This is Porsche’s new 911 Turbo, with an enlarged and twin-turbocharged engine producing more power, plus the option of a twin-clutch gearbox that features proper gearshift paddles.
What’s the new engine in this new Porsche 911 Turbo?
Unbelievably, it’s the first entirely new engine in the 35-year history of the Turbo. Essentially it’s the same direct-injection 3.8-litre flat-six that you’ll find in regular 911s, but now fitted with variable geometry twin turbos to give a healthy 493bhp, a 20bhp increase over the current car.
Porsche also claims CO2 emissions are down by around 18%, fuel consumption is improved, the 0-62mph time is cut to 3.4 seconds and the top speed is up two notches to 194mph.
A six-speed manual is still standard, but for the first time the seven-speed double-clutch PDK gearbox is available. And the good news for enthusiasts is that although the counter-intuitive rocker switches are standard, customers can opt for proper steering wheel-mounted paddles. Spec the optional Sport Chrono Package and whether you pick the paddles or switches, the steering wheel also comes with an integrated display for the Launch Control and Sport/SportPlus modes.
Other tweaks include new front and rear lights, a mildly revised interior in line with the rest of the 911 range, and changes to the four-wheel drive hardware.
The new 911 Turbo will officially be unveiled at the Frankfurt motor show in September, before going on sale in November 2009. The coupe version will cost £101,823 (up from £99,679) and the cabriolet is priced at £109,048, a £3144 increase.
