Turbo returns to Porsche line-up

The Turbo is the flagship of the new 997 range.

The fifth generation of the legendary Turbo uses a revised 3.6-litre version of the new 997 boxer six equipped with twin variable turbine geometry (VTG) turbochargers. Though now commonly used in passenger car turbodiesels, Porsche claims the installation is the debut of this technology on a petrol-engined production car.

The Turbo boasts a maximum power output 353kW at 6000rpm; up 44kW over its predecessor (Type 996). Maximum torque is also increased -- from the 996 Turbo's 560Nm to 620 across an unprecedented rev range -- from 1950-5000rpm.

Performance claims for the all-wheel drive two-door are, ummm... adequate! The six-speed manual version accelerates from 0–100km/h in 3.9sec and double that mark in 12.8. Even faster is the Tiptronic S version -- the autoboxed Turbo is 0.2sec quicker to 100km/h and 0.6 faster to the double ton!

Porsche's engineers have also reduced fuel consumption of both manual and auto versions -- but who cares.

Top speed for both versions of the 997 Turbo is 310km/h.

Performance can be further increased via the optional 'Sport Chrono Package Turbo'. In Sport mode, the package allows an 'overboost' function at full throttle -- this increases boost pressure in the midrange by 0.2bar (3psi) for up to 10 seconds boosting torque by 60Nm to 680Nm and dropping the Turbo's 80-120km/h fifth gear (manual) acceleration time from 3.8 to 3.5sec.

The new generation Turbo's electronically-controlled all-wheel drive system has been redesigned. The car's braking system features 350mm ventilated and drilled discs all round with monobloc calipers -- six-piston at the front and four-potters at the rear. Porsche Ceramic Composite Brakes (PCCB) are available as an option saving 17kg.

The 911 Turbo will arrive in Australia in the third quarter on 2006 priced from $327,000.