Porsche launching new 911 Turbo in Geneva

The sixth-gen super-Porsche will officially debut at the Geneva Motor Show, but Porsche has already started its marketing blitz for the new Turbo. (Check out the "Masterwerk" mini-site here.)
Officially the Type 997, the 911 Turbo now puts out 480 hp @ 6000 rpm, a 60 hp improvement on the last version. Torque goes up, too, to a pavement-peeling 457 foot-pounds. With the six-speed manual transmission, the 0-62 mph sprint is over in just 3.9 seconds. All that power is managed by a redesigned AWD system, which replaces the previous version's viscous coupling with an electronically controlled multi-disc clutch.
The Turbo will be available in the U.S. in July, with a starting price of $122,900.
The new 911 Turbo will debut in Geneva alongside the new GT3 Cup competition model. Full press release and pic after the jump.

Porsche Press Release:
Dr. Ing. h.c. F. Porsche AG, Stuttgart, is extending its current product range with the addition of a new 911 Turbo. The sixth generation of the 911 series’ top-of-the-range model will be celebrating its world premiere on February 28, 2006 at the Geneva Motor Show and will be available in German dealerships as from June 24, 2006.
The 911 Turbo (Type 997) now has an output of 353 kW (480 bhp) at 6,000 revolutions per minute, 60 bhp more than its predecessor (Type 996). The specific output of the 3.6-litre boxer engine thus climbs to a new all-time high of 98 kW (133 bhp) per liter of displacement. Rated torque has been increased from 560 to 620 Newtonmeters. The speed range in which this power is available has also been extended. While the previous model’s maximum torque was available between 2,700 and 4,600 revolutions per minute, the corresponding figures are now 1,950 to 5,000 revs.
These improvements are translated into driving performance. The new 911 Turbo with six-speed manual transmission requires 3.9 seconds for the standard sprint from zero to 100 km/h. The coupé reaches the 200 km/h mark in 12.8 seconds. And just 3.8 seconds are all it takes for the most powerful series-built 911 model of all time to accelerate from 80 to 120 km/h in fifth gear. Despite these enhanced performance statistics, Porsche developers succeeded in reducing average fuel consumption by one tenth to 12.8 liters per 100 kilometers.
The 911 Turbo with the optionally available Tiptronic S automatic transmission puts in an even more impressive performance. An optimized setup gives the vehicle the wherewithal to power from zero to one hundred in just 3.7 seconds and to reach 200 km/h after a mere 12.2 seconds.
The Turbo with automatic transmission also has the advantage when it comes to flexibility. In penultimate gear it accelerates from 80 auf 120 km/h in 3.5 seconds. Fuel consumption by the Tiptronic S variant is 0.3 liters lower than that of its predecessor: 13.6 liters in accordance with the EU standard. Both transmission variants have a top speed of 310 km/h.
The vehicle’s flexibility can be enhanced even further with the optional “Sport Chrono Package Turbo”, available for the first time. Here the driver selects the “sports button” adjacent to the gear lever to activate a short-time “overboost” at full throttle. This increases boost pressure in the mid speed range by 0.2 bar for up to ten seconds; torque rises from 60 to 680 Newtonmeters. The time required by the 911 Turbo with manual transmission for intermediate acceleration from 80 to 120 km/h is reduced by 0.3 seconds to 3.5 seconds.
These performance figures owe themselves to exhaust turbochargers with variable turbine geometry, featuring for the first time in a gasoline engine model. At the heart of this technology are adjustable guide blades, which direct the engine exhaust flow variably and precisely onto the turbine wheel of the exhaust turbocharger. The principle of variable turbine geometry unites the advantages of small and large exhaust turbochargers and leads to a discernable improvement in flexibility and acceleration, particularly at low speeds.
To transfer the available power to the road, the new generation of the 911 Turbo features a redesigned all-wheel drive with an electronically controlled multi-disc clutch. Porsche Traction Management (PTM) ensures variable power distribution to the two driven axles. Depending on the driving conditions, the all-wheel electronics system constantly determine the optimal torque distribution to ensure the best-possible drive. In practice this translates as high agility on narrow country roads, outstanding traction in rain and snow and optimal active safety even at high speeds. These properties make the Porsche Traction Management system in the new 911 Turbo one of the most powerful and, at the same time, lightest all-wheel systems on the market.
The new 911 Turbo’s driving performance is duly tempered by its brake system, which comprises monobloc fixed-caliper disc brakes with six pistons at the front axle and four at the rear.
In comparison with the Type 996, the diameter of the internally ventilated and perforated brake discs at the front and rear wheels has been increased by 20 millimeters to 350 millimeters. As an option, Porsche is also offering its optimized ceramic brake system, PCCB (Porsche Ceramic Composite Brake). The advantages of this high-tech material mean a reduction of 17 kilograms compared to the standard brake system, excellent fading stability owing to consistent friction values and absolute corrosion resistance. The brakes now have a diameter of 380 millimeters at the front axle and 350 millimeters at the rear.
A characteristic design feature of the new 911 Turbo is the modified front end with its distinctive, tautly drawn cooling air inlets. In conjunction with the standard-equipment oval bi-xenon headlights, they define its unmistakable image. The harmonious front view is enhanced by widely placed and deep-set fog lights and by new LED flashers, which are situated in the lateral air inlets of the front end. From the rear perspective too, the Turbo takes on a more powerful appearance. This is due first and foremost to its tail end, 22 millimeters wider than that of the previous model, to which the redesigned wing spoiler element has been aligned. It now slopes downward slightly at the sides to nestle into the contours of the rear fenders. The lateral air inlets behind the doors have also been redrawn and, together with the new air ducts, afford a more efficient supply of cooling air to the charge-air intercoolers.
The basic Euro price for the 911 Turbo is 115,000 Euros. In Germany it is available for 133,603 Euros including value added tax and country-specific requirements. In the USA the 911 Turbo is priced at 122,900 Dollars (not including taxes), and will be available as from July 8, 2006.
In addition to the 911 Turbo, as a special surprise at the Geneva Motor Show, Porsche will be presenting another world premiere: the new 911 GT3. You will receive technical data and photos of this “racing car for the road” on February 28, 2006, the first press day in Geneva.












Reader Comments (Page 1 of 4)
retsel 6:47PM (2/13/2006)
is is just me... but Porsche needs a new design or at least start pointing to a new theme... they have maxed out this one... but its still nice...
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Chimay 6:58PM (2/13/2006)
No, it's just you.
Seriously, Porsche is about evolution - not revolution - and their designs do evolve. Their engineers have been perfecting this design since 1963 (earlier if you want to count the 356), which is why this is such an amazing, exceptional machine. That's why Porsche is about: engineering perfection and design heritage. If you want radical changes, go find something else.
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Lee Gibson 6:58PM (2/13/2006)
Thanks, I'll take the Cayman. Much prettier.
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Shyam 7:03PM (2/13/2006)
Who cares about pretty (though the 997's are all amazingly beautiful imho). This is a masterpiece of a car and i'd rather have this than any ferrari or lambo out there. I'll take one in black, and a cayman to keep it company in the garage.
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Cameron 7:14PM (2/13/2006)
Very nice, but the wheels just aren't my taste. They look too 'aftermarket' and don't really blend in with the rest of the styling. Otherwise, it's perfect.
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FatCat 7:23PM (2/13/2006)
It is very nice, though I personally prefer the more understated regular ol' 911 Carrera.
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MikeW 7:46PM (2/13/2006)
Cayman, pass. Strut suspension all around
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Nick 8:03PM (2/13/2006)
It may be struts all around but the proof is in the pudding- the car is a handler.
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Tim 8:17PM (2/13/2006)
Yawn, rather have a 1969 mustang mach 1 will over 110,000 dollars left over. They (porsche) have an aging design that needs more than a mild refresh such as new wheels and brakes.
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Louis Rutkowski 2:35AM (4/16/2008)
Tim, there is a difference between style and fashion.
American cars are fashion, just like 'fashion jewelery'
Charlie 8:30PM (2/13/2006)
#9
You are helpless. Porsche is about evolution as opposed to revolution. The 911 is a classic, just like your Mustang, but no pony car can keep pace with this. You need to value the 911 for what it is, not what it isn't. Don't even get me started on the Mustang's half century of painful evolution.
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G 8:51PM (2/13/2006)
Damn, that thing is hideous. Just awful. The carrera->turbo changes made in this look so bulky and awkward. Makes the 996 turbo look downright gorgeous. What a shame.
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Gandhi 9:28PM (2/13/2006)
Agre on the wheel design comment. I personally prefer the ones from the 993 turbo model - they still look beautiful.
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J Zeke 10:05PM (2/13/2006)
The 911 is very much the paragon of evolution, but even it has had its days of revolution: 959.
When we gonna see something that radical again?
From Autoblog, circa 2037:
Porsche has unveiled its hugely anticipated giant slayer, the Cayman Turbo Hybrid S. Sporting a 1.6 liter twin turbo boxer 12, MIVEC ceramic electric hub motors, and vacuum assist ground effects the baby from 911 company...
...has gone on to break speed and acceleration records set decades earlier with the Bugatti Veyron and Ferrari F75.
Why not?
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nizzy1115 12:32AM (2/14/2006)
These cars are absolutly sexy. I bet every single person in the world would agree. I also don't think that there are any better cars engineered for the price than the Porsche's. You can say what you want, but I stand behind my statements.
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Adam Singer 12:45AM (2/14/2006)
Gorgeous!
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Francis Hermina 12:57AM (2/14/2006)
To all who dare compare this to a muscle car...
It's a porsche and it is in a league of its own. 460 HP from a 3.6 liter engine. Not even the new supercharged northstar V8 can match those numbers. And I wont even start on the other features this car has. So plz keep your trailer trash comments to yourself.
It is a awesome car...it's a PORSCHE !!
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Jace 1:01AM (2/14/2006)
I would rather take the z06 over this car. I'm betting it will be comparable in performace. In fact the z06 will outperform the manual on this car. If I was going to pay over 100k, only car to look at is f430 IMHO. :)
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Mmorpg 2:38AM (2/14/2006)
The car is great, but I would rather have a different set of wheels. :/
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Tim 3:40AM (2/14/2006)
The Turbo is for goldchain posers... and their wives.
The 911GT3, on the other hand, is the driver's car.
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