The new-generation 911 Turbo->ke571 was caught testing many times, but today the Stuttgart-based company->ke1 decided to finally drop the official details on the new model.
The exterior brings no major changes, but we have to admit it is the best looking model from the new generation 911. It received a new all-wheel-drive system, active rear-axle steering and adaptive aerodynamics among many other new features. The new 911 Turbo also features the widest body of all 911s, as it is about 28 mm (1.10 inches) wider than the 911 Carrera 4 models.
As previously rumored, the new 911 Turbo will only be offered with only the PDK gearbox.
The 911 has taken a lot of heat from plenty of manufacturers as of late, including a relative newcomer to the realm – Nissan->ke62 – so buyers now have more choices than ever. Is the 911 Turbo still the king of the hill?
UPDATED 05/03/2013: This review has been updated with the official details, images and specs.
UPDATED 07/31/2013: Porsche unveiled a new motivational video featuring its latest 911 Turbo. According to Porsche, with the new 911 Turbo it "pushed the boundaries of what is possible in order to break new ground." Do you agree with that?
Click past the jump to read more about the new Porsche Turbo.
2014 Porsche 911 Turbo
- Make: Array
- Model: 2014 Porsche 911 Turbo
- Engine/Motor: flat-6
- Horsepower: 560
- [do not use] Vehicle Model: Array
Exterior
The new-generation 911 Turbo is about 28 mm (1.10 inches) wider than the 911 Carrera 4 models, making it the widest model in the new 911 family. For the first time, the new 911 Turbo is equipped with Porsche Active Aerodynamics (PAA), which includes a retractable three-stage front spoiler and a deployable rear wing with three adjustable wing positions.
Just like with all the other 911 models, the new Turbo version received a new front fascia with redesigned headlamps and larger air intakes. The new Turbo S version also received new full-LED headlights that feature four-point daytime running lights and dynamic, camera-based main beam control.
The rear end received new taillights and a new exhaust system with four tailpipes. There is also a fixed rear wing that provides increased stability at high speeds.
Interior
Just like the previously launched Carrera, the interior of the new-generation Turbo has been fully redesigned. For example, the S version’s interior is offered with black and Carrera red trim and adaptive sport seats plus with 18-way adjustment and memory.
All models are offered with a standard Bose sound system, with a new-for-2014 Burmester sound system offered as an alternative.
Drivetrain
Under the hood, the new 911 has received a turbocharged 3.8-liter six-cylinder engine with direct fuel injection. This engine delivers a total of 520 horsepower in the standard model and 560 horsepower in the S version.
The engine is combined with a seven-speed dual clutch transmission (PDK), plus an auto start/stop function with engine shutoff. This way the engine's fuel consumption has been reduced by 16 percent to 9.7 l/100km (24.2 mpg).
The engine sends power to all four wheels via the all-new Porsche Traction Management with electronically controlled and activated multi-plate coupling.
Porsche also offers an optional Sport Chrono Package that reduces Turbo's 0-to-60 mph sprint time to 3.2 seconds. A standard Turbo S sprints from 0 to 60 mph in 3.1 seconds and can hit a top speed of 197 mph.
The new-generation 911 Turbo S already scored impressive results, as it lapped the Nürburgring track in just 7:30 minutes.
Suspension and Brakes
The new 911 Turbo is built on a new chassis and sits on a wheelbase that is 100 mm (3.93 inches) longer than last year’s model. It sits on standard 20-inch wheels combined with PCCB ceramic brakes and PDCC active anti-roll system - offered for the first time in a 911 Turbo models.
The new-generation Turbo is also equipped with rear-axle steering that improves both circuit racing and everyday performance. This system includes two electro-mechanical actuators instead of the conventional control arms on the left and right of the rear axle.
Prices
The new 911 Turbo will be put on sale at the end of September 2013. The base Turbo is priced at $149,250 and the Turbo S at $182,050.
Competition
The toughest competitor for the new 911 Turbo remains the Nissan GT-R - a model also improved for the 2014 model year. It comes with the usual 3.8-liter twin-turbo V-6 engine that delivers a total of 545 horsepower and 463 pound-feet of torque, giving the Turbo S an advantage.
The biggest problem for the new 911 Turbo is that the GT-R lapped the Nürburgring at the end of 2012 in 7:16, breaking its previous record of 7:24. So we guess that Porsche still has to work on that.
The GT-R is also the cheapest sports car on the market: it start a little bit under $100k.
The R8 V10 is powered by a 5.2-liter V-10 engine that delivers a total of 525 horsepower at 8,000 rpm and 390 pound-feet of twist at 6,500 rpm. It sprints from 0 to 60 mph in about 3.6 seconds and goes up to a top speed of 196 mph.
The R8 V10 may be a little slower than the 911 Turbo, but when it comes to looks, you do feel like you are driving a supercar when you’re behind the R8 V10’s wheel. The problem is that the R8 V10 is a little bit more expensive with a starting price of $151,200.
Another cool car - lot cooler than the 911 Turbo - is the Vantage V12. As it name suggests it gets a 6.0-liter V-12 engine that produces 510 horsepower and 420 pound-feet of torque. This amount of power is just enough to sprint the car from 0 to 60 mph in just 4.2 seconds and up to a top speed of 190 mph, making it far less quick than the 911 Turbo and Turbo S.
The Vantage V12 is a little bit more expensive than the new Turbo too with its $180,600 price tag.
Conclusion
To no one’s surprise, the new 911 Turbo comes with nearly the same exterior language, but it offers a number of new features. With more power, improved handling and a better Nürburgring time, the new 911 Turbo might have the chance to keep itself atop the sports car realm.