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In depth: Porsche 992 Turbo S

The unveiling of Porsche’s 992 Turbo S was bizarre for a number of reasons. Robbed of a glitzy public debut in front of the world’s media at the 80th Geneva Motor Show, cancellation of the event in Switzerland meant that Porsche had to make do with an online broadcast, hosted by brand ambassador Mark Webber, from a back room at Weissach.

Two examples of the new Turbo S, a Cabriolet and Coupe, sat under satin covers awaiting their big moment of reveal. ‘In the Air Tonight’ by Phil Collins was blasted as the covers were whipped off, an eerie silence devoid of the ‘ooohs’ and ‘ahhs’ of a baying media pack, the thrum of Collins’ iconic drum beat punctuating the airwaves in place of the usual click-clacking of photography cameras hard at work on a conventional motor show stand.

Webber then handed over to CEO Oliver Blume, who spoke only briefly of the 911 Turbo S, calling it “the icon of our brand, representing power, elegance, efficiency and cool”, before moving on to remind the world of Porsche’s commitment to sustainability and zero emissions. Doing this while standing in front of Porsche’s traditional gas-guzzler, it all felt a little awkward, the message clearer from what wasn’t said rather than what was.

The 911 Turbo is obviously at odds with where the company is headed with the rest of its more eco-friendly products, hence Blume’s almost defensive rhetoric. However, as devoted, long-time admirers of the Porsche brand, all that matters to us is that the iconic Turbo remains part of the 911 line-up, in 992 form now more powerful and efficient than ever before – and, unlike the Taycan Turbo which has cruelly pinched the top 911’s name, actual, physical turbochargers remain present.

Headline figures for the new 992 Turbo S are 650PS and 800Nm torque, up by a massive 70PS and 50Nm respectively over the previous 991.2 generation equivalent. It’s the largest leap in power between any generation of 911 Turbo, ever. The flat six responsible for producing this power retains its 3.8-litre capacity of the 9A1 engine fitted to the 991.2, but therein the similarities end.

The new Turbo S uses a reworked version of the 9A2 EVO flat six found in its 992 Carrera siblings, retaining the highly accurate and efficient piezo fuel injectors which have helped the 992 generation’s engines improve both responsiveness and emissions. In Turbo guise, the 9A2 EVO engine has been enlarged from 3.0- to 3.8-litres, with two new, larger turbochargers again boasting Porsche’s innovative Variable Turbine Geometry.

The turbine wheels are up by 5mm to 55mm in diameter, the compressor wheel 3mm larger at 61mm. With one turbocharger boosting each bank of cylinders in the traditional 911 style, their layout is symmetrical, the compressor and turbine wheels now rotating in opposite directions. 

Get the most in-depth exposé on the new 992 Turbo S delivered to your door as part of our lavish magazine dedicated only to the Porsche 911! You can also download a digital copy with high definition bonus galleries to any Apple or Android device.

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