991 Turbo Revealed - Faster Than Ever (Part 2)

However, it will certainly sound better in day-to-day use. Something 911 Turbo models have traditionally lacked is the raw bark of their normally aspirated brethren. Porsche’s solution? A sound symposer that transmits extra induction rort into the cabin through a speaker. We can’t wait to find out the difference it makes.

This is the biggest 911 Turbo there’s ever been, so to offset this growth in dimensions Porsche has included rear axle steering. The suspension’s control arms are replaced by electro-mechanical actuators, which alter the rear steering angle by up to 2.8 degrees. As with the 991 GT3, they can steer in two ways. Up to 32mph, they go in the opposite direction to the front wheels: this extra ‘kick’ from the rear end shortens the wheelbase by 250mm. It’s felt at lower speeds, but Porsche says it helps the car corner faster and respond more dynamically to the steering. Go over 50mph and the rear wheels turn in the same direction as the front. Again, it helps the steering force build faster by quickening the buildup of sideways force at the rear. At 32-50mph, the rear wheels don’t turn at all, ensuring that there’s no phase confusion during transitions of speed.

With a 28mm wider rear than the 911 Carrera 4 and 100mm stretched wheelbase, this is the longest and widest Turbo yet

Significantly, the PTM all-wheel drive system is new. It now features an electronically controlled and activated multi-plate coupling that, impressively, is now water-cooled. This allows even more torque to be sent to the front wheels, while Porsche adds that acceleration is improved by being able to optimize the engine, transmission and all-wheel-drive systems faster and more accurately.

In ultimate Turbo S guise, Porsche gives it an additional ability boost by fitting PDCC dynamic chassis control. This features on the 911 Turbo for the first time and gives both flatter cornering and greater dynamic performance potential. Because drivers will undoubtedly indulge its extra speed and cornering ability, Porsche fits PCCB ceramic brakes as standard, and both PDCC and PCCB are optional on the Turbo.

Center-locking wheels are once again standard on the Turbo S

Porsche will launch the 911 Turbo at the end of September, with first orders for the car being taken now. Prices are at a premium: the Turbo starts at $177,524, with the Turbo S retailing from $211,278. Standard equipment compensates, with leather, BOSE and DAB all standard.

The Turbo S justifies its $33,000 price increase with PDCC, PCCB, Sport Chrono Package Plus (with dynamic engine mounts), LED headlights and unique black/Carrera red trim. It also gets hub wheel locks for the forged 20-inch rims, not to mention full LED headlights, complete with distinctive four-point daytime running lights. If Turbo buyers want them, they’re available on the 520hp motor as a cost option.

The new 991 Turbo interior

It’s more expensive, then, but potentially cheaper to run. The new 991 Turbo is up to 16 per cent more fuel efficient, despite the extra performance. New thermal management for the turbo and the PDK gearbox help here, as does the new active aero functionality that allows the big wings to be tucked away when not needed. Both Turbo and Turbo S cars can average 29.1mpg, and both also now have stop-start that activates earlier – switching the engine off as it costs to a halt rather than waiting for the car to come to a complete standstill.

So what do we have? Yet another tantalizing new Porsche performance, that’s what. The 991 GT3 has already taken a technological leap forward, with its race-inspired PDK gearbox and aggressive new engine, and the Turbo takes this to a new level with the new PTM system, active rear-axle steering, PDCC active antiroll enhanced engine efficiency and that new adaptive aerodynamic setup.

It’s more expensive, then, but potentially cheaper to run

Will it be a new benchmark? We will have to wait a few months before we find out, although the potential is certainly there. 40 years on, the 911 Turbo remains a force to be reckoned with.