911 Turbo now even more potent

Published Dec 1, 2015

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By: IOL Motoring Staff

Stuttgart - Although the 911 Turbo models are no longer the only ones in the range to have turbo power, thanks to the new Carreras being force fed, the Turbo badge still carries top dog status and that applies even more so to the refreshed versions.

Revealed on the web ahead of their debut at the Detroit Motor Show in January, the facelifted 911 Turbo and Turbo S both receive a 15kW power boost to their respective 3.8-litre twin-turbocharged flat-six engines.

Thanks to modified inlet ports, new injection nozzles and higher fuel pressure the Turbo is now good for 397kW while the Turbo S gains new turbochargers with larger compressors to push 427kW.

What does this mean on the street? According to Porsche the Turbo will now run from 0-100km/h in three seconds flat and reach a top speed of 319km/h. The Turbo S runs to 100 in 2.9s and reaches 330km/h. Porsche also claims slight improvements to fuel consumption but let's not open that can of worms.

NEW ‘MODE SWITCH’

Both Turbo models are fitted as standard with Porsche's Sport Chrono Package, with 'Mode Switch' and a 'Sport Response' button.

The 'Mode Switch' can be found on the new 918 Spyder-inspired steering wheel and is a rotary ring that allows drivers to choose between Normal, Sport, Sport Plus or Individual settings - the latter being a dynamic set-up that the driver can personalise. In the middle of this mode switch is the aforementioned 'Sport Response' button, which pre-conditions the engine and transmission for full-tilt responsiveness for up to 20 seconds - something you might want when overtaking.

Another sporting alteration to the Turbo models is a new sport mode for the PSM stability control which takes you even "closer to the performance limits" according to Porsche.

MORE GADGETS, OPTIONS

Inside the 911 Turbos you'll find a new touch-screen infotainment system featuring Wi-Fi, enhanced smart-phone integration and navigation with 360-degree images.

Porsche has also added some new options to the Turbo range, including a front axle lift mechanism that allows you to raise the front by 40mm for speed humps and there's a radar-based lane change assist system available.

As before, you can have the Turbo and Turbo S in both Coupe and Cabriolet body styles and both have been mildly facelifted to bring them into line with the recently revised 911 Carrera models.

Porsche has just opened the order books for local customers ahead of the 911 Turbo and Turbo S arriving on SA shores in April 2016. Given the volatility of the rand, it is still too early to confirm prices though.

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