Porsche has announced it will travel to next month’s Detroit Motor Show to unveil the 2017 911 Turbo and 911 Turbo S. Offered as a coupe and as a convertible, both models benefit from a minor facelift, new tech features in the cockpit, and a more powerful engine.
The twin-turbocharged 3.8-liter flat-six engine that powers the 911 Turbo has been tweaked to deliver 540 horsepower and 523 pound-feet of torque. As a result, the coupe is capable of reaching 60 mph from a stop in a neck-snapping 2.9 seconds before going on to a top speed of 189 mph.
The 911 Turbo S gets an evolution of the Turbo’s flat-six that generates 580 hp — a 20-pony bump over the 2016 model — and 553 lb-ft. of torque when an overboost function kicks in. The extra grunt lowers the Turbo S’ zero-to-60 time to 2.8 seconds, a figure that makes the Turbo S about as fast as the limited-edition Lamborghini Aventador Superveloce. Given enough tarmac, it will reach a top speed of 205 mph. Composite ceramic brakes and an active roll stabilization function keep the power in check.
Bolted to a dual-clutch transmission, both engines gain a race-derived dynamic boost function that improves the throttle response by maintaining the boost pressure even during load changes. That means the turbos provide full boost instantly when coming out of a corner, even if the driver briefly took his or her foot off of the accelerator.
All Turbo models come standard with the Sport Chrono Package, which adds go-fast features such as a GT steering wheel inspired by the one found in the 918 Spyder, and a Sport Response button that preconditions the engine and the transmission for maximum responsiveness. A knob located on the steering wheel lets the driver choose one of four driving modes called Normal, Sport, Sport Plus, and Individual.
Unsurprisingly, the visual updates are highly evolutionary and discreet at best — it’s the iconic 911 we’re talking about, after all. The Turbo models feature new-look headlights and tail lamps, revised bumpers on both ends, and a model-specific decklid with vertical slats. New alloy wheel designs further differentiate the upcoming 2017 911 Turbo from the 2016 model that’s currently in showrooms.
The cabin gains a new infotainment system called Porsche Communication Manager (PCM). Controlled via a seven-inch touch screen built into the center console, PCM groups the 911’s connectivity, navigation, and entertainment function into a single unit capable of connecting to the Internet to provide real-time data. A 555-watt Bose sound system with 12 speakers and 18-way power-adjustable sport seats come standard.
The 2017 Porsche 911 Turbo and Turbo S are scheduled to land in showrooms next April. High performance commands a high price: The 911 Turbo costs $159,200, the 911 Turbo Cabriolet commands $171,500, the 911 Turbo S stickers for $188,100, and the 911 Turbo S Cabriolet rounds out the lineup at $200,400. The aforementioned figures don’t include a mandatory destination charge.
