The new Porsche 911 Turbo

[act2617]

Tuesday, February 14, 2006
Porsche 911 Turbo

Porsche AG, Stuttgart, is extending its current product range with the addition of a new 911 Turbo . The sixth generation of the 911 series' top-of-the-range model will be celebrating its world premiere on February 28, 2006 at the Geneva Motor Show and will be available in German dealerships as from June 24, 2006.

The 911 Turbo (Type 997) now has an output of 353 kW (480 bhp) at 6,000 revolutions per minute, 60 bhp more than its predecessor (Type 996). The specific output of the 3.6-litre boxer engine thus climbs to a new all-time high of 98 kW (133 bhp) per litre of displacement. Rated torque has been increased from 560 to 620 Newton meters. The speed range in which this power is available has also been extended. While the previous model's maximum torque was available between 2,700 and 4,600 revolutions per minute, the corresponding figures are now 1,950 to 5,000 revs.

These improvements are translated into driving performance. The new 911 Turbo with six-speed manual transmission requires 3.9 seconds for the standard sprint from zero to 100 km/h. The coupe reaches the 200 km/h mark in 12.8 seconds. And just 3.8 seconds are all it takes for the most powerful series-built 911 model of all time to accelerate from 80 to 120 km/h in fifth gear. Despite these enhanced performance statistics, Porsche developers succeeded in reducing average fuel consumption by one tenth to 12.8 litres per 100 kilometres.

The 911 Turbo with the optionally available Tiptronic S automatic transmission puts in an even more impressive performance. An optimized setup gives the vehicle the wherewithal to power from zero to one hundred in just 3.7 seconds and to reach 200 km/h after a mere 12.2 seconds.
The Turbo with automatic transmission also has the advantage when it comes to flexibility. In penultimate gear it accelerates from 80 auf 120 km/h in 3.5 seconds. Fuel consumption by the Tiptronic S variant is 0.3 litres lower than that of its predecessor: 13.6 litres in accordance with the EU standard. Both transmission variants have a top speed of 310 km/h.

The vehicle's flexibility can be enhanced even further with the optional "Sport Chrono Package Turbo", available for the first time. Here the driver selects the "sports button" adjacent to the gear lever to activate a short-time "overboost" at full throttle. This increases boost pressure in the mid speed range by 0.2 bar for up to ten seconds; torque rises by 60 to 680 Newton meters. The time required by the 911 Turbo with manual transmission for intermediate acceleration from 80 to 120 km/h is reduced by 0.3 seconds to 3.5 seconds.

These performance figures owe themselves to exhaust turbochargers with variable turbine geometry, featuring for the first time in a gasoline engine model. At the heart of this technology are adjustable guide blades, which direct the engine exhaust flow variably and precisely onto the turbine wheel of the exhaust turbocharger. The principle of variable turbine geometry unites the advantages of small and large exhaust turbochargers and leads to a discernable improvement in flexibility and acceleration, particularly at low speeds.

To transfer the available power to the road, the new generation of the 911 Turbo features a redesigned all-wheel drive with an electronically controlled multi-disc clutch. Porsche Traction Management (PTM) ensures variable power distribution to the two driven axles. Depending on the driving conditions, the all-wheel electronics system constantly determine the optimal torque distribution to ensure the best-possible drive. In practice this translates as high agility on narrow country roads, outstanding traction in rain and snow and optimal active safety even at high speeds. These properties make the Porsche Traction Management system in the new 911 Turbo one of the most powerful and, at the same time, lightest all-wheel systems on the market.

The new 911 Turbo's driving performance is duly tempered by its brake system, which comprises monobloc fixed-caliper disc brakes with six pistons at the front axle and four at the rear.

In comparison with the Type 996, the diameter of the internally ventilated and perforated brake discs at the front and rear wheels has been increased by 20 millimetres to 350 millimetres. As an option, Porsche is also offering its optimized ceramic brake system, PCCB (Porsche Ceramic Composite Brake). The advantages of this high-tech material mean a reduction of 17 kilograms compared to the standard brake system, excellent fading stability owing to consistent friction values and absolute corrosion resistance. The brakes now have a diameter of 380 millimetres at the front axle and 350 millimetres at the rear.

A characteristic design feature of the new 911 Turbo is the modified front end with its distinctive, tautly drawn cooling air inlets. In conjunction with the standard-equipment oval bi-xenon headlights, they define its unmistakable image. The harmonious front view is enhanced by widely placed and deep-set fog lights and by new LED flashers, which are situated in the lateral air inlets of the front end. From the rear perspective too, the Turbo takes on a more powerful appearance. This is due first and foremost to its tail end, 22 millimetres wider than that of the previous model, to which the redesigned wing spoiler element has been aligned. It now slopes downward slightly at the sides to nestle into the contours of the rear fenders. The lateral air inlets behind the doors have also been redrawn and, together with the new air ducts, afford a more efficient supply of cooling air to the charge-air intercoolers.

The basic Euro price for the 911 Turbo is 115,000 Euros. In Germany it is available for 133,603 Euros including value added tax and country-specific requirements. In the USA the 911 Turbo is priced at 122,900 Dollars (not including taxes), and will be available as from July 8, 2006.

In addition to the 911 Turbo, as a special surprise at the Geneva Motor Show, Porsche will be presenting another world premiere: the new 911 GT3. You will receive technical data and photos of this "racing car for the road" on February 28, 2006, the first press day in Geneva.

Source: Porsche Press Releases

[BlueRaven]

I'm not sure how cool I am with the retrofit looking lights. It basically looks like the car came from somewhere around 1995.

[act2617]

Originally Posted by BlueRaven

I'm not sure how cool I am with the retrofit looking lights. It basically looks like the car came from somewhere around 1995.

You don't see the lights when you drive the thing. > BIG GRIN <

F.F.don't F.

[Des]

Where's that lotto ticket?

[Perana]

Originally Posted by BlueRaven

I'm not sure how cool I am with the retrofit looking lights. It basically looks like the car came from somewhere around 1995.

Agreed... It sounds like it goes great but seriously Porsche have the laziest design department around.

[ON_DUBS]

still carrera gt 4 me

[SB076]

Originally Posted by Perana XR8

Agreed... It sounds like it goes great but seriously Porsche have the laziest design department around.

I think they look great though, they might be lazy but when they design something they get it right IMO

[MrSparkle]

Well better than the previous "fried egg" shape headlights.

Hang on, this is a European car! It doesn't belong on these forums FFS!!!

[BlueRaven]

Originally Posted by MrSparkle

Well better than the previous "fried egg" shape headlights.

Hang on, this is a European car! It doesn't belong on these forums FFS!!!

Unless its because...

a) its a ford/american car made faster by germans

b) is a european designed car released by ford

c) its a strange looking thing someone saw on the road

d) its yet another car based from the technology of a truck to compete with european models :P

[M&Ms]

Anyone else notice that the auto is now quicker than the manual??

[Des]

Originally Posted by M&Ms

Anyone else notice that the auto is now quicker than the manual??

Say thank you to Mr Computer and Mr Torque. Have a look to see where max Nm starts, from 1950 rpm. The auto would never be out of the max torque range on change up and would allow a degree of "stall" at launch. With AWD this would be an advantage I reckon, no clutch slip or excessive wheel spin.

[Steffo]

911 Turbo always raises the bar a notch higher for these types of sports cars.

Just look at what various companies built to MATCH the old 309kW 560Nm 911 Turbo...

Lamborghini Gallardo - 368kW 510Nm 5.0 V10, 6spd man and 6spd sequential, AWD

Ferrari F430 - 360kW 465Nm 4.3 V8, 6spd man and 6spd sequential, RWD

Chevrolet Corvette Z06 - 377kW 637Nm 7.0 V8, 6spd man, RWD

They're the main competition. They all match the old 996. The new one, with a 5spd auto, of all things, will run rings around them. I want one!

[Falcon Freak]

Don't like it. The front and rear bumper bars are too 'busy'. The best styled 911 Turbo was the 993. If they could put the interior of the 997 into the 993 it would be one sweet car.

FF

[chief]

Didn't Top Gear road test the car and say the engineer who designed the look of the car has got to be the lasyiest engineer ever.

edit: just watched the episode again and its not this Porsche they test.

[Perana]

Originally Posted by chief

Didn't Top Gear road test the car and say the engineer who designed the look of the car has got to be the lasyiest engineer ever.

edit: just watched the episode again and its not this Porsche they test.

Yeah that was in relation to the styling of the new 911 IIRC

[Des]

Originally Posted by Steffo

911 Turbo always raises the bar a notch higher for these types of sports cars.

Just look at what various companies built to MATCH the old 309kW 560Nm 911 Turbo...

Lamborghini Gallardo - 368kW 510Nm 5.0 V10, 6spd man and 6spd sequential, AWD

Ferrari F430 - 360kW 465Nm 4.3 V8, 6spd man and 6spd sequential, RWD

Chevrolet Corvette Z06 - 377kW 637Nm 7.0 V8, 6spd man, RWD

They're the main competition. They all match the old 996. The new one, with a 5spd auto, of all things, will run rings around them. I want one!

I'll second that.

[tbearz]

known fact, all porches look the same and thats the thing i hate most
atleast with ferrari or lambo they look different damn u stugartians.....but they are still engineering master pieces except for cayman s that is hidious

[Olympus]

If it ain't broke don't fix it.
I have respect for a company that's been building the "same" car for 40 years and still manages to raise the bar and be highly competitive in it's field.
To me the new 911 is sex on wheels.

[UNR8D]

Rated torque has been increased from 560 to 620 Newton meters

hell yea!

may be a lazy design company but they still raise the bar when it comes to ultimate performance and handleing...

[ExAreSix]

Originally Posted by Rollin

seriously, i would very nearly swap my car for that thing, which is not something i say about many cars!

You would NEARLY swap your E series XR6 for a 997 Turbo?? NEARLY???
You need your head checked dude... :

[Ryan]

I agree Porsches look nice but they seriously havent changed their body design drastically in the last 20 years or so.

[Falcon Freak]

Originally Posted by Ryan

I agree Porsches look nice but they seriously havent changed their body design drastically in the last 20 years or so.

More like 42 years as that is how long the 911 shape has existed. If it looks good and people want to buy it then why change for change's sake?

FF