Porsche 911 Turbo S PDK (A) First Drive Review
19 Mar 2014|16,597 views
The 911 is a revered name in the sports car arena. It is the single model that stood the test of time, 50 years and counting, and one that triggered an abundance of variants.
And at the top of the range sits the Turbo - a shimmery silver moniker that was conceived in 1974. It is no surprise that Porsche had derived this forced-induced formula from its motorsports endeavours.
There is no hiding of the power beneath - the Turbo S combines the classic 911 silhouette with bulbous wheel arches, quad tailpipes and a deployable rear wing
Since its inception, the 911 Turbo has been formidable - not just because of its potent performance, but also how it delivers. Compared to its GT counterparts, which are derived for tracks (such as the GT3 and GT2), the Turbo is more of a 'gentleman's sports car' with a racy yet luxurious setup.
That, though, did not stop Porsche from giving the Turbo a lethal dose of performance. Befitting its status in the family tree, the Turbo S, in fact, is the quickest accelerating production 911 yet.
And at the top of the range sits the Turbo - a shimmery silver moniker that was conceived in 1974. It is no surprise that Porsche had derived this forced-induced formula from its motorsports endeavours.
Since its inception, the 911 Turbo has been formidable - not just because of its potent performance, but also how it delivers. Compared to its GT counterparts, which are derived for tracks (such as the GT3 and GT2), the Turbo is more of a 'gentleman's sports car' with a racy yet luxurious setup.
That, though, did not stop Porsche from giving the Turbo a lethal dose of performance. Befitting its status in the family tree, the Turbo S, in fact, is the quickest accelerating production 911 yet.
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Exterior
Like all the previous generations, the latest 911 is a model that subtly draws you to the minor differences, instead of blatantly presenting it in your face. And although this evergreen evolution has sparked criticism, it garnered an equal share of likes.
It is easy to see how the Turbo has grown, especially from its rear. The Turbo models are now 28mm wider than its Carrera 4 stablemates. And having gained 100mm in wheelbase from its predecessor, the latest is the longest and widest Turbo model yet.
 |
Interior
Unsurprisingly, the Turbo S' cabin looks largely familiar to the other 911 models, such as the Carrera S which we first laid our hands on. Living up to its badge, the materials used feel premium to the touch, with equipment laid instinctively for ease of use.
Turbo S' interior receives small swipes of carbon fibre trim to hint at its go-faster objectives
Unlike the stripped down GT3, the Turbo S gets a full array of creature comforts, such as the full leather-swathed interior and plush carpets.
On top of the handful of 'Turbo S' scripts laid throughout the cabin, you will find expensive-looking carbon fibre trims replacing aluminium trims which are found on the 'lesser' models. The centre armrest embossed with the brand's badge also adds to the attention to detail.
Unsurprisingly, the Turbo S' cabin looks largely familiar to the other 911 models, such as the Carrera S which we first laid our hands on. Living up to its badge, the materials used feel premium to the touch, with equipment laid instinctively for ease of use.
Unlike the stripped down GT3, the Turbo S gets a full array of creature comforts, such as the full leather-swathed interior and plush carpets.
On top of the handful of 'Turbo S' scripts laid throughout the cabin, you will find expensive-looking carbon fibre trims replacing aluminium trims which are found on the 'lesser' models. The centre armrest embossed with the brand's badge also adds to the attention to detail.
The Drive
Think of the Turbo S as a 911 that has attained supercar level of performance and you can't be too far off. With the help of two turbochargers, the 3.8-litre flat-six lump now deals an immense 560bhp and 700Nm of torque.
This grants the Turbo S ferocious tarmac-scorching abilities. In the most brutal Sport Plus mode, launching the car from 0 to 100km/h takes just 3.1 seconds. That makes it quicker than the McLaren MP4-12C and on par with the Ferrari F12berlinetta.
While those are bragging rights to behold, the Turbo S isn't about brute, mindless power. Instead, it has a handsome list of tech tricks up its sleeves to help it put down the power effectively. Some, such as active aerodynamics and rear axle steering, are making their debut on this latest Turbo.
Sport Chrono comes standard in the Turbo S, and has an overboost function that releases 50Nm more torque to a mind-blogging 750Nm
Think of the Turbo S as a 911 that has attained supercar level of performance and you can't be too far off. With the help of two turbochargers, the 3.8-litre flat-six lump now deals an immense 560bhp and 700Nm of torque.
This grants the Turbo S ferocious tarmac-scorching abilities. In the most brutal Sport Plus mode, launching the car from 0 to 100km/h takes just 3.1 seconds. That makes it quicker than the McLaren MP4-12C and on par with the Ferrari F12berlinetta.
While those are bragging rights to behold, the Turbo S isn't about brute, mindless power. Instead, it has a handsome list of tech tricks up its sleeves to help it put down the power effectively. Some, such as active aerodynamics and rear axle steering, are making their debut on this latest Turbo.
 |
Although we held some scepticism about the new technologies after going through the press release, they soon prove their worth during our track run around the Sepang International Circuit in Kuala Lumpur.
Despite having its heft hung at the rear end of the car, the Turbo S behaves much like a mid-engined sports car - defying the twitchy, temperamental handling characteristics that are known of rear-engined sports cars.
The Turbo S now comes with a three-stage active front spoiler that works in harmony with the deployable rear wing to improve aerodynamics
Credits to the rear axle steering that turns in the opposite direction at low speeds, the car feels nimbler when turning into tight corners.
And even when the accelerator is mashed on the way out of the apex, the all-wheel drive system will grip relentlessly and ensure that all the horses are despatched effectively on the tarmac.
Despite having its heft hung at the rear end of the car, the Turbo S behaves much like a mid-engined sports car - defying the twitchy, temperamental handling characteristics that are known of rear-engined sports cars.
Credits to the rear axle steering that turns in the opposite direction at low speeds, the car feels nimbler when turning into tight corners.
And even when the accelerator is mashed on the way out of the apex, the all-wheel drive system will grip relentlessly and ensure that all the horses are despatched effectively on the tarmac.
It is, however, apparent that the Turbo S has much more to offer. Although there is a host of tech nannies to keep the car safely on track, it still takes a pair of trained hands (and legs) to find a sweet spot between speed and control.
Porsche's double-clutch PDK gearbox slips through the ratios with minimal fuss and adds to the invigorating and involving drive
Conclusion
With this generation of 911 Turbo, Porsche has clearly upped its game to yet another level. And like with every new incarnation, the latest packs more tech than before - in the aim to help the driver unleash more of the sports car's potential when the occasion calls for it.
However, like many other supercars, the Turbo S will have its capabilities capped to the speed limits of our shores. But that will not stop people from wanting one of Stuttgart's engineering marvels.
Conclusion
With this generation of 911 Turbo, Porsche has clearly upped its game to yet another level. And like with every new incarnation, the latest packs more tech than before - in the aim to help the driver unleash more of the sports car's potential when the occasion calls for it.
However, like many other supercars, the Turbo S will have its capabilities capped to the speed limits of our shores. But that will not stop people from wanting one of Stuttgart's engineering marvels.
The 911 is a revered name in the sports car arena. It is the single model that stood the test of time, 50 years and counting, and one that triggered an abundance of variants.
And at the top of the range sits the Turbo - a shimmery silver moniker that was conceived in 1974. It is no surprise that Porsche had derived this forced-induced formula from its motorsports endeavours.
Since its inception, the 911 Turbo has been formidable - not just because of its potent performance, but also how it delivers. Compared to its GT counterparts, which are derived for tracks (such as the GT3 and GT2), the Turbo is more of a 'gentleman's sports car' with a racy yet luxurious setup.
That, though, did not stop Porsche from giving the Turbo a lethal dose of performance. Befitting its status in the family tree, the Turbo S, in fact, is the quickest accelerating production 911 yet.
And at the top of the range sits the Turbo - a shimmery silver moniker that was conceived in 1974. It is no surprise that Porsche had derived this forced-induced formula from its motorsports endeavours.
Since its inception, the 911 Turbo has been formidable - not just because of its potent performance, but also how it delivers. Compared to its GT counterparts, which are derived for tracks (such as the GT3 and GT2), the Turbo is more of a 'gentleman's sports car' with a racy yet luxurious setup.
That, though, did not stop Porsche from giving the Turbo a lethal dose of performance. Befitting its status in the family tree, the Turbo S, in fact, is the quickest accelerating production 911 yet.
Exterior
Like all the previous generations, the latest 911 is a model that subtly draws you to the minor differences, instead of blatantly presenting it in your face. And although this evergreen evolution has sparked criticism, it garnered an equal share of likes.
It is easy to see how the Turbo has grown, especially from its rear. The Turbo models are now 28mm wider than its Carrera 4 stablemates. And having gained 100mm in wheelbase from its predecessor, the latest is the longest and widest Turbo model yet.
Like all the previous generations, the latest 911 is a model that subtly draws you to the minor differences, instead of blatantly presenting it in your face. And although this evergreen evolution has sparked criticism, it garnered an equal share of likes.
It is easy to see how the Turbo has grown, especially from its rear. The Turbo models are now 28mm wider than its Carrera 4 stablemates. And having gained 100mm in wheelbase from its predecessor, the latest is the longest and widest Turbo model yet.
Interior
Unsurprisingly, the Turbo S' cabin looks largely familiar to the other 911 models, such as the Carrera S which we first laid our hands on. Living up to its badge, the materials used feel premium to the touch, with equipment laid instinctively for ease of use.
Unlike the stripped down GT3, the Turbo S gets a full array of creature comforts, such as the full leather-swathed interior and plush carpets.
On top of the handful of 'Turbo S' scripts laid throughout the cabin, you will find expensive-looking carbon fibre trims replacing aluminium trims which are found on the 'lesser' models. The centre armrest embossed with the brand's badge also adds to the attention to detail.
Unsurprisingly, the Turbo S' cabin looks largely familiar to the other 911 models, such as the Carrera S which we first laid our hands on. Living up to its badge, the materials used feel premium to the touch, with equipment laid instinctively for ease of use.
Unlike the stripped down GT3, the Turbo S gets a full array of creature comforts, such as the full leather-swathed interior and plush carpets.
On top of the handful of 'Turbo S' scripts laid throughout the cabin, you will find expensive-looking carbon fibre trims replacing aluminium trims which are found on the 'lesser' models. The centre armrest embossed with the brand's badge also adds to the attention to detail.
The Drive
Think of the Turbo S as a 911 that has attained supercar level of performance and you can't be too far off. With the help of two turbochargers, the 3.8-litre flat-six lump now deals an immense 560bhp and 700Nm of torque.
This grants the Turbo S ferocious tarmac-scorching abilities. In the most brutal Sport Plus mode, launching the car from 0 to 100km/h takes just 3.1 seconds. That makes it quicker than the McLaren MP4-12C and on par with the Ferrari F12berlinetta.
While those are bragging rights to behold, the Turbo S isn't about brute, mindless power. Instead, it has a handsome list of tech tricks up its sleeves to help it put down the power effectively. Some, such as active aerodynamics and rear axle steering, are making their debut on this latest Turbo.
Although we held some scepticism about the new technologies after going through the press release, they soon prove their worth during our track run around the Sepang International Circuit in Kuala Lumpur.
Despite having its heft hung at the rear end of the car, the Turbo S behaves much like a mid-engined sports car - defying the twitchy, temperamental handling characteristics that are known of rear-engined sports cars.
Credits to the rear axle steering that turns in the opposite direction at low speeds, the car feels nimbler when turning into tight corners.
And even when the accelerator is mashed on the way out of the apex, the all-wheel drive system will grip relentlessly and ensure that all the horses are despatched effectively on the tarmac.
Despite having its heft hung at the rear end of the car, the Turbo S behaves much like a mid-engined sports car - defying the twitchy, temperamental handling characteristics that are known of rear-engined sports cars.
Credits to the rear axle steering that turns in the opposite direction at low speeds, the car feels nimbler when turning into tight corners.
And even when the accelerator is mashed on the way out of the apex, the all-wheel drive system will grip relentlessly and ensure that all the horses are despatched effectively on the tarmac.
It is, however, apparent that the Turbo S has much more to offer. Although there is a host of tech nannies to keep the car safely on track, it still takes a pair of trained hands (and legs) to find a sweet spot between speed and control.
Conclusion
With this generation of 911 Turbo, Porsche has clearly upped its game to yet another level. And like with every new incarnation, the latest packs more tech than before - in the aim to help the driver unleash more of the sports car's potential when the occasion calls for it.
However, like many other supercars, the Turbo S will have its capabilities capped to the speed limits of our shores. But that will not stop people from wanting one of Stuttgart's engineering marvels.
Conclusion
With this generation of 911 Turbo, Porsche has clearly upped its game to yet another level. And like with every new incarnation, the latest packs more tech than before - in the aim to help the driver unleash more of the sports car's potential when the occasion calls for it.
However, like many other supercars, the Turbo S will have its capabilities capped to the speed limits of our shores. But that will not stop people from wanting one of Stuttgart's engineering marvels.
Car Information
Porsche 911 Carrera Turbo S PDK 3.8 (A)
CAT B|Petrol|10.3km/L
Horsepower
418kW (560 bhp)
Torque
700 Nm
Acceleration
3.1sec (0-100km /hr)
This model is no longer being sold by local distributor
All Used Porsche 911 Carrera
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