Porsche 911 goes all-turbo

Second-gen 991 facelift spotted testing at 'ring - and it's definitely turbos all the way

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 apart

The 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.

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…

Some vid here