. Is the new one suitable for that sort of duty?
~It’s better than ever. The PASM computer-controlled suspension provides a more comfortable ride than the 996 Turbo’s suspension did. Fuel capacity is up by 0.8 gallon to 17.7, and fuel economyis slightly improved for a better cruising range. Luggage space is quite good for this type of car, and the noise level in the cabin has been reduced.
How will it work on a racetrack? How much quicker is it around the Nurburgring?
~The Turbo benefits from the more communicative steering integral to every 997-based model. Coupled with the four-wheel-drive system that’s integrated with the PSM, you can hang the tail out with the best of the Porsche crazies and still rely on the stability-control system (left on) to save you from your worst excuses.
~If you do choose to turn the PSM off, the system doesn’t automatically come back on under braking as it did before. It only does so when you brake hard enough to engage the ABS.
~Around the famous Ring, the 997 Turbo is more than 10 seconds faster than a Carrera S, putting its time in the 7:50 range.
How could this Turbo be better?
~It could be visually more distinct from the other 997 models. Chances are good only Porsche fanatics will easily be able to indentify it. We also would have liked the twin-clutch transmission at the outset of this introduction. Porsche essentially invented that technology, and it shouldn’t be the last to introduce it.
Although 911 Turbos have always been the most expensive 911s, they have been bargains compared with supercars such as the V-8 Ferraris. Will this new model still deliver strong value for the money?
~On paper, this new Turbo looks as if it will easily match the performance of exotics such as the Ferrari F430, Lamborghini Gallardo, and Aston Martin DB9 for about 70 percent of the price. At the same time, it offers a kid-friendly back seat and more everyday usability and comfort than most of those exotics.
~That combination of qualities has worked well for 911 Turbos since the model’s introduction 30 years ago, and it should continue to satisfy fans of the ultimate 911.
Specifications: Porsche 911 Turbo
~Vehicle Type: Rear-engine, 4-wheel-drive, 2+2 passenger, 2-door coupe
~Estimated Base Price: $130,000
~Engine Type: Twin-turbo charged and inter-cooled DOHC 24-valve flat-6, aluminum block and heads, port fuel projection
Displacement.................220 cu in, 3600cc
Power (SAE net)........473 bhp @ 6000 rpm
Torque (SAE net)......502 lb-ft @ 1950 rpm
~Transmissions......5-speed automatic with manumatic shifting, 6-speed manual
~Wheelbase:.................................92.5 in
~Length/width/height...175.6/72.9/51.6 in
~Curb Weight...............................3400 lb
Performance ratings (C/D est):
Zero to 60 mph........................3.6-3.7 sec
Standing 1/4th mile..............11.9-12.0 sec
Top Speed (mfr's est, drag limited)...193 mph
Projected fuel economy (C/D est):
EPA City driving.............................15 mpg
EPA highway driving.......................22 mpg
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