Porsche 911 Turbo
Expert Rating:
What is it?
The Turbo is the pinnacle of the 911 range. That's quite a job, and in the past for all its mighty power it's been bettered as a driving experience by its non-turbo relatives further down the 911 line-up. Porsche has revised the Turbo for 2010 though, its power going up and its 0-62mph time dropping, while economy and emissions are also improved.
Is it any good?
If you're hoping for a radically different looking 911 Turbo then you're going to be disappointed. Porsche doesn't do sweeping restyles, this made-over Turbo simply getting the visual tweaks of its lesser Carrera relatives - with the addition of a revised front bumper and some fancy new wheels.
It's under that familiar silhouette where Porsche has been busy though. The engine grows in capacity to 3.8-litre (from 3.6-litres), the inevitable result being a bit more power and torque as well as improvements in economy and emissions. Power jumps to 493bhp, while economy of 24.6mpg on the combined cycle is decent, as is its 270g/km CO2 rating. What's more so is the Turbo's ability to reach 62mph in just 3.4 seconds - that spectacular time possible with a PDK-equipped (automatic) model with the optional Sport Chrono pack that boosts torque momentarily to a thumping 516lb.ft.
To help achieve that the Turbo can now be fitted with Porsche's seven-speed PDK twin-clutch automatic, which for the first time is being offered with optional paddle shifters. They work fantastically, their obvious operation at odds with Porsche's standard, counter intuitive rocker buttons on the steering wheel spokes. Whether PDK-equipped and Sport Chrono optioned or not the 911 Turbo is a quite amazingly rapid means by which to get about.
The ride is phenomenally composed and supple for a car with its potential. Add this to the revised four-wheel drive transmission and a new Porsche Torque Vectoring (PTV) system that brakes the inside rear wheel to improve turn in and the 911 Turbo has incredible poise and accuracy to go with its pace.
Complaints? The engine is perhaps a bit too refined and smooth, it so relentlessly quiet and powerful all the way around to its redline it's very easy to hit the rev limiter frequently. The steering too could do with some more feel to its weight, and things like the Sport Chrono Pack should really be included as standard at the Turbo's price point.
Should I call the bank manager?
The bank manager will either laugh you out of the office for considering spending over £100,000 on a 911 or congratulate you on making a sensible financial choice - after all, this car's performance is able to rival cars costing two or three times as much money. Unlike most of them you can use it too. Just try taking a Lamborghini to the supermarket every week...
Summary
It might look all but identical to its predecessor but the changes making up the new 911 Turbo are very significant indeed. Faster, lighter and more efficient, it's one of the fastest, most composed and friendly supercars we've ever driven. Always an impressive flagship, Porsche's changes have distanced it hugely from its Carrera relatives, and created perhaps the most complete supercar there is in the process.
