Porsche launches 911 Turbo
480bhp icon reaches its sixth generation
    Porsche 911 Turbo (997) |
Porsche has launched the new 911 Turbo and will show it at the Geneva Motor Show on 28 February. The sixth generation of the 911 series’ top-of-the-range model will be available in German dealerships from 24 June 2006.
The 911 Turbo (Type 997) now has an output of 480bhp at 6,000rpm, 60bhp more than the 996 Turbo. The specific output of the 3.6-litre boxer engine climbs to a new all-time high of 133bhp per litre. Rated torque has been increased from 413lb-ft to 457lb-ft. The speed range in which this power is available has also been extended. While the previous model’s maximum torque was available between 2,700 and 4,600rom, the corresponding figures are now 1,950 to 5,000 revs, much of it due to new turbo vane technology.
Performance is naturally better too. The new 911 Turbo with six-speed manual transmission takes just 3.9 seconds for the standard sprint from zero to 62mph (100kph), reaching 125mph (200kph) in 12.8 seconds. And just 3.8 seconds are all it takes for the most powerful series-built 911 model of all time to accelerate from 80 to 120 km/h in fifth gear. Despite these enhanced performance statistics, Porsche engineers have reduced average fuel consumption by 10 per cent to 22mpg.
The optional Tiptronic S automatic transmission is even faster. It powers from zero to 62mph in just 3.7 seconds and 125mph in 12.2 seconds, and is more economical. Both transmission variants have a top speed of 194mph.
The vehicle’s flexibility can be enhanced even further with the optional Sport Chrono Package Turbo, available for the first time. Here the driver selects the “sports button” adjacent to the gear lever to activate a short-time overboost at full throttle. This increases boost pressure in the mid-speed range by 0.2 bar for up to ten seconds; torque rises by 45lb-ft. This translates into a quicker acceleration from 50 to 75mph, down 0.3 seconds to 3.5 seconds.
New technology
These performance figures owe themselves to exhaust turbochargers with variable turbine geometry, featuring for the first time in a gasoline engine model. At the heart of this technology are adjustable guide blades, which direct the engine exhaust flow variably and precisely onto the turbine wheel of the exhaust turbocharger. The principle of variable turbine geometry unites the advantages of small and large exhaust turbochargers and leads to a discernable improvement in flexibility and acceleration, particularly at low speeds.
To transfer the available power to the road, the new generation of the 911 Turbo features a redesigned all-wheel drive with an electronically controlled multi-disc clutch. Porsche Traction Management (PTM) ensures variable power distribution to the two driven axles. Depending on the driving conditions, the all-wheel electronics system constantly determine the optimal torque distribution to ensure the best-possible drive. In practice this translates as high agility on narrow country roads, outstanding traction in rain and snow and optimal active safety even at high speeds. These properties make the Porsche Traction Management system in the new 911 Turbo one of the most powerful and, at the same time, lightest all-wheel systems on the market.
The new 911 Turbo’s driving performance is duly tempered by its brake system, which comprises monobloc fixed-calliper disc brakes with six pistons at the front axle and four at the rear.
In comparison with the Type 996, the diameter of the internally ventilated and perforated brake discs at the front and rear wheels has been increased by 20mm to 350mm. PCCB (Porsche Ceramic Composite Brake) is an option. The advantages of this high-tech material mean a reduction of 17Kg compared to the standard brake system, excellent fading stability owing to consistent friction values and absolute corrosion resistance. These brakes are 380mm in diameter (front) and 350mm (rear).
A characteristic design feature of the new 911 Turbo is the modified front end with its cooling air inlets. In conjunction with the standard, oval bi-xenon headlights, the front view includes widely placed, deep-set fog lights and new LED indicators, which are situated in the lateral air inlets of the front end.
The Turbo's tail end is 22mm wider than that of the previous model and now slopes downward slightly at the sides to nestle into the contours of the rear fenders. The lateral air inlets behind the doors have also been redrawn and, together with the new air ducts, afford a more efficient supply of cooling air to the charge-air intercoolers.
The price for the 911 Turbo is €115,000 (£78,500) plus VAT and other taxes. In the USA, the 911 Turbo is priced at US$122,900 (not including taxes), and will be available from 8 July 2006.
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