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- All-new Turbo S models based on the 992 chassis
- New 3.8-liter, twin-turbocharged, flat-6 rated at 640 hp
- Widest street-legal 911 in history
- Standard all-wheel-drive and PDK dual-clutch gearbox
- Base price of $203,500
An all-new 2021 Porsche 911 Turbo S has made its debut. Completely redesigned, it rides on the new “992 Series” platform. The German automaker’s flagship GT sports car promises to be the quickest, fastest, and most powerful 911 Turbo in 46 years of existence. Yet Porsche has not only raised the bar of performance, as technical innovation and improving everyday usability were also the company’s primary engineering goals.
Bold and distinctive wide-body styling
Porsche has widened the new 911 Turbo S models significantly, which improves handling, driving dynamics, and stability. The new body is 1.8 inches wider up front and .78 inches wider at the rear. It’s the burliest roadworthy 911 the factory has ever produced (Porsche says the new Turbo S models are even wider than the outgoing 991.2 911 GT2 RS). Muscular fenders hide staggered 20- and 21-inch center-lock wheels. These rims wear sticky rubber that has expanded proportionally (front tires are 255/35-20, while rear tires are 315/30-21).
The Porsche 911 Turbo S Cabriolet
Porsche
Adaptive aerodynamics control airflow to the radiator and downforce via the rear wing. The front splitter is pneumatically extendible (using air pressure), while the expanded rear wing (with an electric motor) delivers 15 percent more downforce than last year’s model.
Innovative technology improves dry and wet driving
Porsche Traction Management (PTM) manages the all-wheel-drive system, continuously adjusting the power front and rear based on need. In the Turbo S models, the transfer case is capable of 368 lb-ft of torque to the front wheels, significantly improving grip.
Wet Mode, an innovative electronic system that uses acoustics to determine whether the road surface is damp or wet, is standard. If moisture is detected on the road, which could potentially limit grip or traction, the system adjusts the stability control and ABS while warning the driver.
Advanced suspension and enhanced braking system
Standard suspension includes Porsche Active Suspension Management (PASM), which actively controls the firmness of the dampers. Optional on the Turbo S models is Porsche Active Suspension Management (PASM) Sport. This enthusiast-tuned configuration includes an even lower ride height when compared to standard PASM. A Sport Exhaust System, visually identified by oval tailpipes, is also optional.
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Porsche’s class-leading brakes, which are known as Porsche Ceramic Composite Brakes (PCCB), have been further refined for use on the 911 Turbo S models. The alloy calipers now boast 10-pistons on the front axle and 4-piston calipers on the rear axle. The carbon-ceramic rotors are larger, growing from 410 mm to 420 mm for even more braking capacity and heat resistance.
All-new 3.8-liter flat-6 engine
Rear-mounted within the aluminum-bodied coupe is a new 3.8-liter, six-cylinder, boxer engine. The twin-turbocharged engine is based on the smaller 3.0-liter “9A2 Evo” engine that powers the Carrera and Carrera S. It features variable turbine geometry (VTG) turbochargers, electronic wastegates, and piezo injectors to improve responsiveness, torque, and a high-revving nature. Compared with last year’s model, the turbochargers are larger, the intercoolers have more cooling capacity, and the airflow reversed to improve efficiency.
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The engine, rated at 640 hp and 590 lb-ft of torque, mates to a standard 8-speed Porsche Doppelkupplung (PDK) dual-clutch gearbox. This unit replaces the outgoing 7-speed PDK. With improved gearing, the new 911 Turbo S rockets to 60 mph in 2.6 seconds (2.7 seconds for the drop-top). It covers the quarter-mile in just 10.5 seconds. Acceleration from 0-124 mph takes just 8.9 seconds, a time that is one full second quicker than last year’s model. The reported top speed is 205 mph.
Interior doesn’t sacrifice luxury
Despite a performance envelope that rivals the world’s best exotics, Porsche refuses to sacrifice comfort and luxury. The new Turbo S models arrive with full leather upholstery and carbon-fiber trim as standard equipment. As is the case with the other 992 Carrera models, the infotainment center boasts a 10.9-inch touchscreen. The Other standard premium fitments include 18-way Sport Seats Plus (with stitching patterns paying homage to the celebrated 930 Turbo), GT Sport Steering wheel, Bose audio, and Sport Chrono with the fully integrated Porsche Track Precision app.
How much does the 2021 Porsche 911 Turbo S cost?
The 2021 Porsche 911 Turbo S Coupe has a base price of $203,500 (plus $1,350 delivery). The 911 Turbo S Cabriolet, with a power-operated soft top and a heated rear window, is priced from $216,300 (plus $1,350 delivery). Expect both vehicles to reach showrooms before the end of the year.
This story originally ran on KBB.com.
