Thursday 15th December 2005

Porsche 911 Turbo emerges

New superfast icon spy-shotted

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Early mock-up not far from reality

The new Porsche 911 Turbo is in the open. Due to launch at the Geneva Show next February, Porsche's secret is out -- the car has been spy-shotted as it emerged from the company's factory gates.

The differences between it and the standard 997 are clear. The side scoops are replaced by large and deeper openings, plus a pair of bulging housings inside which sit high-intensity fog lamps. The parking lights and indicators, rather than sitting below the headlamps in the front valance are housed in slats that run across the side scoops.

The sills are more pronounced and, in the traditional manner, the Turbo grows air scoops ahead of the rear wheels for added cooling. At the rear, like the 996, the spoiler is almost a replica of the infamous duck-tail from the 1970s. There are also two air outlets outside of the trapezoidal exhaust vents, giving a more aggressive look than the rather meek-looking rear of the 996 Turbo.

Sadly, we can't publish actual pics for copyright reasons, but see the link below.

Inside the engine bay sits a 3.6-litre turbocharged version of what sources suggest will be a derivation of the 996's motor. This engine was itself evolved from Porsche’s Le Mans-winning 911 GT1 sports car programme, and was related to the engine used in the 993, the last, much-mourned air-cooled model.

Power outputs are uncertain, but some reports suggest 500bhp to all four wheels is possible, up 20 per cent on the outgoing model. More likely though is a lesser figure, given Porsche's penchant for careful, step-by-step improvements, rather than giant leaps into the unknown.

We can't wait...

• Pictures of the new Porsche 911 Turbo

[r988]

So whats the 991 a typo or is that what the Turbo is called?

Looks ok, much better than the mock up, fog lights spoil it a bit IMHO though.

[oli_quick]

Do the auto week pictures make it look a little like a cayman...or is it just my eye??

[verysideways]

oli_quick said:

Do the auto week pictures make it look a little like a cayman...or is it just my eye??

Don't worry, my eyes see it that way too...

[adrianfe]

Front valance looks way too fussy IMHO

>> Edited by adrianfe on Thursday 15th December 11:43

[dinkel]

verysideways said:

oli_quick said: Do the auto week pictures make it look a little like a cayman...or is it just my eye?? Don't worry, my eyes see it that way too...

. . . indeed, but here they succeded the design! Proper big rubber at the back . . . nicer tail. a hint of the old 80s Turbo-look. Front could be a bit more specific.

[SlimJ]

I canny get the site to load up, is it just me?

[Rob_F]

Hmmm. Whilst i prefer the 997 to the 996 in general i actually think this Turbo looks far too 'unresolved'. The front bumper/fog lights remind me of that Megane Cup too, not pretty....

Cheers,
Rob.

[hayesey]

SlimJ said:

I canny get the site to load up, is it just me?

nope, neither can I

[e_t_s]

I saw 8 997s testing in Santa Barbara a couple of weeks ago, and four of them obviously was the new turbo. All cladded in tape and plastic, they were wider, had spoilers and larger front air intakes plus the usual side air intakes. The guys driving them told me and my friends that we had to delete the pictures or else they would get into trouble with their boss, so of course the cars weren't just regular 997s...

[TonyToniTone]

hayesey said:

SlimJ said: I canny get the site to load up, is it just me? nope, neither can I

I had to refresh it a few times to load..

[MR BEE]

Whats wrong with you people. When you see it in the flesh it will i be predict be simply gorgeous. I can't belive that there is anybody who wouldnt want one of these sitting in their garage.

[wab172uk]

I want, I want, I want. Nuf said.

[houlbt]

adrianfe said:

Front valance looks way too fussy IMHO

Agree 100%

[silver993tt]

MR BEE said:

Whats wrong with you people. When you see it in the flesh it will i be predict be simply gorgeous. I can't belive that there is anybody who wouldnt want one of these sitting in their garage.

exactly

[350plus]

MR BEE said:

Whats wrong with you people. When you see it in the flesh it will i be predict be simply gorgeous. I can't belive that there is anybody who wouldnt want one of these sitting in their garage.

Not me - 911's are way too common nowadays, whatever the variant is designated

[DanH]

MR BEE said:

Whats wrong with you people. When you see it in the flesh it will i be predict be simply gorgeous. I can't belive that there is anybody who wouldnt want one of these sitting in their garage.

At least with it parked in the garage, I wouldn't have to look out onto it from my front window

[silver993tt]

350plus said:

MR BEE said: Whats wrong with you people. When you see it in the flesh it will i be predict be simply gorgeous. I can't belive that there is anybody who wouldnt want one of these sitting in their garage. Not me - 911's are way too common nowadays, whatever the variant is designated

That's because they're great cars

[911fan]

1. The real thing will probably make ur eyes want to roll over its curves again and again.
2. It'll probably have more potency than one could ever actually cope with, the exception being the select few seasoned drivers.
3. I could never make one.

[silver993tt]

Has there ever been a 911 turbo that has not has the WOW factor? Let's wait until we see it in the flesh

[clorenzen]

I just think it is plain ugly. Looks like a NASCAR to me with this huge underlipp (with blisters).