Porsche has been systematically rolling out its lineup of wholly redesigned 911s over the past year, and now it’s time for the most exciting 992 yet. Meet the sensational new 2021 911 Turbo S, a car that transforms the world’s most revered sports car into one of the most capable supercars on the planet.
Of course, we’ve yet to see GT3 and GT2 variants of new 911, let alone RS versions, the trims now available in redesigned form being the Carrera, Carrera S, Carrera 4, and Carrera 4S in Coupe and Cabriolet body styles, with the Targa, Carrera T, GTS and regular Turbo still to be unveiled, but Porsche took the wraps off of the Turbo S this week and if it doesn’t get you excited you probably don’t have a pulse.
The new 911 Turbo S will arrive later this year with 61 horsepower of extra muscle when compared to its much-lauded 580-hp predecessor, which means it now produces a shocking 641-horsepower from an identically sized 3.8-litre six-cylinder engine boosted via two VTG (variable turbine geometry) turbochargers. Additionally, the horizontally opposed engine makes 37 lb-ft of extra torque for a grand total of 590, so be thankful it comes standard with Porsche Traction Management (PTM) all-wheel drive that can redirect up to 369 pound-feet of twist to the front wheels when needed.
The 3.8-litre twin-turbo six, that’s based on the new 911 Carrera’s redesigned engine, features a new charge air-cooling system and new larger VTG turbochargers in a symmetrical layout that boast electrically adjustable waste-gate flaps, while piezo injectors are claimed to significantly improve “responsiveness, power, torque, emissions, and revving ability.”
The standard transmission is a modified “Turbo-specific” eight-speed dual-clutch PDK automated gearbox that allows for a brilliantly quick launch from standstill to 100 km/h of just 2.7 seconds. This improves on the sprint time of its predecessor by 0.2 seconds, whereas zero to 200 km/h blasts past in a shockingly fast 8.9 seconds, this being a full second quicker than in the old Turbo S.
Another comparative point of view puts the new 911 Turbo S up against the 700 horsepower GT2 RS, which is actually a tenth of a second slower from zero to 100 km/h. Fans of the new 911 Turbo S Cabriolet, incidentally, will lose a tenth of a second in the other direction, but this still makes the convertible as fast off the line as the mighty GT2 RS, so drop-top owners certainly won’t lose any face. The convertible will also be ideal for hearing the new sports exhaust system at full song, its features including adjustable flaps that promise the kind of distinctive melody only a Porsche flat-six is capable of delivering.
An Imperial performance specification worthy of note is the new 911 Turbo S’ 10.5-second quarter mile dash, which is wholly impressive, while those fortunate enough to test one out on Germany’s famed Autobahn will potentially be able to clock a maximum speed of 330 km/h (205 mph) in both coupe and convertible models.
Bringing the new Turbo S back down to reality is a standard set of carbon-ceramic brakes featuring 10-piston front calipers, while control is further enhanced via a larger rear wing that, together with its pneumatically extendable front spoiler, delivers 15 percent more downforce than the previous model.
The new 911 Turbo S is 45 mm wider than the outgoing 911 Turbo S above the front axle too, measuring 1,840 mm across, and it stretches 20 mm more over the rear axle as well, stretching 1,900 mm, which should make for an even more stable sports car, while Porsche has reworked its active suspension management system (PASM), lowering it by 10 mm and providing “faster and more precisely controlled dampers,” commented Porsche in a press release, to improve “roll stability, road holding, steering behaviour and cornering speeds.”
The new 911 Turbo S is as comfortably livable as any other 911 inside, and even more upscale due to a full leather interior with carbon trim and Light Silver accents. Porsche also included a GT sports steering wheel in Turbo S trim, plus a big high-definition 10.9-inch infotainment touchscreen atop the centre stack, a newly integrated Porsche Track Precision app within that centre display that comes as part of the Sport Chrono package, Bose surround-sound audio, and leather-upholstered 18-way power-adjustable sport seats.
The Turbo S also receives some visual upgrades over its less potent siblings, including extra vents on the front fascia and rear fenders, these improving engine and brake cooling while making for a more aggressive look overall. The vents added to the rear valance are even more alluring, while unique gloss-black rectangular exhaust pipes protrude from the outer edges of the black centre diffuser for a unique appearance. Lastly, staggered 20-inch front and 21-inch rear lightweight aluminum alloy wheels come shod in 255/35 and 315/30 Pirelli performance rubber respectively.
The new 911 Turbo S is as comfortably livable as any other 911 inside, and even more upscale due to a full leather interior with carbon trim and Light Silver accents. Porsche also included a GT sports steering wheel in Turbo S trim, plus a big high-definition 10.9-inch infotainment touchscreen atop the centre stack, a newly integrated Porsche Track Precision app within that centre display that comes as part of the Sport Chrono package, Bose surround-sound audio, and leather-upholstered 18-way power-adjustable sport seats.
The new 911 Turbo S will be available to order from Porsche Centre Vancouver in April of 2020, with deliveries expected later this year. Pricing for the 911 Turbo S coupe starts at $231,700, whereas a 911 Turbo S Cabriolet can be had from $246,300. To order yours, contact Porsche Centre Vancouver at (604) 736-7911, or come visit us in our showroom at 688 Terminal Ave, Vancouver.
And while you’re waiting for your new 911 Turbo S to arrive, enjoy the following three videos supplied by Porsche.
Photo and video credits: Porsche
Date Posted: March 6, 2020