01 Mar 06
Porsche unveiled the 997 generation of the 911 Turbo in Geneva.
The Type-997 Turbo is 60bhp more powerful than its predecessor, developing 480bhp at 6,000rpm from its 3.6-litre flat-six. Torque is up to 457lb-ft, peaking across a wider range of 1,950-5,000rpm. Obviously, it's quick: 0-60mph in 3.9 seconds, for the coupe version, which reaches 120mph in 12.8 seconds and pulls 50mph-75mph in 3.8 seconds. Six-speed manual transmission is standard, but the optional Tiptronic S auto 'box makes the Turbo even quicker - 0-60mph in 3.7 seconds and 0-120mph in 12.2. Fuel consumption has been improved for both transmission variants.
If that's not fast enough, then the optional Sport Chrono Package Turbo - effectively a sports button - gives additional overboost to increase turbo pressure for up to 10 seconds at full throttle, giving an extra 44lb-ft of torque and further-improved mid-range pull. This is made possible by new variable-turbine technology in the turbo (used for the first time in a petrol engine).
Coping with this extra power and boost, the 997 Turbo has a revised lightweight four-wheel drive system with multi-disc clutch and a traction management system to control variable power distribution between the two axles. Brakes have been suitably uprated, too, with 350mm ventilated/perforated discs front and rear. Porsche's fade-resistant ceramic composite brakes are an option. Prices for the 911 Turbo will start from £97,840.
