With 2011 right around the corner, not to mention an even more spectacular S variant, the ''base'' 2010 Porsche 911 Turbo doesn't seem as attractive. Yet, the neglected one is full of merits. In fact, unless you intend to make a living on the track, the gap is so small and subtle that it's barely worth mentioning.
Despite being a few horsepower short, the 911 Turbo stays true to the German automotive icon, both in terms of performance and driving dynamics. With a warrior mentality, it's always ready for any time trial around the globe.
About a year ago, this model was also the first to receive significant upgrades that made it even more stunning.
Technically more advanced
Unsurprisingly, the biggest change to the 911 Turbo lies under the metallic skin. The engine block has been totally reworked and fitted with innovative technologies developed by Porsche. At the same time, there are fewer parts involved in the design, which contributed to an overall weight loss of nearly 10 kilos.
Direct fuel injection is part of the mix, too. In addition to improving engine cooling, it allowed Porsche engineers to easily increase displacement (now at 3.8 litres) as well as the compression ratio.
Even the hyper-sophisticated lubrication system exclusive to Porsche has been upgraded. The piggyback reservoir remains where it belongs, but there are now six pumps to achieve a smoother oil flow.
I could go on and on about all the technical improvements to the 911 Turbo, but it would take forever and you would probably need a mechanics dictionary. Heck, in some cases, only the engineers themselves are able to recognize and appreciate the benefits. Suffice it to say that output is up by 20 horsepower for a total of 500 along with 479 pounds-foot of torque – impressive numbers for a sports car that never stops shedding pounds.
Despite being a few horsepower short, the 911 Turbo stays true to the German automotive icon, both in terms of performance and driving dynamics. With a warrior mentality, it's always ready for any time trial around the globe.
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| The 911 Turbo stays true to the German automotive icon, both in terms of performance and driving dynamics. (Photo: Matthieu Lambert/Auto123.com) |
About a year ago, this model was also the first to receive significant upgrades that made it even more stunning.
Technically more advanced
Unsurprisingly, the biggest change to the 911 Turbo lies under the metallic skin. The engine block has been totally reworked and fitted with innovative technologies developed by Porsche. At the same time, there are fewer parts involved in the design, which contributed to an overall weight loss of nearly 10 kilos.
Direct fuel injection is part of the mix, too. In addition to improving engine cooling, it allowed Porsche engineers to easily increase displacement (now at 3.8 litres) as well as the compression ratio.
Even the hyper-sophisticated lubrication system exclusive to Porsche has been upgraded. The piggyback reservoir remains where it belongs, but there are now six pumps to achieve a smoother oil flow.
I could go on and on about all the technical improvements to the 911 Turbo, but it would take forever and you would probably need a mechanics dictionary. Heck, in some cases, only the engineers themselves are able to recognize and appreciate the benefits. Suffice it to say that output is up by 20 horsepower for a total of 500 along with 479 pounds-foot of torque – impressive numbers for a sports car that never stops shedding pounds.
 |
| The engine of the 911 turbo is up by 20 horsepower for a total of 500 along with 479 pounds-foot of torque. (Photo: Matthieu Lambert/Auto123.com) |