997 Turbo details -

[Chris Huck]

INITIAL DETAILS RELEASED ON 2007 PORSCHE® 911® TURBO

Top model in 911 range to debut at Geneva Motor Show

ATLANTA, Feb. 13, 2006 – Porsche today revealed the first official images and information on the new 2007 911 Turbo. The sixth generation of the range-topping 911 model features a revolutionary 480-hp, twin-turbocharged, 3.6-liter boxer engine with the world’s first gasoline-engine application of variable turbine geometry (VTG), a redesigned all-wheel-drive system, and evolutionary styling.

The new 911 Turbo’s engine produces 480 hp at 6,000 rpm, 60 hp more than its predecessor, raising specific output of the 3.6-liter boxer-Six to an all-time high of 133 hp per liter. More notable is the engine’s torque curve, which has been bolstered and broadened by the variable turbine geometry system. Peak torque rises to 457 lb-ft (previously 415 lb-ft), but that peak now spans an extended rpm range from 1,950 to 5,000 rpm, compared to 2,700--4,600 rpm in the previous 911 Turbo. Additionally, a function in the optional Sport Chrono Package allows a 10-second, mid-rpm-range ‘overboost’, temporarily increasing turbo boost under full throttle by 2.9 psi, and swelling peak torque to 502 lb-ft.

A 911 Turbo equipped with the optional 5-speed Tiptronic S automatic transmission requires only 3.4 seconds to sprint from 0 to 60 mph (0-100 km/h; 3.7 sec.). Equipped with the standard six-speed manual transmission, the new 911 Turbo reaches the same 60 mph mark in 3.7 seconds (0-100 km/h; 3.9 sec.). With either gearbox, the top track speed of the new 911 Turbo is 193 mph.

Much of the 911 Turbo’s improved performance can be attributed to the variable turbine geometry system, the first such system available on a turbocharged gasoline engine. The heart of the technology is adjustable guide blades, which can vary in angle to most effectively guide engine exhaust flow onto the turbocharger’s impeller wheel. The result is a system that provides the advantages of both a small and large turbocharger, improving flexibility and acceleration, particularly at low engine speeds.

To transfer this power to the road, the new 911 Turbo features a redesigned all-wheel-drive system, with an electronically controlled multi-disc clutch replacing the previous model’s viscous clutch. Porsche Traction Management (PTM) allows variable power distribution fore and aft, and depending on conditions, the system’s electronics constantly determine optimal torque distribution to ensure ideal traction. In use, PTM provides exceptional agility on winding roads, outstanding traction in inclement conditions, and impressive active safety even at higher speeds. Though powerful, the 911 Turbo’s PTM setup is one of the lightest all-wheel-drive systems on the market.

The new 911 Turbo’s accelerative performance is duly tempered by its brake system, which is comprised of six-piston monobloc calipers up front, and four-piston monobloc calipers at the rear. Brake disc diameter at all four corners has been increased 20mm, to 350mm (13.78 in.). Optional is Porsche’s Ceramic Composite Brake system (PCCB). In addition to the exotic pad and rotor material, the PCCB option provides an increased front disc diameter (380mm /14.96 in.), absolute corrosion resistance, improved fade stability, and a 37-pound unsprung-weight savings versus the standard brake system.

Styling changes made to the new 911 Turbo are evolutionary. The modified front end features tautly drawn cooling air inlets, widely spaced and deep-set fog lights, and new LED indicators situated in the lateral air inlets. From the rear, the Turbo takes on a more powerful stance thanks to a tail 22mm (0.9-in.) wider than that of the previous model. The redesigned wing spoiler has been aligned to the wider profile, and slopes downward slightly at each end to nestle the rear fender’s contours. The lateral air inlets behind the doors have also been redrawn, and together with the new air ducts, afford a more efficient supply of cooling air to the intercoolers.

The 2007 911 Turbo goes on sale this summer in North America. U.S. pricing for the new model is $122,900. Complete information on all Porsche models can be found at www.press.porsche.com in the Press Kit section.

Porsche Cars North America, Inc. (PCNA), based in Atlanta, GA, and its subsidiary, Porsche Cars Canada, Ltd., are the exclusive importers of Porsche sports cars and Cayenne sport utility vehicles for the United States and Canada. A wholly owned, indirect subsidiary of Dr. Ing. h.c. F. Porsche AG, PCNA employs approximately 300 people who provide Porsche vehicles, parts, service, marketing and training for its 211 U.S. and Canadian dealers. They, in turn, provide Porsche owners with best-in-class service.

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[kurquhart]

A 911 Turbo equipped with the optional 5-speed Tiptronic S automatic transmission requires only 3.4 seconds to sprint from 0 to 60 mph (0-100 km/h; 3.7 sec.). Equipped with the standard six-speed manual transmission, the new 911 Turbo reaches the same 60 mph mark in 3.7 seconds (0-100 km/h; 3.9 sec.).

Interesting that 0-60 is faster with the Tip than manual.

[Bob Gagnon]

Car and Driver has a write up about the new 997 Turbo, in the C&D article there is a discussion about the fact the new Turbo weighs in at 90 pounds less than the previous generation 996 Turbo. This 90 pound weight reduction was in part achieved by a 31 pound weight loss due to the use of aluminum doors.

Furthermore, Rennlist has photos of the latest GT3 brochure. The GT3 brochuree describes how a new manufacturing process (forging???) that lightens the GT3's wheels. I bet whatever this process is, it is part of the 90 pound weight loss in the new Turbo.

Funny, if true, that PCNA did not include these, to me, pretty cool significant facts- along with any other weight reduction technologies that may apply in the Turbo's description.

Also funny that the "the new 911 Turbo features a redesigned all-wheel-drive system, with an electronically controlled multi-disc clutch replacing the previous model’s viscous clutch. Porsche Traction Management (PTM) allows variable power distribution fore and aft, and depending on conditions, the system’s electronics constantly determine optimal torque distribution to ensure ideal traction" which seems similar to the 4 WD system used in the 964 C4 in 1989, which uses identically described hardware!!! Not too much new here under the sun here it would seem, albeit probably refined.

Also IMHO, it drives me nuts you again have to buy the "Sport Chrono" to get simple programming changes that improve performance. This time a change in turbocharger boost management software. It seems Porsche will go to any length to force one to buy that funny clock in the dash.

[Bob Gagnon]

The new GT3 brochure can be found at the link below:

http://bimmer.roadfly.com/bmw/forums/m- ... 054-1.html

Also note pictures of the new Turbo are shown in a brochure are at the end of the photo sequence.

[Gary Burch]

If it wasn't for the front bumpers both cars would be stunning. Maybe RUF or someone will do an update.

[RickK]

Nice marketing piece here: http://www.porsche.com/all/masterwerk/usa.aspx

Takes gall for Porsche to start out the piece with the 917/10 in these days of no real factory belief for racing.

[ajackson]

I just watched a best motoring dvd where the tdi golf tiptronic (forget what they call it) was faster than the manual. I have to wonder how long manuals will last when the tiptronics are faster. Some will always like the feel of a manual, but many of us get them for performance.

[RickK]

I suspect that the difference in auto vs. manual performance comes down to the gear ratios used, the number of shifts required and the speed of the shifts. It may also be easier to launch the tip car (by holding the brake and giving gas to raise the revs) so the 0-60 time may not truly represent the performance of the car around a track.

With the Golf was that a tiptronic transmission or was it VW/Audi's DSG dual-clutch auto shifting manual which is really a manual tranny with robotized shifting?

[ajackson]

It was the DSG so I think the ratios were the same -- it was the speed and the precision of the shifts that made it faster.

[TheStig]

The price seems reasonable for the 997 Turbo. Interesting.

[Chip]

Wow, the new model is sweet! I like the turn lights integrated in the front.
Thanks Rick for posting the marketing piece, that was very cool.

Chris, I want to put my order in for one.... just as soon as I find that winning lottery ticket that I bought...