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Opinion: Why the Porsche 991.2 Carrera could be a turbo triumph

Much has been said of Porsche’s decision to use turbocharged flat sixes in the new 911 Carrera with many Zuffenhausen enthusiasts (understandably) wary of the moved away from naturally aspirated engines.

Initially I was one of those who was far from convinced of the need for forced induction. As is well documented in these pages, I am not the biggest fan of turbocharged 911s (unless built purely for the track).

However, as we get closer and closer to the first drive of the Porsche 991.2 Carrera, my enthusiasm levels for the new 911 have ramped ever upward, helped by positives sounds straight from the horse’s mouth and a thrilling turbocharged test drive last week.

Much has been said about this: the new twin turbocharged 911 Carrera engine.
Much has been said about this; the new twin turbocharged 911 Carrera engine.

The car in question was a Porsche 993 Turbo, the first forced induction neunelfer to follow in the footsteps of the 959 supercar and use a twin turbocharged flat six (something that has since become ubiquitous for the 911 Turbo).

Without wishing to give too much away (you’ll have to keep an eye on a future issue of Total 911 for the full story), it opened my eyes to the joy of piloting a turbocharged neunelfer on real roads.

Despite doing away with the 959’s sequential turbochargers – instead utilising a parallel layout – the 993’s throttle response was electrifying while it’s 3.6-litre flat six engine had real character, a world away from the lag of later water-cooled 911 Turbos.

Porsche's 993 Turbo proves that Zuffenhausen knows how to build an exhilarating forced induction car.
Porsche’s 993 Turbo proves that Zuffenhausen knows how to build an exhilarating forced induction car.

With the 2016 Porsche 911 Carrera featuring smaller turbochargers and displacement than any road going forced induction 911 before, I’m confident that there’s the potential for a similarly lively disposition.

What’s more, a brief nose around the updated neunelfer yesterday certainly impressed me. Inside, the new contact points are much improved (the feel of the PDK levers is excellent while there’s obviously still a manual gearbox option to satisfy the purists).

It’s undoubtedly going to be a great grand touring car that I can’t wait to get behind the wheel of. And, if it does disappoint, there’s still the Porsche 991 R to look forward too…

Do you agree? Should be excited rather than scared of the new turbocharged Porsche 911 Carrera? Join the debate in the comments below or head to our Facebook and Twitter pages now.

Subtle but important changes have been made in the new Porsche 991.2 Carrera's cockpit.
Subtle but important changes have been made in the new Porsche 991.2 Carrera’s cockpit.

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