RE: Porsche 911 Turbo

[roofer]

plenty said:

Yawn. They've been writing this same story since the 1970s - first the 3.0/3.3 Turbo vs Countach and Boxer/Testarossa, then the 993 vs Diablo/512TR, and so on.

Few of today's half-breed Audi-Lambos and VW testbed machines can get within a sniff of the pedigree of a Porsche Turbo. Yes, many say that the 996s/997s have lost something, and I really don't like the side air vents, but I still would feel the thrill going my spine getting into a 997 TT, sharper than just about any vehicle on the planet.

Agreed, the fact it doesn't shout its abilities makes it a better car imo. Its an evolution of perfection.

[Clevers]

All this talk makes me want one now, whereas before I was happy with my Carrera.

[Edward9000]

911tt = not super car CGT = super car
599/430 = not super car Enzo = super car

its about more than outright speed which defines them. There is no doubt the new turbo is an absolutely amazing bit of kit but you just can not call it a super car.

[J111]

I must own one of these some day. £40k by June ?

HAB said:

Why are airbag wheels so big and ugly?

Because they have airbags in them. HTH.

[IMI A]

cvegas said:

Custard yellow not the best choice of colour!

any better?

[BEN66]

Edward9000 said:

911tt = not super car CGT = super car
599/430 = not super car Enzo = super car

its about more than outright speed which defines them. There is no doubt the new turbo is an absolutely amazing bit of kit but you just can not call it a super car.

Nail on the head. For all those that say drive one and you'll see, well I'm sure I would, I'd be amazed at the speed; as I would in a tuned Evo... But at the end of the day it is still just a top of the range model, not a purpose made supercar, it's not extravagant enough. Any Porsche can look like a turbo with the correct body kit, they are far to common: the CGT is the Porsche supercar.

Don't get me wrong, I love the 911 turbo, but to me it is just not special enough (AS A WHOLE PACKAGE) to be a super car.

Ben

[Waveboy14]

For the doubting ones: what did you think about the 993 turbo when it came out and "killed" all known supercar figures? And the way it looked? I will never forget the scene (although a bit over the top) in Bad Boys I dodging the wall (fighting a cobra).

For the convinced ones: Doesn't a 997 starts to look a bit too "common" to be a supercar. If not (I still like how it stands out as opposed to a carrera.), what about a Nissan GTR, would you consider that car a supercar? (and I do NOT want to start the Turbo vs. GTR discussion!).

[BEN66]

Indeed, I hope all that quoted speed as a factor class the GTR as a super car? Hmmmm..

[Clevers]

I read this article last night and went to bed understanding all the comments about why people wouldn't call the 997 turbo a supercar.Then, this afternoon, I drove my bog standard Carrera for the first time in a few days. I am now sat here again with a grin from ear-to-ear. The 911 is a supercar period, never mind the turbo, which is in another league altogether. The simple question is it a super drivers car must be answered with a resounding yes.

[DOOG]

Waveboy14 said:

For the doubting ones: what did you think about the 993 turbo when it came out and "killed" all known supercar figures? And the way it looked? I will never forget the scene (although a bit over the top) in Bad Boys I dodging the wall (fighting a cobra).

That was a 965.. Not a 993..

[Daston]

Hmm hard one I would class it as supercar me thinks, however whats your thoughts on Ultima's & TVR's then that were at the meet? Are they just glorified kit cars in the eyes of exotic car owners or are they to supercars?

[maxp]

I think a lot of people make the supercar judgement by it's badge, which i think is a fair-ish point.

They see a car being produced by any mainstream factory(mercedes benz, audi, porsche to an extent) and automatically discount it.

If you saw a 911 GT3 RS for the first time ever, and under a lamborghini badge then this would be a non issue... however the fact there are so many of them and they have been around for so long works against them.

Its almost like a top trumps point system which would have points awarded for: rarity, top speed, 0-62 time, price, outragenouss and practicality.

Unfortunately they lose supercar point because arent *that* rare, they *are* practical-ish and only middle ground on outrageousness.

[bluesatin]

For looks I would say the TT is not a a supercar but for everything else it is but then I am biased. Next question is would you describe an Ultima as a supercar?

[Edward9000]

Waveboy14 said:

For the doubting ones: what did you think about the 993 turbo when it came out and "killed" all known supercar figures? And the way it looked? I will never forget the scene (although a bit over the top) in Bad Boys I dodging the wall (fighting a cobra).

Back then speed was a lot more impressive and the 993 was more of a "super car killer" than a supercar in its own right.

[D3URY]

Quickest car i have driven by a mile - effortless power.

[nevyn]

DucatiGary said:

they are like a speed tardis, do 140 in one and it feels like 70 in any other car.

when that day comes he will understand.

Catches me out every time
always find myself having to back off on the motorway because I did not realise I have strayed into license threatening speed

Nev

[marlinmunro]

Stigmundfreud said:

cvegas said:

Custard yellow not the best choice of colour!

its got Audi ahole lights

I think you will find it does not have day running lights, not that it matters. And if your custard is that colour you must live in a council house.

[grahamw48]

Daston said:

Hmm hard one I would class it as supercar me thinks, however whats your thoughts on Ultima's & TVR's then that were at the meet? Are they just glorified kit cars in the eyes of exotic car owners or are they to supercars?

Just because someone owns a 'supercar' doesn't mean they have any knowledge of cars...often just a rich daddy.

If they did, they would realise that TVRs were designed and manufactured almost entirely in-house at the TVR factory, (and in the case of the later models that would include the engine) and then sold as a fully completed vehicle.

...But you knew that.

[carsnapper]

I got to drive that actual 911 (911HUL press car) back from Germany a couple of months ago after finishing the JC 'Thriller' DVD...apart from being rather brisk Flippin' Quick (!) both in a straight line (looovely autobann VMax) and round the twisties, I have to say that it was one of the dullest, event-less, effort-less drives that I've done of late!

It's just, well, so boring. Even at 160+ it feels planted and reassuring. It truly is an amazing bit of engineering, and a very quick, competent car, but a 'supercar' it ain't. No Porsche (save the GT, perhaps), gets into this class in my book And it sounds about as exciting as it drives...not very!

Put the engine where it *should* be, take the turbo's off, RWD only, add a couple of cylinders and a couple of litres...then maybe...!




(i'll take cover from the torrent of abuse from Porky fans...

[Silver993tt]

All 911 Turbos have been, still are and always will be supercars. They have been, still are and always will be the benchmark of a supercar. This always has been, still is and always will be seen in any supercar comparison, review or benchmark as proven each time a new super car launched.