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In the forty years since the first prototype appeared, the place of the Porsche 911 Turbo at the technological summit and peak of dynamic performance has never been in doubt. Now, with the unveiling of the new ‘Type 991’ generation 911 Turbo and Turbo S, the car’s reputation as a technology showcase combining the virtues of a circuit race car with those of an everyday road car reaches new heights.

New all-wheel drive running gear with active rear axle steering, adaptive aerodynamics, full-LED headlights and up to 560 hp from the flat six-cylinder twin-turbocharged engine emphatically underline the character of the 911 Turbo and Turbo S models. Playing an equally crucial role is the entirely new, lightweight design chassis with a 100 mm longer wheelbase riding on larger diameter 20-inch wheels.

The Porsche Dynamic Chassis Control (PDCC) active anti-roll system, which is offered for the first time on the 911 Turbo models, increases the dynamic performance potential even more. This system is standard equipment on the 911 Turbo S, together with the Sport Chrono Package Plus incorporating dynamic engine mounts, and Porsche Ceramic Composite Brakes (PCCB). These are also each available on the 911 Turbo.

As a consequence, the 911 Turbo S shortens the benchmark lap time around the Nürburgring-Nordschleife to well under 7 min 30 sec – naturally on standard production tyres. The standard ‘sound symposer’ intensifies the driving experience further still; transmitting induction sounds of the turbo engine to the passenger compartment via a speaker diaphragm.

More power – and fuel economy improved by 16 per cent

The performance partners in the powertrain are the further advanced engines and the new Porsche Traction Management (PTM) all-wheel drive system. The turbocharged 3.8-litre flat-six engine with direct petrol injection produces 520 hp (383 kW) in the 911 Turbo, and 560 hp (412 kW) in the Turbo S.

Porsche continues to be the only car maker to offer twin turbochargers with variable turbine geometry on a petrol engine.

Power is transferred to the drivetrain via a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission (PDK), which enables an auto start/stop function with engine shut-off that now activates earlier (when coasting to a halt) as well as the proven coasting function. Together with a new thermal management system for the turbo engine and the PDK transmission, fuel efficiency technologies have reduced NEDC fuel consumption by up to 16 per cent to 29.1 mpg; these figures apply to both models.

New all-wheel drive with electro-hydraulic control

For an even faster and more precise power distribution to the two axles, Porsche has developed a new all-wheel drive system (PTM) with an electronically controlled and activated multi-plate clutch. The system is equipped with a new water cooling function, so that it can direct even more drive torque to the front wheels if necessary. Simultaneously, the optimised interplay of the engine, transmission and all-wheel drive systems delivers even better sprint capabilities. The 911 Turbo — with the optional Sport Chrono Package Plus — accelerates from 0 to 62 mph in 3.2 seconds, which is one-tenth faster than the time of the prior model 911 Turbo S. Meanwhile, the new 911 Turbo S handles the standard sprint to 62 mph in just 3.1 seconds. The car’s top speed is 197 mph.

Rear axle steering sustainably improves handling

The introduction of rear axle steering to all 911 Turbo models improves both track driving and everyday performance of the two new sports cars immensely. Instead of conventional control arms, the system consists of two electro-mechanical actuators on the left and right of the rear axle. The steering angle of the rear wheels can be varied by up to 2.8 degrees, depending on vehicle speed. At speeds up to 31 mph (50 km/h), when the front wheels are turned the system steers the rear wheels in the opposite direction. This actually corresponds to a virtual shortening of the wheelbase by 250 mm, which gives the 911 Turbo unrivalled cornering agility. The system lets the car turn faster into the bend and offers more dynamic steering responses. Furthermore, this noticeably simplifies low speed manoeuvring and parking.

At speeds above 50 mph (80 km/h), the system steers the rear wheels parallel to the turned front wheels. This is equivalent to a virtual lengthening of the wheelbase by a significant 500 mm and gives the sports car tremendous stability, especially at high speeds. At the same time, the steering input by the driver leads to significantly faster build-up of lateral force at the rear axle, which initiates the change in direction more spontaneous and harmoniously.

Active aerodynamics improve efficiency and performance

Porsche has developed an active aerodynamic system on the new 911 Turbo models for the first time.

It consists of a sturdy, retractable three-stage front spoiler — whose segments can be pneumatically extended — and a deployable rear wing with three adjustable positions. This makes it possible to tune the aerodynamics of the 911 Turbo to fulfil driver wishes for either optimal efficiency (speed position) or ultimate dynamic performance.

In the performance position, all segments of the front spoiler are fully extended, and they generate considerable downforce on the front axle. Similarly, the rear wing is extended to its maximum height with the greatest angle of attack. This also generates more downforce on the rear axle. The extent to which this system improves dynamic performance is demonstrated by the fact that it can reduce lap times around the Nürburgring-Nordschleife by up to two seconds.

Widest body of all 911 models

As has become the tradition, the performance potential of the new 911 Turbo is plain to see but the new models express it more clearly than ever before. The characteristic, expansively wide rear body panels of the new generation 911 Turbo are 28 mm wider than those of the 911 Carrera 4 models – they feature a nearly level surface, about the width of a hand, between the base of the rear C-pillar and the outer edge of the car body.

Other differentiating characteristics include forged two-tone 20-inch diameter wheels – which on the 911 Turbo S have hub wheel locks. The Turbo S is also making its appearance with new full-LED headlights that feature four-point daytime running lights and dynamic, camera-based main beam control. This can be ordered as an option for the 911 Turbo.

New interior with high-end features

The interior was completely redesigned in both 911 Turbo models, building on the styling themes of the 911 Carrera family. The Turbo S offers an exclusive interior in a Black/Carrera Red colour combination and Sport Seats Plus with 18-way adjustment and position memory. In addition, the seat backrest shells are leather upholstered with double cap seams and various elements in Carbon Look. As with the prior model, a Bose Surround Sound audio system is standard; however, a higher output Burmester upgrade is also available as an option for the first time. A radar-controlled cruise control system, camera-based road sign recognition and speed limit recognition are other new options offered.

911 Turbo in the UK

The new 911 Turbo models are available to order now from Porsche Centres in the UK and Ireland. The Turbo is priced from £118,349 and the Turbo S from £140,852. First right-hand drive deliveries will arrive in September 2013.

The 911 Turbo offers a compelling mix of sporting and luxurious equipment levels. Standard equipment includes adaptive aerodynamics, Porsche Active Suspension Management (PASM), Porsche Traction Management (PTM) four-wheel drive, 20-inch diameter forged alloy wheels, leather interior, automatic climate control, Bi-Xenon headlights, Porsche Communication Management (PCM) satellite navigation system, DAB digital radio with Bose Surround Sound, Bluetooth telephone module, a universal audio interface offering MP3 connectivity and a three year warranty.

The 911 Turbo S adds a unique interior trim/colour combination, Porsche Dynamic Chassis Control (PDCC), Sport Chrono Package Plus incorporating dynamic engine mounts, Porsche Ceramic Composite Brakes (PCCB) and LED headlights.

Fitted to every 911 is a Porsche Vehicle Tracking System (VTS), a sophisticated vehicle security package approved to Thatcham Category 5 standard, and customers are also able to explore the potential of their new car by participating in a complimentary course at the Porsche Experience Centre, Silverstone.