or turbo?
Same word, different font, very different meaning. When cast in the iconic Porsche script, the word “turbo” identifies a car which combines impossibly high levels of performance, comfort, quality, and durability no other car maker has been able to replicate in 40+ years of trying. But read “turbo” in plain plain old typeface, and it is merely a component, a snail like appendage that forces air into an engine. While many cars today can fairly claim to have a turbo, what we have here is special, it is a Porsche 911 turbo S.
At the time of the original 911 turbo in the 70s, the eponymous part was actually a unique and distinguishing feature of the car. Fast forward to what is likely the penultimate generation of internal combustion 911 (the “991” to Porsche geeks), and not only is Porsche using turbo charging across its entire lineup, but (cue audible gasp) even a standard Carrerra is now turbo-charged, yet its not a turbo. Underscoring the iconographic nature of the turbo script, Porsche will soon use it on the top-dog trim of its Taycan electric car. Yes, you are correct, electric cars don’t even have turbos. But to Porsche, it means something far beyond identification of a simple component.
The 2014 Porsche 911 Turbo S shown here is GT Silver Metallic, has a black full leather interior, and carbon fiber interior trim. GT Silver is a special option color. It was developed by Porsche for the launch of the Carrera GT supercar. The color is mesmerizing in person, shifting with differing light and angles. Color can be subjective, but we think it trends more towards a silver-grey than other silvers in the Porsche palette. We have tried to capture its many tones in the pictures below.
The turbo S comes standard with awesome performance, and impressive features. The 3.8L flat six motor is twin-turbo charged with dry sump lubrication. In stock trim it puts out 560 hp and 516 lb-ft of torque. With the Sport Chrono package as found on this example, there is an available overboost which pegs torque to 553 lb-ft for brief but oh-so memorable intervals. This car also has a Fabspeed Supersport Performance Package, which consists of a headers-back full exhaust, and adds 37 wheel hp, and 47 lb-ft of torque. So if you’ve done your math you'll know this car will make close to if not more than 600 lb-ft of torque. The Fabspeed package is finished with GT2 style polished exhaust tips, and a more aggressive exhaust note. The drive train is completed through a 7 speed PDK twin clutch transmission, to a rear biased all wheel drive system. Rear axle steering turns opposite to the front wheels at low speed for increased radius and maneuverability, and with the front wheels at high speed for increased traction and stability.
All of that mechanical power and precision is controlled by an impressive suite of electronic wizardry. While you may need a secret Porsche decoder ring to figure out the acronyms below, trust us when we say that when you mash your monogrammed slipper into the pedal it all makes perfect sense. Electronic performance management includes:
PDCC - Porsche Dynamic Chassis Control
PASM - Porsche Active Suspension Management.
PSM - Porsche Stability Management
ABS - Anti-lock Braking System
ASR - Anti-Slip Regulation (ASR)
ABD - Automatic Brake Differential
PTV - Porsche Torque Vectoring Plus
Launch Control
Sport Chrono Package
Dynamic Engine Mounts
This mix of precision mechanicals and sophisticated computer management results in eye watering acceleration. Most independent testers who have reported timed 0-60 runs (typically auto journalists) have managed sub 3 seconds, with results as low 2.6 seconds. And while many supercars with launch control can put up an impressive acceleration run and then head for the garage for a cool down, the 911 Turbo S shows Porsche’s durability and build quality, standing up to repeated runs. In fact, Road & Track magazine did 61 launches in a row without experiencing a drop in performance, let alone any issues. That kind of hard use highlights the hallmark of the 911, and in particular the Turbo S: true supercar performance; room for the kids in the back, skis or bikes on top, luggage in the front and rear; and excellent durability and reliability (and when we say reliable, we’re not talking relative to other supercars, we’re talking about reliable like a Honda). That is what makes this a truly mind bending car.
With all that speed, you need brakes and grip to control it. The Turbo S has Porsche Ceramic Composite Brakes (PCCB), which are 410mm in front, and 390mm in the rear. The wheels are 9x20 Turbo S forged center lock alloys in front with 245/35/ZR20 tires and 11.5x20 Turbo S forged center lock alloy wheels in the rear with 305/30/ZR20 tires. Included is a complete kit to change the center lock wheels, including special torque wrench with extension bar and alignment tool.
The whole package results in a Nurburgring time for the the Turbo S only 2 seconds slower than a contemporary Porsche 911 GT3 wearing semi-slick Michelin Cup tires. Engineers have said that with similar rubber the turbo may be faster than the GT3!
While this car can blister pavement with its speed, it is also beautifully equipped with non-performance oriented options, including:
-Seat heating and ventilation
-Rear wiper (just a subtle hint this was never designed to be a garage queen)
-Porsche entry and drive
-Light design package
-Electric sunroof
-Power steering Plus
-Voice control
-Burmeister Infotainment package
-Heated multifunction steering wheel in carbon fiber
-Porsche crests on headrests
-Pedals and footrests in aluminum
-Vehicle key painted in GT Silver Metallic
-X-pel clear bra.
