By Christopher A. Sawyer
The Virtual Driver

(December 14, 2015) Bentley, Jaguar Land Rover, Mini and Tesla have all said they will not take part in the 2016 North American International Auto Show in Detroit, but Porsche will. The German automaker will debut both the coupe and convertible versions of the 2017 Porsche 911 Turbo and Turbo S at the show. Each is powered by a turbocharged 3.8-liter flat six.

The 911 Turbo develops 540 horsepower and 523 lb.-ft. of torque due, in large part, to modifications to the intake ports, cylinder heads, new fuel injectors, and a higher pressure fuel system. Increasing the redline by 200 rpm to 7,200, adding an overboost function, and specifying a new variable vane turbocharger design with larger impellers increases the output of the Turbo S to 580 horsepower and 553 lb.-ft. of torque.



Both models feature a dynamic boost function that improves throttle response during aggressive driving. Thus, when the driver briefly lifts off the accelerator, the fuel injection is interrupted and the throttle valve is kept partially opened to improve throttle response and reduce lag. Porsche says the effect is pronounced in Sport and Sport Plus modes.

The 911 Turbo will have a top speed of 198 mph, and accelerate from 0-60 mph in 2.9 seconds. Moving up to the Turbo S reduces 0-60 times by a scant 0.1 seconds, and increases top speed to 205 mph, an increase of seven miles per hour. Fuel economy estimates have not been released, but Porsche is confident the new cars will be even more frugal than their predecessors.

For the 2017 model year, the Sport Chrono package is standard on all 911 Turbo models. This includes a Porsche 918-like 14.2-in. GT steering wheel equipped with a mode switch consisting of a rotary ring to choose drive modes (Normal, Sport, Sport Plus, Individual). This last setting lets the driver create a preferred setup that includes PDK shift strategy, throttle response and damper control. The new Sport Response button, located in the middle of the mode switch, sets the powertrain for optimum responsiveness, and holds this setting for up to 20 seconds.

A Sport Mode has been added to the Porsche Stability Management system. Pushing the PSM button once activates this mode and raises the unit’s intervention threshold above the Sport Plus mode of the previous 911 Turbo. PSM remains active, but allows the driver to get closer to the vehicle’s limits.

A long press of the PSM button, on the other hand, completely deactivates the stability control system. The Sport Chrono package, front and rear Park Assist with reversing camera, and LED headlights are standard on the 911 Turbo. To this the Turbo S adds 18-way adjustable sport seats with leather backrests, a two-tone leather interior, Sport Design exterior mirrors, carbon fiber interior trim, active roll stabilization and composite ceramic brakes. New options for the 911 Turbo and Turbo S include a radar-based lane change assist system and a built-in front end lift that can increase ground clearance by 1.5 in. at the front spoiler.

The U.S. launch for the 2017 911 Turbo and Turbo S is scheduled for April, and pricing for these cars continues to rise. The 911 Turbo starts at $159,200, and rises to $171,500 for the 911 Turbo Cabriolet. The Turbo S models are $181,100 and $200,400, respectively.

The Virtual Driver