Sobe

Porsche will put the squeeze on its supercar rivals in 2005 with a hot new 911 Turbo packing up to 460bhp. Caught here undergoing testing in early prototype guise, the sixth iteration of Porsche’s performance icon will go on sale in the UK this time next year.

At the heart of the new car is a reworked version of the outgoing model’s 3.6-litre flat-six engine. Among the changes are larger turbochargers, more-efficient intercoolers and revised engine management electronics.

Power is said to climb by 40bhp to 460bhp, with torque increasing to around 460lb ft – enough to propel the new car to 60mph in just 4.0sec, 0.2sec quicker than the current model. Despite a marginally increased frontal area, the improved underbody aerodynamics and a more efficient bi-plane rear wing should help the new 911 Turbo achieve a top speed in excess of the 191mph of today’s car.

But the biggest single factor in the Turbo’s increased performance is a new four-wheel-drive system, which incorporates electronic differentials that allow the drive to be apportioned independently to the wheel with the most grip. Further developments planned are a reworked six-speed manual gearbox with a shorter shift action, PASM (Porsche Active Suspension Management) with continuously variable damping, 19-inch wheels and tyres and PCCB (Porsche Ceramic Carbon Brakes).

The new car will also adopt an optional dual-clutch gearbox. As with Volkswagen’s DSG ’box, Porsche’s system includes shift paddles behind the steering wheel. Setting the new Turbo apart from lesser 911 models are a series of traditional styling cues, including uniquely styled cooling ducts, wider wheelarches, tailpipes set within the rear valance and the signature ‘whale tail’ spoiler mounted over the engine lid.

As with the outgoing 911 Turbo, Porsche plans to offer both coupé and cabriolet versions of the new model. Prices are expected to remain close to £90,000.

Porsche is examining the possibility of fitting Toyota’s hybrid powertrain to its Cayenne SUV, according to reports last week.


http://www.autocarmagazine.co.uk/New...p?NA_ID=212046

RR

How will they put the squeeze on their rivals when the gallardo had 500hp and so did the 575?

graham_mitchell

There is a lot more to making a car fast, even in a straight line, than peak power alone, such as:

- power throughout band
- weight of car
- traction and suspension
- gear ratios
- drag coefficient
- speed of gear change (think DSG and its millisecond gear change)
- weight of rotating parts such as flywheel, gears, wheels, etc

mal28

c4s to follow?

Alan Smithee

Same power as the GT2. Unless they keep the cost down to 996TT levels, while kicking the GT2 (which is at the same price point as the Gallardo and Modena) to 500+, I wouldn't call that progress.

Blue S2

Um, a 911 is A LOT more practical than a Gallardo or the 575 by far. The Gallardo may be Lambos finest so far (thanks to the Germans, and its also one of my favorite cars...) but its no 911. 460hp, or 500hp? Does it matter? For similar price, you can pack your family into the 911, and and some luggage (maybe a day trip or two?). Gallardo wont hold anything. For the package they are offering, i think its a strong competitor. A 911 is a usable, relatively practical car with stunning performance. The other two are really hot toys. I think the 911 Turbo has a wider market than the Italians as well. Then again, all this is my opinion.

You know what...that picture in the link looks exactly like the Boxster coupe spyshots. Im curious as to how valid that shot is.

RSA333

I try not to be one of those of those self-appointed experts. But, there is an interesting thread on the Rennteam site, and another rumor that I have heard (from de) that the power will be in the 500 bhp range. It may be a Turbo S, who knows?

------------

02 996TTX50
92 RSA
93 911 Turbo S2
80 SC

Carrera GT

It's sometimes fun to read the biased, pro-Porsche articles, but the choice of words is just preposterous. "Put the squeeze"? Just stupid. By the end of next year, will a 500hp car be a big deal in the supercar segment? The real fun will be the DSG from Porsche and I hope Porsche doesn't keep this for the Turbo because it will be more fun in the n/a cars that need frequent "rowing" to stay at a gallop (to happily mix metaphors ... )

Alan Smithee

Tony,

"Practicality" is the last reason somebody buys a $150-200k 450-500hp supercar...it's a silly argument, as anybody spending such sums of money could obviously come up with $60k to buy a Cayenne S if they wanted to "pack the family and some luggage".

If Porsche wants to stay competitive, profitable, and independent as a company, its new models need to beat the competition, period...at the Boxster price point or Turbo/Turbo S/GT2 price point, regardless of whether the difference between 460hp and 500hp matters to you.

Jack667

I agree that more progress needs to be made in this era of renewed HP wars. Heck - the M5 makes 500HP. Mercedes (AMG) puts out cars over 600HP. The most important data point is that the 996TT X50 puts out 450HP. Why don't they use 3.8L, vs 3.6? I know that there's a vette thread elsewhere - you also have to count on the new Z06.
I'm not purporting to be an expert - just someone on the sidelineswho's expecting more than 460...

NJ-GT

LOL!

460Hp is a joke. My N/A car is pulling around 420Hp in a 500 lbs lighter package.

The X50 996TT is pulling 444Hp.

A new vette is coming with around 500Hp. A new Viper Coupe also on the 500+ Hp.

Porsche needs to start at 550Hp at least to be competitive due to the heavier package.

MoneyBiz

With a few mods you could probably get 100 hp increase.

Moogle

probably with just a new chip

Blue S2

The 911 has never been able to match cars in HP-wars! It's still always been a better car though, and much more capable! I expect Porsche, regardless of the final HP, to release the next Turbo as a very competitive car in comparison.

Even if an AMG was putting down double the HP and the Corvette triple, what does it matter? I expect that people who want the 911, want it for more reasons than HP alone. This isnt a Mustang.

On the other hand, the new Aston Martin V8 coming out looks interesting and is aimed directly at the 911. Its basically a British 928! Front-mid V8, torque tube-to-transaxle design with the dimensions of a 911 and similar power.

mamoroso

I think Porsche should redirect some of their resources to get these cars lighter, not more powerful. A 993 TT was putting out the same numbers in terms of acceleration and top speed nearly 7 years ago (ok maybe it was 0.2 secs slower to 100 km/h).
The GT3 RS is more rewarding, cheaper and can keep up on a straight line with a 996 TT and eat it at the track.