The 991-generation 911 was launched in 2013 on an entirely new platform, only the third since the original 1963 Porsche 911 (901) was introduced. But, despite being less than three years old, the current 911 is set to receive a facelift in 2015. The update will include the entire lineup – although the 2016 GT3 RS will carry over unchanged for at least a couple of years – but it seems as if the non-Turbo models are the ones to benefit from the more important upgrades. At least under the hood.

As for the 2015 911 Turbo and Turbo S, both will get minor tweaks inside and out, and we now know that they get a bump up in power output as well. Expect the Porsche 911 Turbo and Turbo S to officially debut at the Detroit Auto Show->ke222 on January 11th. With that debut right around the corner, Porsche has finally filled us in on what we're going to see on the updated models. Keep reading to see what you can expect when they land in Detroit early next year.

Updated 01/20/2016: Porsche dropped a new video in which it highlights the 911 Turbo's new PTV Plus - system that actively enhances vehicle dynamics and stability. Hit "play" to learn more about it.

Continue reading to find out more about the revised Porsche 911 Turbo.

2017 Porsche 911 Turbo

Specifications
  • Make: Array
  • Model: 2017 Porsche 911 Turbo
  • Engine/Motor: flat-6
  • Horsepower: 540 @ 6400
  • [do not use] Vehicle Model: Array
Pros
Cons

Exterior

At a glance, the facelifted 911 Turbo and Turbo S are pretty similar to the models they replace, but there are some noticeable changes. Up front, there are narrow, LED daytime running lights that, along with the addition fin in the central air intake, contribute to the look of a wider stance.

To the sides, the Turbo and Turbo S have been fitted with 9x20 inch wheels up front and 11.5x20 inches in the rear – 0.5-inches wider than previous years. The wheels on the Turbo S were also redesigned, carrying a seven spoke design compared to the previous 10 spoke design. Just like the Carrera, the door handles now come without plastic inserts.

To the rear we find 3D rear lights with aura-like illumination – similar to what we see on the Carrera. The openings for the exhaust have been redesigned, as well as the dual tailpipes. The most notable design changes is the rear lid grille. It now has longitudinal louvers on the sides and a separate cover in the middle that optimizes the engine’s air inductions.

Exterior Dimensions

Wheelbase

96.46 Inches

Length

177.44 Inches

Height

51.06 Inches

Width

74.02 Inches


Interior

For the most part, the interior has been carried over unchanged. The facelifted model does however have an analog clock mounted to the top of the dash and there have been some technological updates as well. Both cars are equipped with the Sport Chrono Package with a mode switch and re-sponse button. The new 360 mm steering wheel will look familiar, as it has been adopted from the 918 Spyder. The mode button allows the driver to switch between Normal, Sport, Sport Plus, or Individual – all of which change the way the vehicles drives and reacts.

In addition to the steering wheel, both trims now have Porsche Communication Management with Online Navigation – a newly developed infotainment system. With a glass, multi-color touchscreen, it is mounted flush with the center console and includes the standard Connect Plus module. Navigation accesses traffic data in real time and routes can be visualized with 360-degree images and satellite images. Some vehicle functions can be controlled remotely by smartphone, which can now be connected via Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, or USB cable. Like previous years, a Bose sound system is standard and a Burmester system is available for an up-charge.

Drivetrain

The 911 Turbo and Turbo S now come with 20 additional horsepower over previous years – bringing the Turbo up to 540 horsepower and the Turbo S up to 580 horsepower. Both cars still utilize the 3.8-liter, flat-six, but that engine has been modified in each to accommodate the power increase. On the Turbo model, Porsche modified the inlet ports on the cylinder head, added new fuel injection nozzles and increased fuel pressure. The Turbo S has received new turbochargers and larger compressors to accommodate its increase in power.

Both cars now have a dynamic boost function that effectively improves engine response by maintaining charge pressure during load changes. Essentially, fuel supply is cut when the throttle is released, but the throttle valve remains open. By doing this, the engine responses almost instantaneously with the next press of the accelerator – meaning you’ll experience better response times when shifting. Fuel consumption has been improved slightly, while performance has been improved. The Turbo S Coupe hits 62 mph from a stop in just 2.9 seconds, with a top speed 205 mph. The 911 Turbo now hits 62 mph in just 3.0 seconds with a top speed of 198 mph. In comparison to previous years, that is 7.4 mph and 3.1 mph faster, respectively.

Drivetrain Specifications

Porsche 911 Turbo

Porsche 911 Turbo S

Cylinder layout / number of cylinders

Boxer 6

Boxer 6

Displacement

3.8 l

3.8 l

Compression ratio

9.8 : 1

9.8 : 1

Engine layout

Rear engine

Rear engine

Max. Power

540 HP @ 6,400 RPM

580 HP @ 6,400 RPM

Max. Torque

TBD

TBD

Acceleration 0 - 60 mph

2.9 sec with Sport Chrono

2.8 sec with Sport Chrono

Top Speed

198 MPH

205 MPH


Prices

The new 911 turbo will launch in Germany starting in January 2016. The base, 911 Turbo will start out at 174, 669 Euro ($185,620,) while the 911 Turbo Cabriolet clocks in at 187,759 Euro ($199,521). The 911 Turbo S comes in at 202,872 Euro ($215,592) and the Turbo S Cabriolet starts out at 215,962 Euro ($229,502.) These prices are before available options, taxes and delivery, while the conversion rates are accurate as of the time of this writing.

Model

Price

911 Turbo

$159,200

911 Turbo Cabriolet

$171,500

911 Turbo S

$188,100

911 Turbo S Cabriolet

$200,400


Competitors

McLaren 570S Coupe

The 2016 McLaren 570S Coupe is McLaren’s->ke284 first venture into this niche and the facelifted 911 Turbo's main rival once in dealerships. Unlike the 911 Turbo, the 570S->ke4924 comes with a mid-mounted V-8 engine in the form of a turbocharged, 3.8-liter unit. The mill generates 562 horsepower and 443 pound-feet of torque, which makes it a bit more powerful than the current 911 Turbo S. However, the 570S is a bit slower in a straight line, needing 3.2 seconds to hit 62 mph before topping out at 204 mph. But what makes the 570S truly special is its curb weight. Tipping the scales at only 2,895 pounds, the British sports car is 642 pounds lighter than the 911 Turbo S. Pricing starts from $184,900.

Read our full review here.

Audi R8

While Porsche was working on an update for the 911 Turbo, Audi->ke14 took its time to give the R8->ke1440 a complete overhaul. Significantly lighter than its predecessor due to extensive use of carbon-fiber, aluminum, and CFRP, the German->ke2091 sports car->ke506 is faster and more nimble. The updated 5.2-liter V-10 engine delivers 540 horsepower and 398 pound-feet of torque in the base model and 610 horses and 413 pound-feet in the V10 Plus version. But although the V10 Plus is significantly more powerful than both the 570S and 911 Turbo S, its 0-to-60 mph 3.2-second sprint doesn’t make it the quickest of the bunch. Top speed, on the other hand, is superior at 205.

Find out more about the Audi R8 here.

Conclusion

As always, Porsche's facelift for the 911 is just a mild update meant to keep the sports car in line with other products in this crowded niche. The visual upgrade and the added oomph won't do much to change the vehicle's behavior on the road and the track, but customers expect a refresh once in a while, and Porsche needs to step up and deliver. The increased power and technological updates of the 911 Turbo and Turbo S will help these cars carry on as one of the most desirable vehicles in the world.

Spy shots

August 15, 2015 - 911 Turbo hits the Nurburgring

February 26, 2015 - Porsche 911 Turbo reveals its interior

September 8, 2014 - Porsche 911 Turbo caught in pre-production trim

March 31, 2014 - Porsche 911 Turbo testing on the open road

January 24th, 2014 - Porsche 911 Turbo begins winter testing

December 19th, 2013 - First Sighting

Updated History

Updated 01/14/2016: Porsche dropped a new video in which it highlights the Porsche Traction Management (PTM) system found in the new 911 Turbo. As a reminder, PTM is an active all-wheel drive system with an electronically variable map-controlled multi-plate clutch that distributes drive power between the permanently driven rear axle and the front axle. Hit "play" to learn more about it.

Updated 01/04/2016: Porsche dropped a new video in which it highlights the aerodynamic features of its new 911 Turbo. Hit "play" to learn more about it.

Updated 12/23/2015: Porsche dropped a new video for its new 911 Turbo in which it wants to prove that the new sports car is perfect for everyday usability. Hit "play" to watch it!

Updated 12/21/2015: Porsche dropped a new video for its latest 911 Turbo, this time showing the sports car in action. Hit "play" to watch it!

Updated 12/15/2015: Porsche dropped two new video for its latest 911 Turbo in which it presents the sports car's latest 3.8-litre, twin-turbo six-cylinder engine. Hit "play" to watch them!

Updated 12/04/2015: Porsche dropped two new promo video for its latest 911 Turbo. Hit "play" to watch them!

Updated 12/01/2015: Porsche has finally unveiled official pictures and specifications of the updated Turbo and Turbo S!

Updated 09/29/2015: The guys over Gumbal caught the upcoming Porsche 911 Turbo out for a testing session on the Nurburgring race track. What's even better is that we are talking about the S version!

Updated 08/19/2015: A production-ready 911 Turbo showed up on the Nurburgring->ke999 today, less than a month before its official debut at the Frankfurt Auto Show->ke235 in September.