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Porsche 911 Turbo S 2020 – Hardly any other car evokes as much emotion as Porsche's legendary 911. Since the first 911 left the Porsche factory in 1963, this model has become synonymous with the Porsche name. The first Porsche Turbo was unveiled to the world in 1974, and Porsche applied the experience it had gained in racing with exhaust gas turbochargers to series production.
The Porsche Turbo was the first sports car with a standard exhaust gas turbocharger and boost pressure control. Since then, the DNA of the Porsche Turbo has remained unchanged: an uncompromisingly sporty road car. Even the first model had over 260 hp, and a year later, the 300 hp barrier was broken. The Zuffenhausen-based company presented its new top models in the 991 series, the Turbo S and Turbo S Cabrio, at the Geneva Motor Show.
The new 911 Turbo S
The top-of-the-range 911 will be available from April 2020 with a 650 hp 3.8-liter boxer engine and is set to drive old and new customers to the dealers. Porsche engineers have increased the output by 70 hp compared to the previous 911 Turbo and added another 50 Nm to the previous torque of 800 Nm. The eighth generation of the 911 is now in the starting blocks, and the Porsche 911 Turbo (2020) is sure to be part of the lineup—had the coronavirus not intervened, the 911 Turbo would have celebrated its premiere at the Geneva Motor Show.
Engine performance and speed of the Porsche 911 Turbo S
Turbocharging is no longer reserved exclusively for Porsche's top model, but it continues to unleash exceptional power in the Porsche Turbo. As always, the engineers in Stuttgart have set themselves the goal of pushing the boundaries of performance and breaking through previous sound barriers with this super sports car. To achieve this, they have developed a new 3.8-liter six-cylinder boxer engine at the factory, which delivers 800 Newton meters and 650 hp.
The latter is 70 horsepower more than its predecessor. A small quantum leap. The other performance data is equally impressive. The top speed is 330 km/h, and the Porsche 911 Turbo S can sprint to 100 km/h in a breathtaking 2.7 seconds thanks to its eight-speed dual-clutch transmission. The 200 km/h mark is reached after just 8.9 seconds. The Stuttgart-based company has therefore achieved its goal and surpassed the level of most super sports cars.
Such enormous power also requires another innovation: the Porsche Turbo S is equipped with mixed tires as standard. The front axle has 20-inch tires in size 255/35, while the rear axle rolls on 21-inch tires in size 315/30.
The technology under the hood
The newly developed engine of the 911 Turbo S is based on the engine generation of the current 911 Carrera model series. The intercooling system, the new, more expansive and symmetrically designed VTG turbocharger with electrically adjustable wastegate flaps, and the use of piezo injection valves have been completely redesigned. The latter significantly improve the key driving characteristics of a super sports car: responsiveness, performance, torque curve, emissions behavior, and revving ability. The newly developed six-cylinder boxer engine is ventilated by a new intake system.
The process air and charge air cooling ducts have been swapped for this purpose: some of the process air is now drawn in through the unique turbo air intakes in the rear side panel. Meanwhile, the air filters, now located in front of the rear fenders, direct two additional air flows through the rear lid grille. This gives the new 911 Turbo S four intake points. This increases the total cross-section while reducing resistance. This enabled the engineers to improve the efficiency of the engine.
The turbocharger
The turbochargers are mirror-image in design and feature variable turbine geometry (VTG) and larger dimensions, replacing the previous identical parts. The impellers now rotate in opposite directions on the right and left sides of the vehicle. The diameter of the turbine wheels has increased by five millimeters to 55 millimeters, while the 61-millimeter compressor wheel has been enlarged by three millimeters. The wastegate flaps are controlled electronically via stepper motors.
Design of the Porsche 911 Turbo S
Porsche has given the 911 Turbo S (2020) a few visual updates. The more voluminous rear end immediately catches the eye, crowned by a striking rear wing located between the rear and the taillights. The spoiler also provides more downforce, while the optimized Porsche Active Suspension Management (PASM) sports suspension with a ten-millimeter lowering provides more dynamics. The adaptive aerodynamics of the Porsche Turbo S now also include controlled cooling air flaps in the front. A sports exhaust system with adjustable flaps and round tailpipes is available as an option. The four trapezoidal tailpipes are not new, however, as they continue the design of the predecessor.
The license plate hangs higher than on the standard 911, and there are larger air outlets behind the rear wheel arches. The classic air intake behind the doors, which has adorned the Turbo models since the 996 from 1999, has remained almost unchanged compared to the previous model. The air intakes are still responsible for giving the 911 its martial appearance. Porsche has also opted for evolution rather than revolution when it comes to the front mask. The current model features two LED strips, one above the other, as daytime running lights. LED matrix headlights are fitted as standard. Two raised, tapered struts give the Porsche 911 Turbo S (2020) an extra dose of aggressiveness.
Interior of the Porsche 911 Turbo S
Anyone lucky enough to get a seat in the Porsche 911 Turbo S can look forward to standard two-tone full leather upholstery with matching trim and decorative panels. In keeping with the super sports car image, the seats are sports seats with quilted backrests. Here, the Stuttgart-based manufacturer pays a small tribute to the first 911 Turbo from 1963. The digital instrument cluster on the dashboard features the typical Turbo lettering and graphic details. A GT sports steering wheel is used to control the Turbo S. Important information is displayed on a 10.9-inch screen. The Sport Chrono Package, including the Porsche Track Precision app, and the Bose sound system are also included as standard.
Fuel consumption figures for the Porsche 911 Turbo S
The new 911 Turbo S goes on sale with 478 kW (650 hp; 911 Turbo S Coupé: combined fuel consumption 11.1 l/100 km; combined CO2 emissions 254 g/km, 911 Turbo S Cabriolet: combined fuel consumption 11.3 l/100 km; combined CO2 emissions 257 g/km). The dimensions of the 911 Turbo S have been significantly increased to accommodate the enhanced dynamics: the body is 45 millimeters wider above the front axle (1,840 millimeters), and the total width above the rear axle is now 1,900 millimeters (plus 20 millimeters). Modified track widths, advanced aerodynamics, and new mixed tires ensure greater agility and sportiness: the track width has increased by 42 millimeters on the front axle and by ten millimeters on the rear axle.
The Stuttgart-based company plans to launch the car in April 2020. The super sports car is then set to cause a stir on public roads. However, potential buyers will have to dig deep into their pockets. At CHF 216,396 or CHF 229,962 for the open-top version, the Porsche Turbo S is by no means a bargain.
Porsche 911 Turbo S 2020 – Key figures
- 478 kW – 650 hp
- 2.7 seconds to 100 km/h
- 8.9 seconds to 200 km/h
- 11.1 l/100km
- 254 g/km CO2 emissions
- Front axle width 1840 mm
- Rear axle width 1900 mm
- CHF 220,000 Price
