A 991 Porsche 911 Turbo S up against a McLaren MP4-12C Spider; nice work Chris! The Porsche is cheaper, but is heavier and has less power than the 12C. So what do you think happens next? Well, it’s a bit like comparing a Golf GTI against a Megane RS265, just with an extra zero in the purchase price.
Here’s your latest Chris Harris fix. Today he’s at the wheel of the highly desirable Audi R8 V10 Plus, the equally wantable 997 Porsche 911 Turbo S and giant killing Nissan GT-R that’s been warmed over by Litchfield.
He tracks the cars around Anglesey, down the Bruntingthorpe drag strip and on the road. Whatever order you think these cars will be ranked at the end of this comparison, think again. Most of all have fun watching the verdict being reached.
Although, the results of the flat out drag race will probably be exactly what you expect to see. And, wow!
Porsche has revealed preliminary information for its new 911 Turbo and Turbo S models. While we greet this news with much excitement it is tempered by the fact the car is only available with 7-speed PDK transmission.
To help ease those fears Porsche has stuffed 383kW into the 3.8 litre biturbo flat-six lurking inside the 911 Turbo, while finding an extra 29kW for the 412kW Turbo S (pictured).
Part of the blame for the PDK-only transmission is fuel consumption and with careful driving Porsche claims you’ll sip fuel at only 9.7l/100kms. Not bad for a car that’s able to reach 100km/h in 3.2 seconds (when fitted with Sports Chrono Pack), 3.1 seconds for the Turbo S.
The body of the new 911 Turbo is the widest you can buy on the 991 platform and is 28mm wider than the Carrera 4. Check the photo from the rear, this car is phat! Running on model-specific 20″ alloys the Turbo does look good, even if that rear end is getting a bit fussy.
Porsche has tailored the rear axle steering from the new GT3 for the Turbo as well. And the all-wheel drive system can now send more power to the front wheels as required thanks to some new electro-hydraulic bits and pieces.
For the first time you get active aero on your 911 Turbo, including a three-stage front spoiler and an adjustable pop-up rear wing.
All very tricky, all very cool and, for those that care, able to lap the Nürburgring in “well under 7:30 minutes”.