Review of the new Porsche 911 Turbo Coupe

Just looking at pictures of the latest generation Porsche 911 Turbo sends a shiver of anticipation running up my spine. This could well be the best supercar money can buy.

Hold on a minute, surely that's the crassest sort of hyperbole? What about cars like the Bugatti Veyron, the Ferrari Enzo and even the Lamborghini Murcielago, cars which will crush the 911 Turbo like a beetle when it comes to power and panache? If you want a car to look at, to pose in, or to hang as a poster on your bedroom wall, then go right ahead.

If, on the other hand, you want a supercar that you can actually use, that you could thrash up a country lane, then point across Europe, flog around the Nurburgring and drive back in air-conditioned comfort with the sat nav gently showing the way, there's nothing to touch this latest '997 series' 911 Turbo. As long as you can afford the £97,840 asking price of course.

What's so reassuring about this car is its power output. Porsche could quite easily have turned this car into a 600bhp monster, but instead they've followed the sensible philosophy seen in the 997 Carrera models of a small power increase, the latest 480bhp Turbo 60bhp up on its predecessor.

Still, this does mean that the specific output of the 3.6-litre 'boxer' engine has climbed to a new all-time high of 133bhp per litre of displacement, while torque has been increased from 560 to 620Nm. The speed range in which this power is available has also been extended. While the previous model's maximum torque was available between 2,700 and 4,600rpm, the corresponding figures are now 1,950 to 5,000rpm.

"For 'real world' performance, nothing gets close to a 911 Turbo"

Featured for the first time in a petrol engine, the turbocharging system of the new 911 Turbo uses variable turbine geometry technology to increase engine performance across the rev range. As you might expect, these improvements translate into stunning performance. Just 3.9 seconds is all that's required for the standard 0-60mph sprint, while 124mph arrives in 12.8s.

Overtaking? Well only 3.8 seconds are required for the most powerful series-built 911 model of all time to accelerate from 50-75mph in fifth gear. This figure drops to 3.5s if you opt for the optional 'Sport Chrono Package Turbo' which, via a 'Sport' button near the gearlever, activates a short term turbocharger overboost function. Against this background of enhanced performance statistics, Porsche engineers have also succeeded in reducing average fuel consumption to 22.1mpg.

An automatic Tiptronic S version is still available and this variant puts in an even more impressive performance. An optimised set-up gives the vehicle the ability to power from rest to sixty in just 3.7 seconds and to reach 124mph after just 12.2 seconds. The auto also has the advantage when it comes to flexibility. In fourth gear it accelerates from 50-75mph in just 3.5 seconds. Furthermore, combined fuel consumption of the Tiptronic S variant is also lower than that of its predecessor and pretty close to that of the 6-speed manual variant: 20.8mpg. Both transmission variants have a top speed of 193mph.

To transfer the available power to the road the 911 Turbo once more offers four-wheel drive but the transmission has been redesigned with an electronically controlled multi-disc clutch. Porsche Traction Management (PTM) ensures variable power distribution to the two driven axles. Depending on the driving conditions, the all-wheel electronics system constantly determines the optimal torque distribution to ensure the best possible traction. In practice this translates to high agility on narrow country roads, outstanding traction in rain and snow and optimal active safety at all speeds. These properties make the Porsche Traction Management system in this 911 Turbo one of the most capable and, at the same time lightest, all-wheel drive systems on the market.

The commitment to ultimate performance demonstrated by this 911 Turbo is also reflected in its brake system, which comprises monobloc fixed-caliper disc brakes with six pistons at the front axle and four at the rear. In comparison with the Type 996, the diameter of the internally ventilated and cross-drilled steel brake discs at the front and rear has been increased by 20 millimetres to 350 millimetres. Ceramic brakes are an option.

Visually, this 911 Turbo features a modified front end with distinctive, tautly drawn cooling air inlets. In conjunction with the standard-equipment xenon headlights, they define its unmistakable image. The front view is enhanced by deep-set fog lights and by new LED indicators, which are situated in the lateral air inlets. From behind, the Turbo also takes on a more powerful appearance. This is due first and foremost to its rear aspect, 22 millimetres wider than that of the previous model, to which the re-designed aerofoil element has been aligned. It now slopes downward slightly at the sides into the contours of the rear wheelarches. The lateral air inlets behind the doors have also been re-drawn and, together with the new air ducts, afford a more efficient supply of cooling air to the charge-air intercoolers.

Somewhat predictably, the Turbo's weight has edged up a little to just over 1,600kg but the additional power means that the 997 should exceed the 996 Turbo's power to weight ratio. All of that translates to a sub-four second sprint to 60mph and a top speed just over 190mph. This is comparable to cars like the Lamborghini Gallardo and the Ferrari F430 but the Porsche's price undercuts them significantly. Plus the car feels better engineered, will probably be more reliable and is hugely more practical.

That's the joy of 911 ownership. While you wouldn't dream of hammering an F430 up a narrow, bumpy country lane due to the fact that within half a mile you'd have to stop and pick up the remains of your front spoiler, a 911 will handle this sort of thing all day. And the Turbo version will paint an even bigger smile on your face whilst you're doing it.

TOP 5 911 TURBO DEALS

The results below show the top 911 TURBO deals on buyacar

Porsche 911 Turbo S 2dr PDK 911 [997] turbo coupe
Price £122,995 Read 911 Turbo Reviews	Save £3,875
Porsche 911 Turbo 2dr 911 [997] turbo coupe
Price £107,909 Read 911 Turbo Reviews	Save £3,328
Porsche 911 Turbo 2dr 911 [997] turbo cabriolet
Price £115,419 Read 911 Turbo Reviews	Save £3,601
Porsche 911 Turbo 2dr PDK 911 [997] turbo coupe
Price £110,268 Read 911 Turbo Reviews	Save £3,631
Porsche 911 Turbo 2dr PDK 911 [997] turbo cabriolet
Price £117,778 Read 911 Turbo Reviews	Save £3,904
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