The next-generation Porsche 911 Turbo is lighter, faster, and more dynamic than its predecessor, thanks to a new 3.8-litre boxer engine making 500hp and revisions that include a new set-up for the traction and stability systems.
The seventh iteration of the 911 Turbo theme will be shown for the first time at the Frankfurt motor show next month. If you can’t make it to the grand reveal don’t worry, because as these first official piccies show it looks a lot like the last one.
There’ll be reams of extra technical detail at Frankfurt, but for now we are content to learn that the car gets the first all-new engine in the 35-year history of the Turbo model. It’s a new version of the flat-six from the Carrera S, and the installation features direct fuel-injection and twin turbochargers with variable turbine geometry – which Porsche claims as a first if you don’t count diesels. Coupled to the seven-speed Porsche Doppelkupplungsgetriebe gearbox, the car will hit 62mph from standstill in 3.4secs, max out at 194mph and even return up to 24.8mpg – although it’s probably not quite that good at 190 plus…
There’s a new steering wheel-mounted paddle-shift option for the Doppelsplunkthingy with the right paddle for shifting up and the left for down, and the steering wheel features integrated displays for the Launch Control and Sport/SportPlus mode.
The new 911 Turbo also gets torque-vectoring as an option for the first time, and the electronic control systems for the all-wheel-drive chassis have been revised to make the car feel more agile and improve steering responses. According to ‘insider’ reports elsewhere in the media, the changes have been implemented to give the car a more rearward handling bias, so it feels a bit more playful at the limit. Sounds good to us!
The new-generation cars go on sale here on November 21
, priced from £101,823 for the Coupe and £109,048 for the Cabriolet. Can it be a co-incidence that’s also my birthday? Better let the wife know, or I’ll get socks again.