We know that a new 911 Turbo is coming soon, and we already have a pretty large collection of spy shots of the various mules running around. One thing we never managed to get a good shot of though, was the car’s interior. That all changes today, thanks to our crafty spy photographers. They caught one of the Turbo test cars parked after some cold-weather testing and got close enough to get a really crisp shot of the cabin.
The changes seem subtle, but they could have an impact on ergonomics and usability. The infotainment system looks like it is getting an overhaul, and the control layout of the sport functions may see its first major change in a decade.
If you want to take a closer look at what changes are coming, continue reading for more photos and our in-depth analysis of what we can see different.
Continue reading to learn more about the Porsche 911 Turbo Facelift.
Why it matters
While there doesn’t appear to be any major changes at first glance, a closer inspection reveals quite a few. The most noticeable change is the center screen. The small LCD has been replaced with what appears to be an iPad Mini wedged into the dash. I am sure the screen is not actually an iPad, and it will be running its own proprietary software, but the resemblance is uncanny.
Move a bit further down the center console and you will see that the traditional “Sport” and Sport +” buttons are missing. The steering wheel is also new, and it looks nearly identical to the unit in the 918 hybrid supercar, complete with multi-function switch. In the 918, this switch controls the various driving modes, and it is likely that Porsche will be moving the activation of the Turbo's Sport and Sport+ modes to this new toggle. We have a good shot of the steering wheel, but sadly I can’t make out the exact writing on the dial. There appears to be an “S” on the right and an “S+” on the bottom, but there is a third marking at the top that I can’t make out. Out photographer suspects it’s a turbo overboost function.
Apart from these changes, the cabin looks to be carried over. There are still five gauge pods in the dash with one being a multi-function LCD, the same useless cup holders are still tucked into the passenger dash trim, and the PDK shifter still has its same metal and leather construction.
The interior of the 911 has always been very purposeful and attractive in its own way, but in the last few years it has felt a little behind the times in interior equipment and technology. By moving to the steering wheel and control design of the 918, Porsche is adding a touch of supercar magic to the cockpit, and the move to a larger touchscreen for the PCM will make the system easier to interact with at a glance.
As always, keep your eyes here on TopSpeed.com and we will bring you all the new information as soon as we can get it.
2016 Porsche 911 Turbo - spy shots
The 911 Turbo is considered by many to be the pinnacle of the 911 range. The current 991-generation car gets it motivation from a 3.8-liter flat-six engine that is fitted with two turbochargers to produce 520 horsepower and 487 pound-feet of torque. Porsche also sells a more powerful Turbo S model that makes 560 horsepower.