How Porsche Revolutionized Performance with the Turbo Principle
With the Turbo designation, Porsche has developed some of the most perfect and powerful cars ever.
When Porsche first debuted the Turbo model designation for the 911 flagship 45 years ago, a legend was born. The name Turbo itself is synonymous with speed, a kick in horsepower, and a major boost in performance and thrills.
A Porsche Turbo is more than a model variant: it is a principle. Turbo is the spearhead model, and enthusiastically pushes the limits of what is possible. As we await the 2021 Porsches to start hitting the road, we look at what makes the Turbo the best and most powerful in its segment.
Porsche has always invested in potential. And the Turbo shows that potential realized; the result of pushing further and employing new innovation. Ultimately, Turbo models also combine technological leadership and the combination of apparently irreconcilable attributes.
Foremost, Turbo combines driving dynamics with efficiency; building a bridge from tradition to innovation. It needs to offer everyday usability in addition to its pedigree and exclusivity.
“A Turbo does not just have to be clearly different in visual terms, but it must above all be possible to really feel the difference,” says Dr. Frank Walliser, Vice President Model Line 911 of the 992 Turbo. “The work to differentiate is therefore correspondingly high, not just with regards to the design, but also to the chassis and the engine.”
Perhaps the best example of this in the silhouette of the new 911 Turbo. The combination of large rear wing and front spoiler with the body’s wide wings has always been a distinguishing feature of the especially powerful 911 models – and the latest is no exception.
Again, the upcoming 911 Turbo S and Turbo S Cabriolet takes another significant step forward. With a brutish 640 horses and a 0 to 60 mph sprint time of 2.6 seconds; power is not just a feature–it is also a key emotive requirement for a Turbo. At its heart, this is the perfect balance of grace, refinement, and yes–epic strength.
The Porsche Turbo models have been at the forefront of debuting and utilizing the production maturity of new technology. From all-wheel drive control, adaptive aerodynamics, or superior brake technology; Turbo has always broken new ground in the automotive industry. With Turbos, Porsche has be able to achieve many performance benchmarks. And they remain committed to keep on this track for the future for other models and generations.
Whether it is hybrids, flat sixes, or EVs, the Turbo principle remains the same. For example, in the all-electric Taycan the “Turbo” designation is not restricted to only those with a turbocharger. In fact, almost all Porsche models use a turbocharger today. But the name “Turbo” is reserved for the true technological pioneers. In the case of the Taycan Turbo S, this applies due to the Performance Battery Plus, pulse-controlled inverters on the front and rear axles, and above all its breathtaking performance.
For a Turbo in particular, the high level of emotiveness embodied by a technology is always a main argument for its use, particularly if it supports the overall performance of the vehicle. This also explains why the Turbo logo is not only found on the combustion engine variants, but also on the flagship models of the other two drive concepts.
Porsche is ready to meet the challenges of future mobility with a trio of electric, plug-in hybrid, and gas engine powertrains. Using efficient and effective technology helps foster greater independence from fossil raw materials, as well as generate even stronger emotions and heart-pumping fun behind the wheel.
Photos: Porsche
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