► The Porsche Turbo S, now in 992 form
► 641bhp and four-wheel drive
► The best 911 ’til the GT models arrive
You’re looking at the new Porsche 911 Turbo, the ever-so-slightly tamer version of Stuttgart’s range-topping Turbo S. Until the GT models get here, it’s the second-fastest version of the new 992 – and that still makes it pretty quick.
The Turbo S uses the same 3.7-litre twin-turbo flat-six as the S, as well as an eight-speed PDK ‘box –but it’s all been turned down a little. Power is now ‘just’ 572bhp, while torque is 552lb ft. Compared to the previous generation, the Turbo has gained around 40bhp and 30lb ft of torque.
Impressive in isolation, but a 69hp shortfall on the S. Torque is also down 38lb ft.
Still, that doesn’t translate awfully on paper, because the Turbo gets from 0-62mph in 2.8 seconds – just 0.1 behind the S. Top speed is also 199mph, 6mph less than the S, but quite a bit more than 70mph…
What else is different?
Although the Turbo powerplant shares a lot with the flagship, it does lose out on the chassis side. Porsche has dumped the Turbo S’ standard PCCB stoppers and replaced them with cast-iron ones. The flagship’s magic anti-roll system has been stripped out too.
The adaptive-aero from the Turbo S has at leaest survived the chop, but the matrix-LED headlights have disappeared in translation, as have the iconic centre-lock wheels.
Still, at £134,400 (Coupe) and £143,560 (Cabriolet) the Turbo still offers a decent saving over the S.
Porsche 911 Turbo S
The new range-topper for the new 992 – at least until the GT models get here – the Turbo S produces 641bhp from a forced-induction 3.8-litre flat six.
Tell us about the engine?
Unlike the Taycan Turbo S, this Porsche turbo actually has twin-turbochargers, and straps them to a new 3.8-litre engine block. Part of the power gain comes from larger turbochargers with Variable Turbine geometry: the turbine wheels are now five millimetres larger at 55 mm, and the 61mm compressor wheel is three millimetres larger than before. The wastegate flaps are electronically controlled now, for faster response times.
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Even the layout of the turbochargers themselves is different for the 992 Turbo S: they now sit symmetrically, rotating opposite ways. Throw in piezo fuel injectors like we’ve seen elsewhere in the new 911 range, and power and torque – as well as efficiency – is all up on last gen’s model.
So how powerful, and how quick?
There’s a handsome increase in power: 641bhp is 69bhp more than the 991.2 Turbo S, and at 580 lb ft, the torque is up by 37 lb ft.
To cope with the extra power, Stuttgart’s engine bods have rethought the cooling philosophy for the new 992 Turbo S. Porsche Dynamic Chassis Control, along with PASM all-wheel drive also means the 911 can put some of that power down efficiently: 369 lb ft of torque can be diverted to the front axle if needed.
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It’s all mated to an eight-speed PDK box, which promises a 0-62mph dash of 2.7 seconds (0.2 seconds faster than last time around) and 0-120 mph in just 8.9 – one second faster than the 991.2. Top speed is an autobahn-crushing 205mph.
It looks like a Turbo…
The Turbo S badge means this 911’s hips have grown by 20mm to 1900mm. The track is 42mm rider and the front axle and 10mm at the rear, too – both promising increased grip and agility on the roads. The Turbo S rolls on 20-inch 255/35 wheels on the front axle, and 21-inch 315/30 wheels on the rear – and there’s a new centre-lock design for the alloys.
Aero grip is equally important for the 992 Turbo S: downforce is up 15% thanks to a reworked, saucer-like rear wing, and active aero in the front spoiler.
Alongside the extra girth, the new 911 Turbo S features all the hallmarks of Stuttgart’s range-topper. Additional rear and wider front air-intakes, a pair of squared-off dual exhausts and dual front-light modules mark this out as something other than standard 911.
So how much?
The 911 Turbo S Coupe will cost £155,970, while the Cabriolet will set you back £165,127. If that’s not quite maxing your budget, Porsche will also let you tick a length options list, which includes a 10mm lower sports chassis, and sports exhaust.
Everything you need to know about the new Porsche 911 (992)