The new 911 Turbo S from the prestige German car maker Porsche, is certainly following in big footsteps. This new car’s predecessor was already considered the benchmark in the sports car world when it came to combining performance, long-distance comfort, exclusivity and everyday usability and, today, with this news, it remains a great used car purchase too.
Now though, this new model has once again raised the bar, significantly it seems. The sports car, which is available as a coupé and as cabriolet, debuts with significantly increased performance, a more striking design (although it is still clearly a 911), more intelligent aerodynamics, an optimised chassis and even more exclusive equipment. Just when you thought the 911 could not get any better, it does. It’s the Porsche way of doing things.
The Power
Let’s get down to basics: what’s under that louvred bonnet (hood) at the back? Well, it’s a newly developed, high-performance power-train that achieves a system output of 701BHP (523 kW / 711 PS). This makes the new Porsche 911 Turbo S the most powerful production 911 to date. The maximum torque of the power-train is 800Nm and is available over an extremely wide range of 2,300 to 6,000 rpm. The power curve is also characterised by an unusually broad peak: between 6,500 and 7,000 lovely crankshaft revolutions, the full power of 711 PS is available.
Equipped with the innovative and particularly lightweight ‘T-Hybrid’ technology with a 400 V system, it increases power by 60BHP (61PS) compared to its predecessor. The Turbo S Coupé's sprint time of 0-62MPH (100 km/h) is a fairly nimble 2.5 seconds. Compared to its predecessor, yes, it’s quick. It takes just 8.4 seconds to reach 124MPH (200 km/h), and the top speed is a fraction over 200MPH (322 km/h).
Upgrades across all areas have been sorted to achieve the impressive performance of this top-of-the-range 911 model. The new generation of tyres used on the 911 Turbo S offers significantly improved dry handling while maintaining good performance in the wet. The rear axle of the sports car is now fitted with 10 millimetres wider tyres compared to the previous model; the front axle tyres remain the same size as previously. The standard ‘Porsche Ceramic Composite Brake’ system is fitted with new brake pads and can withstand enormous loads. This improves braking performance and pedal feel in equal measure. To this end, the brand has increased the brake disc diameter on the rear axle from 390 mm to 410 mm. Brake discs with a diameter of 420 mm are used at the front. This means that the new 911 Turbo S is equipped with the largest brake system that Porsche has ever installed in a two-door model; and there’s more:
In addition to the much improved sports chassis, enhanced aerodynamics optimise the cooling and efficiency of the new sports car. Active, vertically arranged cooling air flaps at the front of the vehicle and an active front diffuser, together with an adjustable front spoiler lip and the extendable and tilting rear wing carried over from the predecessor, work together as an efficient overall system. Cooling air flows optimally to the brakes and radiators.
Depending on the driving situation, the active aerodynamics intelligently reduce lift or, when retracted, drag. The drag coefficient of the 911 Turbo S Coupé has been reduced by ten per cent compared to its predecessor, when all active aerodynamic elements are in their most efficient position. In addition, the active aerodynamics improve the wet braking performance of the top model: in wet mode, the front diffusers close to shield the front brake discs from excessive water spray, for example.
Inside And Out
The new 911 Turbo S marks the introduction of Porsche's cross-series Turbo design strategy in the 911. Numerous contrasting elements are finished in the colour ‘Turbonite’, which is reserved exclusively for Turbo variants. These include the Porsche crest and the Turbo S lettering at the rear. In addition, Turbo S-specific inserts in the slats of the rear wing and the side window strips differentiate the top-of-the-range model. The range of wheels for the Turbo S includes new centre-lock designs, also in Turbonite, as can be seen in our images.
As is typical for the Turbo model, the new top-of-the-range variant of the current 911 series has a visibly wider body and track compared to the regular Carrera models, as well as openings in the rear side section. On the redesigned rear fascia, striking ventilation openings additionally emphasise the width. The tailpipes of the titanium exhaust system in a newly interpreted design typical of the Turbo underscore the car's position in the model line, as does a dynamic pearl structure above the tail-light strip. Oval titanium tailpipe trims with a special structure are available as an option. Overall, its exclusive appearance clearly differentiates the Turbo S from other 911 models.
‘Turbonite’ accents also characterise the interior. They can be found in the door panels, on the steering wheel, dashboard and centre console surrounds as decorative stitching, and on the ‘Sport Chrono’ stopwatch and instrument cluster. Porsche’s designers have also used the colour for the seat belts and several buttons in the centre console. For the first time, carbon-structured trim strips with special trim and a perforated microfibre headliner with black backing are part of the exclusive interior.
As a coupé, the 911 Turbo S is delivered as a two-seater as standard. On request, the rear seat system can be configured at no extra charge. Alternatively, the cabriolet is delivered in a 2+2 configuration. Porsche equips the new 911 Turbo S with HD Matrix LED headlights as standard. They feature innovative light functions that increase safety noticeably when driving at night. The ‘Sport Chrono’ Package including tyre temperature gauge, the specifically tuned PASM suspension, the electro-hydraulic roll support and the titanium sports exhaust system are also standard equipment.
Back inside, there’s adaptive 18-way ‘Sports Seats Plus’ with memory function and ‘Turbo S’ lettering on the headrests are used ex works. The Turbo S-specific embossing on the seat surfaces and door panels is a reinterpretation of the design features of the first 911 Turbo 930, from way back. The folding lightweight sports bucket seat familiar from the 911 GT3 is available as an option for the coupé. As ever with this prestige manufacturer, the option list is lengthy with ample scope for personalisation.
Porsche With MHH International
As we often say on these pages, the 911 does not so much change as evolve, like some sophisticated life form. Any 911 is going to bring a smile to your face and MHH International are delighted to offer a wide range of Porsche sports cars and other vehicles in the brand’s catalogue. See our current stock here. We export Porsche cars and those from other premium car makers to worldwide destinations like New Zealand, Mauritius and Kenya. There’s a full list of destinations served along with details of VAT-free options and all you need to know about our tried and tested service.
