Discussion
After 5k miles of brilliant motoring in a 7.2C4GTS, just over a month ago I decided to make a jump into a new 997.2 Turbo S. Some of my recent ramblings have lauded the abilities of 997 Turbos, and this is the reason why... in almost 2k miles during the last month alone, the Turbo S has significantly changed my view of forced induction 911s. Loaded with every performance enhancing technology Porsche has, the TurboS has left me in awe of its abilities and Jekyll and Hyde personality.
On one hand, it plays the role of comfortable continental GT cruiser with exceptional manners and refinement. On the other, when pushed to its limits over a variety of roads - as I found out again this past weekend doing umpteen loops of the EVO Triangle - it is a fierce and rabid animal that attempts to tear the surface tarmac off the road in deploying its 530hp and 700Nm torque akin to Ayers Rock. It gives you - the driver - a feeling of total and utter dominance on the road: it is the first car that has given me a similar sensation to riding a litre-class superbike in that the TurboS enables you to spot a gap - almost any gap - and just be there.
Normal driving mode reveals a torque-rich tractable motor that effortlessly glides away at low speed. In Sports Mode the TurboS takes on an edgy persona - ready for a fight anytime; and in Sports Plus mode the TurboS becomes a rabid animal, straining at the leash like a crazed Mike Tyson, happily smeering 4wd power drifts on demand. Noise wise, yes it is quiet and refined at urban speeds. Tug the PDK (TurboS is only available with PDK) and the twin VTGs and carbon airbox orchestrate a menacing nuclear explosion. The TurboS does not howl like a GT3, it roars!
Compared to the 7.2 GTS4 (all the 911 one would ever need, but not necessarily want) - the TurboS dynamics are simply better in almost every way, no matter what you ask of it to do. The steering of the TurboS - maligned by the press for lacking steering feel relative to other 911s - is lighter and does not provide quite as much intricate detail (more than a 991 however). This is offset, however, by the sharper turn in, quicker directional responsiveness, and improved body control. The effectiveness of PTV (Torque Vectoring) is noticeable at both slow and fast speed providing a subtle form of rear wheel steer, and the PDCC and Dynamic Engine Mounts further limit rotational momentum in sudden directional changes. All round, the TurboS feels lighter on its feet, more agile and mid-engined than previous 911s I have driven, although not as neutral as the 991.
I believe the TurboS has just ceased production, and it will be interesting to see how the 991Turbo moves the game on. Perhaps triple turbochargers to eliminate the subtle turbo lag, and the lighter/longer/wider 991 chassis to further expand its agility and stability footprint. However, as a last of the line 911 with the classic cabin architecture that has endured for nearly 50 years, the 997.2 TurboS leaves me in no doubt that it is a 911 currently without equal on the public road - be it bimbling through central London, terrorizing mountainous Welsh B-roads, or putting the hammer down on the Autobahn. Oh, and those who have not driven the EVO Triangle, just do it - it is brilliant.
On one hand, it plays the role of comfortable continental GT cruiser with exceptional manners and refinement. On the other, when pushed to its limits over a variety of roads - as I found out again this past weekend doing umpteen loops of the EVO Triangle - it is a fierce and rabid animal that attempts to tear the surface tarmac off the road in deploying its 530hp and 700Nm torque akin to Ayers Rock. It gives you - the driver - a feeling of total and utter dominance on the road: it is the first car that has given me a similar sensation to riding a litre-class superbike in that the TurboS enables you to spot a gap - almost any gap - and just be there.
Normal driving mode reveals a torque-rich tractable motor that effortlessly glides away at low speed. In Sports Mode the TurboS takes on an edgy persona - ready for a fight anytime; and in Sports Plus mode the TurboS becomes a rabid animal, straining at the leash like a crazed Mike Tyson, happily smeering 4wd power drifts on demand. Noise wise, yes it is quiet and refined at urban speeds. Tug the PDK (TurboS is only available with PDK) and the twin VTGs and carbon airbox orchestrate a menacing nuclear explosion. The TurboS does not howl like a GT3, it roars!
Compared to the 7.2 GTS4 (all the 911 one would ever need, but not necessarily want) - the TurboS dynamics are simply better in almost every way, no matter what you ask of it to do. The steering of the TurboS - maligned by the press for lacking steering feel relative to other 911s - is lighter and does not provide quite as much intricate detail (more than a 991 however). This is offset, however, by the sharper turn in, quicker directional responsiveness, and improved body control. The effectiveness of PTV (Torque Vectoring) is noticeable at both slow and fast speed providing a subtle form of rear wheel steer, and the PDCC and Dynamic Engine Mounts further limit rotational momentum in sudden directional changes. All round, the TurboS feels lighter on its feet, more agile and mid-engined than previous 911s I have driven, although not as neutral as the 991.
I believe the TurboS has just ceased production, and it will be interesting to see how the 991Turbo moves the game on. Perhaps triple turbochargers to eliminate the subtle turbo lag, and the lighter/longer/wider 991 chassis to further expand its agility and stability footprint. However, as a last of the line 911 with the classic cabin architecture that has endured for nearly 50 years, the 997.2 TurboS leaves me in no doubt that it is a 911 currently without equal on the public road - be it bimbling through central London, terrorizing mountainous Welsh B-roads, or putting the hammer down on the Autobahn. Oh, and those who have not driven the EVO Triangle, just do it - it is brilliant.
Thanks all 
Turbofun said:
A good honest review and its great that you are enjoying your car
We have all seen pictures of cars airborne within the covers of EVO... I now understand why. Sections of the Triangle are an undulating rollercoaster that pitch sharply left-right over crests and through steep undulations. Attacking these bends, dips, crests in the TurboS reveals just how agile, vicious and effective it is over such roads (think of the Ring, but condensed). Window down, you can hear what sounds like the tyres scrabbling and shredding themselves against the rough tarmac, overlaid by the sound of a hurricane resonating through the carbon airbox, with twin VTGs blowing like afterburners on re-entry. At full chat, it makes the hairs stand on the back of your neck! erics said:
thanks... I wanted one, now I want one badly
Do it, they are quite special. It's like you can have your cake... and eat it too.spareparts said:
Some brilliant stuff and photos of my 997.2 turbo s.....
Yep. Awesome piece of kit. I think I may do the EVO triangle this weekend even in the wet. I get the need for either a very special GT2/3 RS... But this car just blows me away. It's ariel atom 300 quick, but none of drawbacks of race setup, traction nor dry weather only, but still 100% fun and engaging on a full on, twin turbo, 700nm charge ... ... And then you pickup your giggling daughters and other half for a nice tour of the cotswolds at 25+ mpg with sunroof open admiring the countryside and the classic high quality interior of your supercar...
... Only slight disappointment is that it loses money faster than a fat man falling out of a plane, but a least you only have to do a major service every 4 years if you do less than 10k a year - small mercies
spareparts said:
However, as a last of the line 911 with the classic cabin architecture that has endured for nearly 50 years, the 997.2 TurboS leaves me in no doubt that it is a 911 currently without equal on the public road - be it bimbling through central London, terrorizing mountainous Welsh B-roads, or putting the hammer down on the Autobahn.
Nice write up & pic. So when are you buying the 991 
After having my Turbo S now for 7 months & done several European trips I can confirm its one of the best Porsches I've ever owned! I was always a die hard GT, RS owner & never thought i would do the Day to Day Turbo thing! The only parts I changed to make what is a Fantastic car slightly more to my driving style was Bilstein B16 Damptronic club sport dampers & some spacers to get rid of the inboard off set of the wheels, fitted by Chris at Center Gravity & a Europipe exhaust to give the engine the note it deserves! I could not be more impressed with this car! its one car i will keep a lot longer than usual.
Any one who is interested in one should do it asap, as i think it is a porsche car that has flown under the radar and dos not get the praise that it deserves, would be interesting to see the build volumes the Turbo S archived in the Uk & Europe?
Any one who is interested in one should do it asap, as i think it is a porsche car that has flown under the radar and dos not get the praise that it deserves, would be interesting to see the build volumes the Turbo S archived in the Uk & Europe?
Lovely bit of kit. Had mine for around 18 months and 14k miles. Still gives me as big a thrill now as the day I bought it (and my previous car was a 430 Scuderia!).
The next step is to take up the Porsche winter wheel/tyre offer, so as to get the best from it over the next few months.
The next step is to take up the Porsche winter wheel/tyre offer, so as to get the best from it over the next few months.
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