(December 1, 2015) ATLANTA — Porsche will be off to a powerful start in 2016 when the 2017 911 Turbo and 911 Turbo S make their debut at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit in January. The top-of-the-line 911 models will be available in both coupe and convertible body styles and are equipped with engines offering 20 horsepower more than before, a sharper design, and enhanced features.

The 3.8 liter twin-turbo six-cylinder engine powering the 911 Turbo now develops 540 horsepower. The increase in horsepower is achieved through modified intake ports in the cylinder heads, new fuel injectors, and higher fuel pressure. The 911 Turbo S now makes 580 horsepower thanks to new turbochargers. In addition to a higher maximum torque (553 lb.-ft. in overboost compared to 523 lb.-ft. on the Turbo), the Turbo S also has a higher redline (7200 rpm instead of 7000). 

Porsche is still the only manufacturer to use turbochargers with variable turbine geometry in gasoline engines.

The powertrain enhancements take the performance of the 911 Turbo models to even higher levels than before. The 911 Turbo S Coupe accelerates from 0 to 60 miles per hour in 2.8 seconds, making it 0.1 seconds faster than its predecessor. Its top track speed of 205 miles per hour has increased by 7 miles per hour.

The 911 Turbo reaches 60 miles per hour from standstill in 2.9 seconds, and its top track speed is 198 miles per hour — 2 miles per hour faster than the previous model. In spite of this increased performance, further advanced electronic engine and transmission management with revised gear change mappings reduce fuel consumption. EPA fuel consumption ratings will be available at a later date.

The engines now also have a dynamic boost function, which improves throttle response during spirited driving. It maintains the boost pressure during load changes – i.e. when the accelerator pedal is briefly released. This is achieved by interrupting fuel injection, while the throttle valve remains partially open. As a result, the engine responds to changing throttle applications with practically no delay. The effects of this function are particularly pronounced in the Sport and Sport Plus modes.

The Sport Chrono Package is now a standard feature on all 911 Turbo models. This includes the new GT sport steering wheel in 918 Spyder design measuring 360 mm or 14.1 inches in diameter and is equipped with a mode switch. It consists of a rotary ring with stepped positions that can be used to select one of the four drivetrain modes Normal, Sport, Sport Plus, or Individual. The Individual setting lets the driver configure and store her or his preferred vehicle setup, including PDK shift strategy, throttle response and damper control.

Another new feature of the Sport Chrono Package is the Sport Response button. When the black button located in the center of the mode switch is pressed, it preconditions the engine and transmission for the best possible responsiveness. In this state, the vehicle can produce optimal acceleration for up to 20 seconds.

The Porsche Stability Management (PSM) system in the 911 Turbo models now features a new PSM Sport Mode. When the PSM button on the center console is pressed once, PSM Sport Mode is activated. This new mode shifts the PSM's intervention to a higher threshold than was the case in Sport Plus mode on the previous model. PSM Sport Mode allows the driver to approach the limits of the car more closely, for example on a closed course.

However, PSM still remains active to help the driver maintain vehicle stability. True to the Porsche philosophy of giving the driver the option of full vehicle control, a long press of the PSM button completely deactivates the system.

The chassis of the new 911 Turbo models with PASM as standard now offers an even greater spread between performance and comfort. In addition, the 911 Turbo S offers a full array of standard equipment for peak performance: the active roll stabilization program PDCC is standard on the S model as is the Porsche Composite Ceramic Brake (PCCB) system. New options for all 911 Turbo models include radar-based lane change assist and a lift system for the front axle that can be used to increase ground clearance by 40 mm or 1.5 inches measured at the front spoiler lip. Sport Chrono Package, Park Assist front and rear including reversing camera, and LED headlights with the Porsche Dynamic Light System (PDLS) are now standard on all 911 Turbo models.

In addition to higher performance, the Turbo S models offer an even more extensive range of standard equipment than the Turbo variants, including 18-way Adaptive Sport Seats Plus with seat backrests in leather, a two-tone leather interior, LED headlights with PDLS+, Sport Design exterior mirrors, and Carbon Fiber interior trim.

In the United States, the new generation of Porsche 911 Turbo will reach dealers in April 2016.