Now that nearly the whole 911 line is “turbo charged”, how does Porsche make their top dogs stand out? By giving them more bite, that’s how. The base Turbo now offers 540 hp and the Turbo S makes a whopping 580 hp (up from 520 and 560 respective). Porsche’s usually conservative estimates have the Turbo reaching 60 miles per hour in just 2.9 seconds and the Turbo S getting there in 2.8. In addition, the Turbo S now reaches a top speed of 205 miles per hour, and the Turbo manages 198 miles per hour. Our guess is that once tested those numbers will drop a few tenths. What else has Porsche changed with the new Turbo models? Let’s explore.
Sport Chrono Package And PSM Sport Mode
Perhaps the most exciting change is the adoption of the Sport Chrono Package as standard on all 911 Turbo models. The Sport Chrono package includes the smaller diameter 918 Spyder-inspired GT Sport steering wheel with mode switch. This is also now optionally avaiable on the new 991.2 Carrera and Carrera S models as well, and allows the driver to select between Normal, Sport, Sport Plus, and Individual drivetrain modes. These modes allow adjustment of PDK shift strategy, throttle response and damper control. Another new feature of the package is the “Sport Response” button. When the little button in the center of the mode switch is pressed, it sets the car up for the best possible responsiveness (likely with an overboost function) allowing the vehicle to produce optimal acceleration for up to 20 seconds.
Porsche Stability Management system now has three modes, including the standard ‘Full On’ mode, the new “PSM Sport” allows a higher threshold similar to what was available in “Sport Plus” mode on the previous generation activated with a short press of the PSM button, and “PSM Off” is still an option with a long press of the button.
New Standard and Optional Features
Sport Chrono, Parking Assist, LED headlamps, and Porsche Dynamic Light System are all now standard across the Turbo range. New options for both cars include radar-based lane change assist, and a front axle lifting system which can raise the front of the car 40mm for access to steeper driveways, or traversing speed humps. As is usually the case, the 911 Turbo S still comes standard with PASM, PDCC, and PCCB, all of which are optional on the standard 911 Turbo. The Turbo S also offers as standard 18-way Adaptive Sport Seats Plus, a two-tone leather interior, a more advanced version of PDLS dubbed PDLS+, Sport Design exterior mirrors, and additional carbon interior bits.
Exterior Changes
On the outside, Porsche has simply made many of the same updates to the bodywork as they have done on the new 991.2 Carrera and Carrera S, as well as a few distinctly Turbo-specific styling tweaks. The front end has been redesigned to include ‘side air blades’ and narrow LED lights. All Turbo models are fitted with a new design 20-inch wheel. The center lock wheels on the 911 Turbo S now feature seven sets of double spokes instead of the former ten. Measuring 9″x20″ at the front and 11.5″x20″ at the rear, the Turbo and Turbo S now feature the same sized wheels, endowing the regular Turbo model with an increase of half an inch on each corner. In identical fashion to the 911 Carrera models, new door handles without recess covers give the car a sleeker look. Out back, the new 911 Turbo features three-dimensional tail lights with their four-point brake lights and what Porsche calls ‘aura-like illumination’. There are also redesigned dual tailpipes and exhaust tips to look forward to. The new rear decklid grill now features right and left sections with longitudinal vent vanes, and the middle cover is intended to optimize air flow to the engine.
Interior Changes
Inside, the 911 Turbo new features the newly developed infotainment system that all 2017 911 variants will carry. PCM with navigation is standard. The 7-inch touch screen monitor features new connectivity functions with Porsche’s “Connect Plus” system. The new navigation uses Google maps, as well as Google StreetView, which is a massive improvement. The system can now process handwritten prompts, and is much more compatible with smartphones (connectivity via Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, or cable). The Turbo still features a 555 watt Bose system with 12 speakers as standard, while an 821 watt Burmeister system remains optional.
U.S. Pricing Of The 2017 Porsche 911 Turbo and 911 Turbo S*
911 Turbo Coupe – $159,200
911 Turbo Cabriolet – $171,500
911 Turbo S Coupe – $188,100
911 Turbo S Cabriolet – $200,400
In the United States, the new generation of Porsche 911 Turbo is expected to reach dealerships in April of next year.
Canadian Pricing Of The 2017 Porsche 911 Turbo and 911 Turbo S*
911 Turbo Coupe – $181,800
911 Turbo Cabriolet – $195,800
911 Turbo S Coupe – $214,800
911 Turbo S Cabriolet – $228,800
In Canada, the new generation of Porsche 911 Turbo is expected to reach dealerships some time in the 2nd quarter of next year.
*Prices do not include destination charges
