RE: Porsche 991 goes all-turbo
Wednesday 25th March 2015
This week the Nurburgring finally opened its gates to the hordes of manufacturers ready to test their future models. Possibly the most interesting of which was this turbocharged Porsche 911 Carrera. As predicted and reported on in these very pages future 911s will be downsized in capacity and turbocharged. But this is the first time we’ve been able to see and hear the new models for ourselves.
New centre-style exhausts set turbo apartThe test mule that was lapping yesterday still boasted that distinctive flat-six bark, but there was the unmistakable squish of dump valves approaching each corner, and then a definite whistle under load. Luddites can rejoice though - this particular test mule was absolutely fitted with a manual gearbox. No PDK-only nonsense for the 2016 base-models, it would appear.
Porsche 911 goes all-turbo
Second-gen 991 facelift spotted testing at 'ring - and it's definitely turbos all the way
New centre-style exhausts set turbo apart
What else can be gleaned from these spyshots? Well, the second-gen iteration of the 991 looks to be similar in dimensions, though with extra venting apparent both above and below the taillights. To be expected with two turbos and their extra heat load. There’s also a new design language in play at the exhaust pipe too. It would appear that the “centre-mounted, but with a big gap” tailpipes are how you will be able to spot the newest models.
Rumours are that the base model 911 will go down to 2.9 litres, but up to 400hp. And that the Carrera S will still be the same size displacement, but thanks to the turbos it could be as high as 500hp. Which then begs the question, what next for the ‘real’ 911 Turbo? 600hp? Well, we hope to have some shots and videos of that machine soon…
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Discussion
We're living at an interesting time.
There have always been large-displacement engines and small-displacement engines. But these have not tended to overlap in terms of application. (at least for most car shoppers)
So, for the moment, we have quite different philosophies coexisting. Not to mention the philosophy that does away with internal combustion, entirely.
About the second-generation 991: exciting. And +1 to Motorrad's comment about throttle response.
Interesting.
I can't for a moment imagine a 100bhp gap between Carrera and Carrera S, mind. 400 and 450 would be more like it.
I'm not convinced that the Carrera being turbocharged necessarily equals an all-turbo range, either. The new GT3 engine has received very high praise and I'd be very surprised to see it disappear after all that development, especially as there's likely to remain a race application for it far into the future.
I can't for a moment imagine a 100bhp gap between Carrera and Carrera S, mind. 400 and 450 would be more like it.
I'm not convinced that the Carrera being turbocharged necessarily equals an all-turbo range, either. The new GT3 engine has received very high praise and I'd be very surprised to see it disappear after all that development, especially as there's likely to remain a race application for it far into the future.
I'm no Porsche fan but I really like the look of this, adds character to a model that appears a bit bland imo. More power, better looks, better noise and better fuel economy (not a major issue when buying a car like this but still a bonus..). Add a decent exhaust, induction, upgraded dump valves and a remap and things could get pretty fruity!
AM7 said:
I'm no Porsche fan but I really like the look of this, adds character to a model that appears a bit bland imo. More power, better looks, better noise and better fuel economy (not a major issue when buying a car like this but still a bonus..). Add a decent exhaust, induction, upgraded dump valves and a remap and things could get pretty fruity!
why do you reckon it will have better noise? If the 911 turbo is anything to go by, it will not sound anything like as nice as a n/a engine 
supercampeao said:
why do you reckon it will have better noise? If the 911 turbo is anything to go by, it will not sound anything like as nice as a n/a engine
I find the "standard" flat-sixes a bit rough sounding, I mean the GT/RS units absolutely howl but I'm not a massive fan of the normal ones. I think with a bit of work, you could have boost and blow-off noises, tied with the manual gearbox and rear wheel drive it's definitely something that appeals to me anyway. Of course it's a different kind of sound, but I like it 
I hesitate to say it but I think this is ultimately a result of what the GT-R achieved.
I'm sad to see N/A disappearing, I'd take less torque and better modulation any day of the week.
As it is, I'm trying to scale back my next car's power so that I can enjoy it at more reasonable speeds.
I'm sad to see N/A disappearing, I'd take less torque and better modulation any day of the week.
As it is, I'm trying to scale back my next car's power so that I can enjoy it at more reasonable speeds.
RoverP6B said:
Oh dear oh dear oh dear... this is not a good move... and not like VAG's corporate emissions can't absorb the slight hit from keeping the 911 N/A...
Why is it not a good move?Progress means just that - out with the old, in with the new. People complained when Porsche started water-cooling engines. They didn't get the bigger picture because what Porsche was doing was inconvenient to them, and only them. The rest of the world simply shrugged and carried on enjoying the new machines!
Do you honestly think VAG, one of the worlds largest and most successful car manufacturers with some of the brightest minds, best engineers, marketers and number-crunchers/accountants on the planet, are going to make a cock-up of a product that has slowly evolved into the most iconic sports car in history? Because I can assure you the market that actually buys cars like this will simply not care whether the next base model Carrera has a turbo in it or not. It will still sell and it will still be a great car that is comfortable, frugal, fast, enjoyable to own and won't try and kill someone for making a mistake in it.
If you don't think it's a good move then don't buy one or simply buy an old one - it's not like a Carrera having a turbo in it means all old Porsches are suddenly non-existent. Meanwhile, the market this is aimed at will buy a new one and enjoy it for what it is - a great sports car.
I'd imagine they'll rename the "turbo" to something a bit more... distinctive. Gassing Station | General Gassing | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff