Porsche 911 Turbo 2010 gets more power

Porsche has debuted the 2010 version of the Porsche 911 Turbo, and it would seem that all the updates are under the skin rather than on the outside. The new 911 Turbo apparently boasts improvements in fuel efficiency, lower weight, more power, and enhanced driving dynamics.

The highlight of the 7th-generation of the Turbo is the new 500 hp 3.8-litre power unit. The “first entirely new engine in the 35-year-history of the Turbo” comes with features such as Direct Fuel Injection and Porsche’s exclusive turbocharger with variable turbine geometry. And as an option, the new 6-cylinder may be combined for the first time with Porsche’s 7-speed PDK “Doppelkupplungsgetriebe” double-clutch gearbox.

Models equipped with PDK are also available with a new, optional three-spoke steering wheel with gearshift paddles as an alternative to the standard steering wheel with its stupid shift buttons. Fitted on the steering wheel, the right paddle is for shifting up, the left paddle for shifting down. In conjunction with the optional Sport Chrono Package Turbo both the gearshift paddle and the PDK steering wheel with its shift buttons come with integrated displays for Launch Control and the Sport/Sport Plus mode, which are however designed differently on the two steering wheels.

The combination of PDK, Direct Fuel Injection and turbocharging ensures an unprecedented standard of efficiency, agility, responsiveness and performance, the Porsche 911 Turbo reducing CO2 emissions versus its predecessor by almost 18%. Depending on the configuration of the car, the new top model offers 11.4-11.7 litres/100 km fuel consumption. Acceleration numbers for 0-100 kph is now 3.4 seconds, and top speed is 312 kph.

A further improvement is a detailed enhancement of the PTM fully controlled all-wheel-drive and PSM Porsche Stability Management, further supported by new PTV Porsche Torque Vectoring available as an option.

Sales of the new Porsche 911 Turbo in both Coupé and Cabriolet guise are starting in Europe by November 2009. The GCC-spec model should debut in Dubai and Abu Dhabi showrooms by early 2010.

To compare with the existing model available in the UAE, visit the Porsche 911 buyer guide.