The 2024 Porsche 911 Turbo S

The present-generation Porsche 911 Turbo S is on its method out. Earlier this 12 months, the arrival of a new GTS kicked off the 992.2 refresh, introducing the primary hybrid powertrain within the mannequin’s over 60-year historical past. An electrical turbocharger, an electrical motor sandwiched between its engine and transmission, and a small battery pack shift the GTS formulation, concurrently offering us a glimpse at 911s to return. 

Given the efficiency advantages of hybrid energy, 59-horsepower greater than its predecessor within the GTS’s case, there’s a robust chance that a few of this tech will work its method into what has at all times been one of the vital potent 911s. There are extra rumors, too, with some speculating that Porsche will provide a rear-drive variant geared up with a handbook transmission, which, given simply how jazzed the carmaker has been about handbook transmissions, wouldn’t be shocking. Take the manual-only Carrera T and its many shift sample stickers for instance.

Nonetheless, earlier than a wave of latest tech and what is likely to be an honest shakeup of the mannequin sweeps away the present Porsche 911 Turbo S, I’m taking a last take a look at what, through the years, has change into the 911 that really does all of it. 

Versatility has at all times been a foremost ingredient of the 911 formulation. Ample cargo and inside area, a compliant experience for lengthy drives, and mechanical sturdiness make sure you at all times get there are integral to it. And when you’ll nonetheless discover these core tenets within the present Turbo S, its efficiency stats counsel it’s not content material with chasing sports activities automobiles. Like its predecessors, this 911 needs to compete with the prancing horses and raging bulls of the world.

At its core sits a 3.8-liter flat-six with two turbochargers strapped, growing 640 horsepower and 590 pound-feet of torque. For these maintaining rating, that’s 9 horses and a whopping 147 lb-ft greater than the lately departed Lamborghini Huracán Tecnica. It’s additionally 60 hp and 37 lb-ft over the 991.2 technology it replaces. Like each iteration for the reason that 993 Turbo, it sends energy to all 4 wheels, on this case, through a model-specific eight-speed PDK. It sprints to 60 mph in 2.6 seconds, blitzes by the quarter-mile in 10.5, and tops out at 205 mph.

But as spectacular as its stats are on paper, what units the Porsche 911 Turbo S aside is simply how effectively it deploys that efficiency on a winding again highway. Clicking out of Regular mode, by Sport, and into Sport+ sharpens its throttle response and opens the flaps of its optionally available Sport Exhaust. On the identical time, an out there PASM Sport suspension squats its experience top by 0.4 inches in comparison with the usual system. 

Its character shifts, however not its approachability. Leaning on the throttle at first isn’t as intimidating as you may count on. At low revs, its flax-six stays fairly docile. Nonetheless, work your method into the center of the tach as enhance strain builds and its acceleration shifts from progressive to explosive. This isn’t turbo lag within the conventional sense, because it’s merely transitioning from very quick to overwhelmingly quick. But a tug of the proper paddle leads to a near-instant upshift, which, due to closely-spaced gears, drops you proper in that enhance candy spot.

Whilst you construct braveness and lean extra on the proper pedal, there’s by no means a way that the Porsche 911 Turbo S is trying to chew again. It encourages you to begin feeding energy earlier every time you rocket out of a bend. A brand new switch case makes this potential, as it might now route as much as 368 lb-ft to the entrance wheels. Coupled with the traction advantages of a observe that grows by 1.7 inches up entrance and 0.4 within the rear, together with wider 255/35 and 315/30 tires, the Turbo S will fortunately claw its method out of corners with out drama. Because of this, you’ll be able to hustle it up your favourite winding highway utilizing a point-and-squirt strategy. Wherever you goal its nostril, it should observe. 

Regardless of its limits being virtually untouchable exterior of a observe, you continue to get loads of suggestions from its steering and chassis in any respect speeds. Whereas turning the wheel leads to a fast response from the entrance, it doesn’t dart round like one thing with a GT in it’s title may, nor does it punish you with an excessively agency experience to ship such wonderful dealing with. It’s planted and composed however by no means harsh. And whereas its carbon ceramic brakes shine with their shiny yellow calipers, their efficiency is constant on a twisty highway and the each day commute. 

This brings me to the opposite half of this automobile’s persona, which makes it a really distinctive machine. Recall the flexibility side I discussed earlier as a result of that’s this automobile’s secret weapon. Whereas the Porsche 911 Turbo S is genuinely supercar fast, it might simply slip into the grand tourer or each day driver function. Dial the drive mode selector again all the way down to Regular, and its suspension softens significantly. Its deployable entrance splitter folds away, considerably bettering its floor clearance, whereas its rear wing lowers into its low-drag place. 

Its eight-speed PDK strikes by gears imperceptibly, whereas its valved exhaust permits solely a hum to permeate the cabin. Skip the optionally available carbon-fiber buckets and keep on with the usual 18-way adjustable set of Sport seats, and the Turbo S makes for an excellent automobile for a trek throughout the nation, even when it isn’t a Cannonball run. 

A GT Sport steering wheel comes commonplace, but regardless of being paying homage to what you’d discover in a GT3, it doesn’t detract from what it in any other case a chic and spacious cabin. This tester’s Truffle Brown inside with Chalk contrasting stitching is beautiful, properly complementing the Aventurine Inexperienced exterior shade. Its rear seats are as tiny as ever, becoming babies at finest, or extra precisely, any leftover baggage that may’t be stashed within the nostril.

This go-anywhere spirit aligns with this automobile’s styling as a result of, regardless of its deployable rear wing, extensive arches, and low stance, the Porsche 911 Turbo S blends in. Given that each one new 911s profit from broadened bodywork, the Turbo isn’t as distinct because it as soon as was. Whereas this could permit it to function a each day driver as half of a bigger assortment, it’s rapidly transferring into if-you-know-you-know territory, which, given this automobile’s $232,050 beginning value, may not at all times be a very good factor. As-tested, this specific instance is available in at $249,740.

With probably important modifications on the horizon, the 992.1-generation Porsche 911 Turbo S bows out as arguably one of the best iteration but. Whereas potential electrification may additional enhance its efficiency and supercar urge for food, this outgoing mannequin represents the 911 Turbo formulation at its finest.

From its formidable efficiency on a again highway to its consolation and each day usability and its elegant, spacious cabin, it’s as versatile as a sports activities automobile could be. And whereas its appears is probably not as flashy as you’d count on from a automobile beginning at near a quarter-million, its means to mix in invitations you to rack up the miles. Though it’s on its method out, the Turbo S stays the 911 that really does all of it.