Improvements to 2010 Porsche 997 Turbo slash ten seconds from 'Ring time
2010 Porsche 911 Turbo - Click above for high-res image gallery
With its new-for-2010 direct-injected, 3.8-liter turbocharged flat-six, the upgraded 2010 Porsche 911 Turbo has fired a shot across the bow of the world's supercar armada. Promising better performance, better fuel economy and better emissions, this tweaked 997 should hold the fort until the 998 appears in a couple of years.
With 20 extra horsepower motivating the lightened (by 55 pounds) all-wheel drive coupe, it should be noticeably quicker than its 2009 counterpart. How much quicker? Autocar is reporting that it's a full ten seconds faster around the Nurburgring Nordschleife than a 2009 Porsche 911 Turbo. That means the new Turbo just breaks into the 7:30s at 7m 39sec.
That still puts it behind the rival Nissan GT-R at 7:28 after former Formula One driver, Toshio Suzuki, went out and shaved more than a second off the car's previous best. Of course, Porsche still has a possible Turbo S model in the works and already produces a wicked 911 GT3 RS that can probably close the official gap between them and Godzilla.
Gallery: 2010 Porsche 911 Turbo
[Source: Autocar]
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Reader Comments (Page 1 of 3)
JOhn 4:08PM (10/14/2009)
Sssswwwweeeeeettttttt!!!!!!!
Looks like i gotta start saving!
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Chubaka 4:15PM (10/14/2009)
Before anyone rekindles the flames of unnecessary GT-R vs. 911 bashing, I'd just like to say that both are wonderful masterpieces of automotive engineering. 10 seconds off is absolutely amazing; kudos to Porsche for their work, especially lightening the car. It's this fierce competition that brings better driving experiences to the consumers, although I probably won't be one of them. =(
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Todd 4:16PM (10/14/2009)
Something wrong here.
Porsche, Corvette ZR-1, Ferrari all cost more than $100,000.00 ( seven for Enzo ) but cannot perform at Godzilla's level.
...and the GT-R is what 60k, has a trunk ( back seat even ) and easily insured?
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Neil 4:30PM (10/14/2009)
If you judge a car's performance only by a lap time around 1 track then you don't know much about cars.
Mike 4:32PM (10/14/2009)
I'm with you Todd. It's still good to see Porsche improving the car. I especially like the lightening to go faster idea. Imagine if they start to take some real weight out of Godzilla. I would love to see a concentrated effort to take 150 to 200 lbs. out of it. The spec V is only 35 lbs. lighter I think. I wonder what type of rubber the Turbo used on that trip around the ring?
Ian 4:32PM (10/14/2009)
Tell me where you can buy a GTR for $60K. MSRP starts at $80K
http://www.nissanusa.com/configurator/en?service=external/SelectBodyStyle&mo=2010:gtr&tool=model.build
And then you can add the $3000 paint option, and the $400 ipod cable.
Back under the rock, fanboi.
awndray 4:35PM (10/14/2009)
Why wouldn't the other vehicles be easily insured? You would be surprised that the price tag has little to do with the insurance premium.
Danimal 4:34PM (10/14/2009)
Corvette cargo space 22 cu ft
GTR cargo space 9 cu ft
I'd also rethink that $60k figure. $80k base price is what Nissan's website says.
If you want to make a point, get your facts straight.
Auari 4:40PM (10/14/2009)
Personally If I was going to spend 85 grand or more on a car I wouldn't base My only decision on lap times of a professional driver. I'd buy the car that's fast, comfy, and fits my style and personality.
Jeff Johnson 6:13PM (10/14/2009)
your post is wrought with ignorance.... forgetting that there is a lot of that money that goes into just the NAME of the car itself. Do you ever think that ALL else being equal a porsche will be the same price as a competitor? What about the obvious upgrades and niceness of the interior of the porsche compared to your jesus car the GT-R?
Nevermind that the brakes on the ZR-1 are about 10K alone.
All are amazing cars that offer ungodly performance. Pick your flavor and be happy, hating just shows how small of a mind you really have.
Carlo_Carrera 6:14PM (10/14/2009)
I think we should put the price of a GT-R into perspective.
60k? 80k? it doesn't matter. Nissan is taking a loss on every GT-R they sell. There is no way they could develop,build and sell the few number of GT-Rs they are and make a profit at that price. This is not criticism, Porsche itself has done the same with a few models, the 959, Carrera GT, 904, etc.
The GT-R is a brand prestige car for Nissan and a good one at that. Even if it is rumored that it might have done it's Ring lap time with DOT R compound or slicks tires, it is still an amazing car available at a great price, but a not for-profit price.
Berto 6:52PM (10/14/2009)
You damn ignoramus.
First off, I would like to know where you can find a GT-R for 60k because I have looked around and all prices are well above that figure. Even Nissan disagrees with you and says 80k.
Second, lap times are not everything. Chances are (well I am pretty sure) that you are not an F1 driver or a professional driver, thus you will probably not come near those record setting times. If we want to talk Nurburgring lap times, then screw Godzilla, the Radical SR8 is where its at yo'
Third, look at that Porsche, its a damn masterpiece that begs you to conquer it, it will push you to your limits but you'll beg for more. Don't get me wrong, the GT-R is impressive, but it just sits there like a cheap Vegas hooker, non-engaging, a bit numb and a robot-like personality.
I suppose they are different cars for different purposes. Love to drive, get the Porsche. Like to impress and play gran turismo, get the GT-R.
LloydChiro 7:33PM (10/14/2009)
You've already taken your well-deserved beating, Todd, but I'd also like to point out that the 991 Turbo also has back seats and a (front) trunk. And, I'll bet the Porsche seats are a little more usable, but what's the point? Carrying more groceries?
Adam Bruce 10:22PM (10/14/2009)
@Todd
The GT-R debuted at $70K but they quickly raised the price to $80K
@Neil
Agreed, there is a lot more to cars than their track times. I love my GT-R and it is much faster than an 997 GT-3, but the GT3 is much more fun to drive. (from experience)
@Mike
The GT-R is a big car, much of it's performance comes from the wide track and long wheelbase. People fail to understand that when comparing it to the Porsche, which is why it's hard to take weight out of it. That said, even with AWD, it's the same weight or lighter than other cars of similar size (a little larger than a Camaro, or about the same as a CTS-V). Weight savings would come at the cost of comfort or cost using more exotic (expensive) materials.
@Ian
You're being a bit harsh to Todd, his main point is valid, the car has a useable trunk, backseat that can (in a pinch) be used, and it costs far less.
@awndray
If you are worried about affording the insurance payment of a $80K car or more, chances are you probably can't afford it anyways.
@Danimal
As someone with experience in both the GT-R has a far more useable trunk space than a Vette, and can fit larger luggage due to the shape of the trunk vs hatch back. Don't forget the GT-R has a back seat you can load up with luggage (or people) as well. I dare you to toss a few heavy suitcases in the Vette and then do a 60-0 panic stop. I have, it's scarey ;-)
@Carlo_Carrera
I don't know if they're selling at a loss, but Porsche does pride itself on selling it's cars at the highest margin so I'm sure a $80K 911 has more profit built in than a $80K GT-R. That said a car is worth what people will pay for it, and last time I checked Porsche is selling a lot of 911's, so it must be priced fairly in my book.
@Berto
Based on your Avatar I assume you have an M car, my previous car was an E46 M3. Spectacular car, but the GT-R is a far more fun track weapon. Your statements about the GT-R sound like you haven't driven one at the track. The car doesn't feel like a "robot" and actually has far better steering feedback than most cars out there. Sure a GT3 is more engaging but it will beat you up more too. The harder you drive the GT-R the more visceral it get's even Jeremy Clarkston shares this statement. I loved my M3, I gush over my GT-R, it's fantastic.
@LloydChiro
Good points on all counts. FWIW I consider a 911tt more practical than a GT-R, it's softer, smaller, easier to drive and better visibility. The GT-R is closer to the GT3 in terms of feel (never driven a GT2 so I can't compare there.) That said, at the track I prefer the GT-R. It's much more confidence inspiring and easier to get more out of it. Far easier to drive fast (which I believe is the reason EVO magazine said was they could only tie the GT-R's time with the faster ZR-1). The more time I spend on track the more I realize that no one drives as well as they think they do ;-)
@everyone else
They're all great cars, but many question how the GT-R gets the numbers it does based on it's specifications. People say it's a "ringer" or underrated, or has "R' compound tires" etc etc. It's actually not the case. The GT-R is simply a study in applying more of its power more of the time. Sure a ZR-1 has more power in a heads up drag race, but how many times on the track can you apply all of it? The GT-R has a far more track-usable AWD system than the 911tt, and it gives it the ability to put down power when other cars have to slow down. Believe it or not, the GT-R is a velocity car, you enter and exit corners at far greater speed than you can with other vehicles because of the AWD and transmission.
The DCT clutch gives you zero interruption of power in up and down shifts. Believe it or not this is a massive advantage on long sweepers that necessitate gear changes.
Now on the issue of tires, that one is pretty simple. The stock GT-R is delivered in two flavors, Super Soft Bridgestone tires, or the optional Dunlop Tires that are nearly competition compound with a street tread. I know for a FACT that there is only (1) R-Compound tire that will fit a stock GT-R rim, the Toyo R888, and it's taken a full year of testing for them to better the stock Dunlops....they just debuted a month ago so we know they were not used at the Nur. Trust me, everyone in the GT-R community would have LOVED to have had access to this mythic R-Compund tire that all the GT-R conspiracy theorists said was used at the Nur. It simply doesn't exist. (Actually most GT-R owners are downgrading to 19" tires so we can use existing Hoosier and Toyo competition rubber due to lack of options!)
Anyhow enough of that. I love the new Porsche and welcome the competition, it mearly improves the breed. I would honestly hate it if my GT-R actually was the pinnacle of automotive performance, because then what would I buy in two years when I'm looking for a change? No I want tons of options from Porsche, Chevy, Ferrari and more...heck I even want there to be a Viper still (fingers crossed).
okay /soapbox
speed12sil 12:18AM (10/15/2009)
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@Adam Bruce
With regard to your comment about far easier to drive fast on the track. "The more time I spend on track the more I realize that no one drives as well as they think they do"...I'd think the same can be applied to those drivers if they're driving the GT-R, another words, unless you're really at good driving an ordinary car beside the GT-R, it doesn't really take a lot to be fast in the GT-R. The car's complex AWD and its myriad of brains are doing the actually power redistribution/vectoring, and you don't even have to do any heel-toeing, frankly what's the proof that your driving skill is actually better than others anyway? If you can drive the ZR1 and hang with the GT-R(driven by someone's who's not amateur) or even beat it, then I'd consider that skilled, because that car doesn't drive for you...
Francis 4:25PM (10/14/2009)
time to start harvesting organs yet again....
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Mike7 4:32PM (10/14/2009)
Francis, you aren't an organ-harvesting Vidiian from Star Trek, are you?
Anyway, to the car, 10 seconds off is greatly impressive for just being a facelift that really didn't lift its face. (What? It didn't, it still looks the same.) Short of Lambo/Fezza/Macca territory, this would be my pick. Or, maybe the GT3 RS, I haven't made up my mind yet.
Danny 4:30PM (10/14/2009)
Honestly, who cares about 2 - 5 seconds on a 7.5 minute lap time? At that point, there are much more factors to consider than simply the mechanics and engineering of the automobile, (weather, luck, gravitational forces).
Porsche still knows how to make a VERY sweet car and I'd love to own this new 997 turbo...or that Turbo S...or the GT2...or a GT3RS. And a 911 is no more trouble to insure than a GTR or Z06.
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Carlos 4:31PM (10/14/2009)
Was this Porsche equipped with the PDK?
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ASEVENSEE4 8:30PM (10/14/2009)
Maybe, it wouldn't be out of the question. I'd like to know if anyone has more infos.