With twice the power output of the original 911 Turbo of 40 years ago, the new 991-series Porsche 911 Turbo tops the range with a technical arsenal that would have been incomprehensible to its ancestors. The twin-variable turbine geometry turbocharged 3.8-litre flat-six engine produces up to 560hp and is mated to a new all-wheel drive system with active rear axle steering, adaptive aerodynamics and an active anti-roll system, allowing Porsche's most powerful 991-series 911 to lap the Nürburgring-Nordschleife in 'well under 7 mins 30 secs'.
Exterior
As with all 911 Turbos before the new model features wider bodywork, the 991 Turbo's rear wheel arches swelling by 28mm over the Carrera 4's, and covering standard 20-inch alloy wheels. Two variants are offered, the standard Turbo and the S, the latter gaining full LED headlamps, centre-lock wheels and PCCB carbon ceramic brakes. Active aero comes as standard, the front spoiler extending in three stages; in its maximum setting - allied to the rear wing being set to its maximum height and angle of attack - it lowers the 911 Turbo's Nürburgring lap time by up to two seconds. In Speed position it retracts for greater efficiency, resulting in a top speed of 317km/h. Expect that to be a conservative claim.
Interior
Opt for that S model (and why wouldn't you as it drops the 0-100km/h time from the standard Turbo (Sport Chrono equipped) from a positively glacial 3.2 seconds to an altogether more satisfying and McLaren MP4-12C matching - and Ferrari 458 Italia - scalping 3.1 seconds) and you also get a unique interior. The S comes with Black/Carrera Red colouring and Sports Seats Plus with 18-way adjustment. The seats are leather upholstered and come with various trim pieces in 'carbon look'. What you won't find in either is a third pedal, as the Turbo and Turbo S will only be offered in PDK, paddle-shifted automatic, guise.
Mechanicals
The hardware under that wide-hipped 991 shell is incredible. A new four-wheel drive system features water cooling to allow greater and faster torque transfer to the front axle when it's required, while the rear-wheel steer system varies the angle on the rear wheels by as much as 2.8 degrees. It works in the opposite direction to the front wheels at up to 50km/h, and in the same direction as them above that speed. All the power and performance on offer from the flat-six has been achieved alongside economy improvements; the start-stop system, allied to better thermal management of the engine and transmission has seen a fuel economy improvement of up to 16% - to 29.1mpg on the official combined cycle.
Anything else?
Too much to mention, really, as Porsche has thrown all its latest technology at the Turbo flagship. It'll go on sale towards the end of this year.