FORENN

I have been considering jumping to a 991 Turbo S. A few things are holding me back, not least of which is that I prefer MT. But there are other factors. For example, like many of you, I have been hearing/reading speculation that the 991.2 base and S may be turbocharged. Assuming this is true (and I have no idea if it is), a few questions come to mind. What will this mean, if anything, for the 991 Turbo/TTS? Will Porsche continue to distinguish between the 991 base/S and the 991 Turbo/TTS? If so, will Porsche make new changes to the Turbo/TTS to make it more distinct? After all, a turbocharged 991 base/S would, by definition, be a turbo 911 of sorts. Will the 911 Turbo still be called a 911 Turbo? I'd love to hear folks' thoughts.

DKC64

All speculation of course. However if we consider the Macan S and Macan Turbo, both have a turbo engine. That doesn't stop them calling the slower one S.

So there is no reason to think why the 911S will be called anything else?

FORENN

Ah, I did not know that. I don't follow the non-911 pcar stuff too much. Thanks for your reply.

991999R

you could just wait until march or so when the new model info comes out

FORENN

Yes, I have thought about doing so. I have a couple of good trade offers now, though, and there is of course no guarantee that MY2016 will reflect the possible changes I mentioned. Thanks for your reply.

Mondrian

Porsche have created an expansive 911 range which has served them well with healthy growth in sales & one of the highest profit margins in the industry, why on earth would they reverse the strategy that has served them so well by streamlining?

FORENN

Reverse the strategy? Lol I was just asking if folks thought that a turbocharged 991 base/S might mean significant changes for the 991 Turbo/TTS.

Mondrian

Dropping normally aspired engine for turbo is streamlining the range, no?

991999R

fair point...in that case i would go with your current plan to move up. are you really going to regret any decision you make? at the end of the day, you're driving a dream car. not intended to marginalize your speculation but it is just that. personally i think the decision to change the engine type from NA to turbo would be better represented by an entire line overhaul (99....9???) rather than a mid-life cycle refresh.

FORENN

I think it's a risky move for the reason you intimated, and it would surely not sit well with 911 purists and N/A fans, but apparently some folks think this change is imminent due to new/upcoming emissions standards. The Macan comparison described in post 2 would suggest that turbocharging the 991 base/S would not necessarily mean streamlining in that there would still be a hierarchy of power/speed. I guess it just seems odd to me in that there is a Macan Turbo when it sounds from post 2 as though all of the Macan models are turbocharged (or at least some of the non-Turbo Macan models are).

Weim911

I think that 2016 will not be an earth shattering year for the 991.2 model. Maybe a few extra horses in each model and some subtle design changes and a couple extra color options. However, a whole new engine is very unlikely. Also, lots of people buy the 911, 911S or GT3 without the turbo for a reason! They like normally aspired cars. I don't think Porsche would alienate those people.

Larry Cable

I thought at some/most of the speculation was around a turbo 4cyl for the Boxster/Cayman range ...

I think if they turbo the 911s (outside of the "Turbo" and "Turbo S" models) they will have to maintain the performance gap between the "Turbo" models and the base models (similar to the Macan S and Turbo) ...

One interesting 'titbit' to consider, is that all the spy shots of the facelift mules show turbo-like intercooler 'slats' on their rear bumpers ala the 'Turbos' since the 996/RUF ...

Larry Cable

depends on the fuel consumption and emissions regs, it would not be a whole new engine, simply a turbo charged 9A1 variant (like the ones in the Turbo and Turbo S) truly possible in the intervening years since the 991 intro, although more likely in the 992

FORENN

I understand and agree with your (and Mondrian's) sentiment. But then I look at other examples. Take the new M3/M4, for example. When BMW announced the new M3/M4 would go with a smaller, turbocharged engine, M purists were outraged. There were literally dozens of angry threads on the topic on various BMW and car enthusiast forums. But my understanding is that new M3/M4 sales have been strong.

On a related topic, although it pains me to say it, I believe Porsche will ultimately phase out MT. Although this will upset many 911 enthusiasts, I expect many (most?) of these folks will adjust over time and move on with PDK.

With all of this said, I'd love for Porsche to keep N/A alive -- I'm certainly not advocating turbocharging the 991 base/S.

Jim M.

When and if Porsche turbo charges the 911 base and "S" it will most likely be to maintain the existing power and performance with a smaller displacement engine. The push is on for fuel economy and turbo charging a small 4 or 6 cylinder maintains the power without giving up to much fuel economy.