Lightweight and Sport packages for 911 Turbo S
Need a 650hp 911 to be lighter, and sportier? Now there are two more Turbo options to consider...
As the world around it as continued to change, so the modern 911 Turbo - let's say from 996 onwards - has remained remarkably constant. It's been incredibly fast, nicely appointed, freakishly capable and, given the performance, relatively subtle as well. Now that looks set to change, with both Sport and Lightweight packages being offered for the 992 flagship.
The Turbo is meant to be about all-weather practicality, refinement, and performance, right? Well, opt for a Lightweight package and your comfy chairs up front will be replaced by full bucket seats, and the rear ones ditched entirely. A two-seat Turbo! Combine that with reduced sound insulation and lighter glass, and the Lightweight equipment reduces kerb weight by 30kg. Doesn't sound like much, but there's the potential that with a bit more noise, and the increased sense of connection through the buckets, that past criticism of being a little aloof at less than warp speed might be addressed. Let's see.
The Sport package is said to "emphasise the dynamic attributes of the new flagship 911." An evolution of the Sport Design kit already available, buyers will get "exclusive design tail lights and numerous high-gloss black body details." Hmmm. Interestingly - or perhaps cynically, depending on perspective - the Sport package also comes with a carbon roof, meaning those after the very lightest Turbo S will have to have both upgrades fitted.
Thus equipped, it sounds like the end result may be along the lines of the Carrera T, where a few minor tweaks add up to form a worthwhile overall change. A Turbo ST, if you will, but then that really is a confusing Porsche name. Prices for both Sport and Lightweight packs are yet to be announced, though given the equipment that's involved they're not likely to be small extras. As for their effect on the Turbo S experience, we'll hope to find out as soon as possible - quite when that will be, however, is currently anyone's guess.
But then look at Ferraris - some years ago the 355 was not far from my reach - now, not only is a new Ferrari a plaything for the super rich, but also something the size of an aircraft carrier, and not something that I would want even if I could afford it. So one can argue that it the context of its rivals the 911 is still the sensible choice - but do we still want to go there?
Why would anyone want to remove the USP of a 911 (the back seats) just to save 30kg? I thought it was generally accepted that the 911 has grown into a more of a GT car.
Other than the face melting speed (although to be fair, you can get an estate car that's just as fast these days), they just aren't much fun. The low for me was the 997.1 which made absolutely zero noise - I don't know how Porsche managed to suck the fun out of something so quick, but they managed it.
Not doubting they are incredible all rounders though, hence despite my moans I've had 3. However, it could never be my only car. Moreover, the GT3 is so refined nowadays that it is genuinely liveable everyday.
A 992 Carrera S’s cabin is filled with a cacophonous 80dB of road noise at a mere 60mph (source: Harry’s Garage). So, will the 992 Turbo have additional sound proofing? (Indeed, has the Turbo ever had extra sound proofing?)
If not, can we please abandon the myth that 911s are “refined”. The 992 may have the dimensions and weight of a GT but in reality it’s still a noisy sports car.
Does Porsche just make one car but with 35 different badges, and basically just option them differently?
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