To the surprise of no one who might even consider buying one, Porsche has finally announced that it is going to build a turbocharged model of this generation of the 911.
When it goes on sale next year, says Bob Carlson of Porsche Cars North America, the all-wheel-drive 911 Turbo will be "the ultimate performer in Porsche's lineup," using a 3.6-liter, flat-six cylinder engine producing 420 horsepower at 6,000 rpm and 413 pound-feet of torque at just 2,700 rpm.
Carlson says this water-cooled powerplant will propel the car from 0 to 100 km/h in 4.2 seconds, from 0 to 160km/h in 9.2 seconds, and to a "top track speed" of 305 km/h. To further enhance handling and safety, Carlson says, the 911 Turbo now features the Porsche Stability Management (PSM) system first introduced on the 1999 Porsche 911 Carrera 4.
Externally, the new 911 Turbo is distinguished by its three large air scoops in the front, flared rear wheel arches with integrated intercooler air intake ducts on the side, and an all-new retractable rear wing mounted on a newly designed engine cover.
Among the new 911 Turbo's many standard features, says Carlson, are a 6-speed manual transmission, leather upholstery, an electrically adjustable driver's seat with memory, a 3-spoke sports steering wheel, and 18-inch hollow-spoke light-alloy wheels featuring 225/40 tires at the front and 295/30 tires at the rear.