Porsche 911 Turbo

By: Mitchel Vedia

In 2006, Dr. Ing. H.c. Porsche will extend it’s current product
line with the addition of a new 911 Turbo, the sixth generation
of the 911 series. This top-of-the-range model will have its world
premiere at the Geneva Motor Show on February 28, 2006 and
as from June 24, 2006 it will be available in German dealerships.

The 911 Turbo (type 997) has a few improvements. It has an
output of 480 bhp at 6,000 rpm, a 3.6 litre engine, a rated torque
of 620 Nm and a maximum torque available between 1,950 and
5,000 rpm. All these numbers are translated into driving
performance, as the 911 Turbo with six-speed manual transmission
only needs 3.9 seconds to get from zero to 100 km/h. The coupe
reaches 200 km/h in 12.8 seconds. Despite these performance
statistics, Porsche developers succeeded to keep the average
consumption to 12.8 liters per100 km.

For those who need even more speed, the 911 Turbo offers the
optionally Tiptronic S automatic transmission. This way, it can reach
100 km/h from a standing start in just 3.7 seconds and 200 km/h in
a mere 12.2 seconds. Both manual and automatic transmissions
have a top speed of 310 km/k. Available for the first time, the optional
“Sport Chrono Package Turbo” enhances the vehicle’s flexibility even
further.

The Porsche 911 Turbo features a redesigned all-wheel drive with
an electronically controlled multi-disc clutch. The result will be the
transfer of the available power to the road. That’s because, depending
on the driving conditions, this system will determine the optimal torque
distribution to ensure the best-possible drive. Also, Porsche Traction
Management (PTM) ensures variable power distribution to the two
driven axles. This means that on the road the 911Turbo will prove
outstanding traction in the rain or snow, high agility on narrow country
roads and optimal active safety even at high speeds.

The new 911 Turbo’s driving performance is duly tempered by its brake
system, which comprises monobloc fixed-caliper disc brakes with six
pistons at the front axle and four at the rear. The diameter of the internally
ventilated and perforated brake discs at the front and rear wheels is 350
millimeters. An optimized ceramic brake system that Porsche offers is
Porsche Ceramic Composite Brake (PCCB). This high-tech system
reduces with 17 kilograms the standard brake system and provides an
excellent fading stability.

The major bodywork change of the 911 Turbo is the modified front end with
its distinctive, tautly drawn cooling air inlets. Combined with the standard
oval bi-xenon headlights, it will define the new unmistakable image. From
the rear perspective too, the Turbo will seem more powerful. This is due
first and foremost to its tail end, 22 millimeters wider than that of the previous
model, to which the redesigned wing spoiler element has been aligned.

Secondly, the lateral air inlets behind the doors have been redrawn and now
they offer a more efficient supply of cooling air to the charge-air intercoolers.

The basic price for the 911 Turbo is 115,000 Euros. In the USA, from July
8, 2006, the vehicle will be available at $122,000 (not including taxes).