Porsche unveils 2016 911 Turbo and Turbo S

Porsche’s legendary 911 range may be moving fully to turbos soon, but the 911 Turbo and Turbo S still occupies pride of place above their naturally-aspirated (for now) siblings. And now, Porsche has taken the wraps off the facelifted Porsche 911 Turbo and Turbo S models which are slated to make their public debut at the 2016 Detroit Motor Show in January next year.

To be available in both coupe and convertible versions, the 2016 911 Turbo and Turbo S models get an improved 3.8-litre bi-turbo flat-six that produces an extra 20 horsepower in both cases at 540PS and 580PS respectively. The increase in horsepower is achieved through modified intake ports in the cylinder heads, new fuel injectors, and higher fuel pressure. In addition to a higher maximum torque (750 Nm in overboost compared to 710 Nm on the Turbo), the Turbo S also has a higher redline at 7200 rpm instead of 7000 rpm.

The 911 Turbo can reach 100kmph from a standing start in 3.0 seconds, and reach a top speed of 320 kmph. The 911 Turbo S manages the same sprint in 2.9 seconds, and has a top speed of 330 kmph. Both models also feature ‘dynamic boost’, a system that improves engine response as throttle position changes. Along with its performance gains, Porsche has also improved the fuel economy of both models - with coupé variants now returning 31.0mph and cabriolet versions returning 30.4mpg.

Style-wise, similarities between these two variants and the base 911 Carrera and Carrera S are apparent, featuring similar front- and rear-end designs, save for a few unique 911 Turbo elements. The front end of the car gets new side airblades and narrower LED front lights with double fillets, which present the 911 with a wider stance. New centre-locking 20-inch alloy wheels are standard, featuring seven double-spokes on the Turbo and 10 spokes for the Turbo S.

At the rear there are new tail lights, a redesigned rear bumper and reshaped quad exhaust tips. Inside, the facelifted 911 Turbo and Turbo S welcome a new 918 Spyder-derived GT steering wheel and a newly-developed Porsche Communication Management Infotainment system as standard. Porsche Dynamic Chassis Control (PDCC) system and Porsche Ceramic Composite Brake (PCCB) are also included as standard. Optionally, customers of the new 911 Turbo and Turbo S variants will be able to specify a new radar-based lane change assist feature and a front axle lift system that can increase ground clearance by 40 mm at the front spoiler lip.

The new Porsche 911 Turbo and Turbo S will go on sale in Germany in January, with international markets set to follow in April. Further details will be revealed at the Detroit Motor Show, but expect both models to be slightly more expensive than the current versions.