Sneak Peek: Porsche 911 Turbo S

THE ULTIMATE technology for the Ultimate 911: The Porsche Active Aerodynamics (PAA) system moves the rear wing and now, too, the front spoiler on the new 911 Turbo/911 Turbo S.

As far as Porsche 911s go, the Turbo is usually the fastest version, until of course, the Turbo S comes along. The S is shorthand for a version that is extra schnell (fast).

What is it: The higher-performance version of the 911 Turbo, with an extra 40 horsepower and 40 Newton-meters more torque. This translates to a car that can zip to 100 kilometer per hour in 3.1 seconds, on to a top speed of 318 kph.

Design: There’s no mistaking that shape for anything other than a 911. Still, Porsche has managed to do some attractive nip and tuck for the all-new body. There’s a longer roofline, shorter overhangs, and a lower overall height. This being a Turbo, the prominent rear wing is standard. It pairs with a new adaptive front spoiler. Standard are 20-inch forged wheels, half an inch wider than before and with a central lock. The S adds some air blades up front, and V-shaped exterior mirrors. LED headlights automatically adapt to road conditions.

The interior features the classic five round instrument cluster, with central tachometer. Providing more information is a 4.6-inch color screen that displays data from the trip computer and audio system. This! Is! Not! Sparta!, as electric sport seats with 18-way adjustment and electric steering adjustment are standard. The S gets a two-tone interior in black and Carrera Red, with carbon fiber trim.

Engine and transmission: The Turbo S carries a 3.8-liter, six-cylinder engine behind its rear axle. With twin turbochargers, variable turbine geometry and direct fuel injection, the boxer engine delivers the goods. Five hundred sixty horsepower is on tap by 6000 revolutions per minute, and torque is 700 Nm. If you get the Sport Chrono Package (that’s not a wristwatch), torque goes even higher, to 750 Nm on overboost. Dry sump lubrication allows the engine to sit lower, and for the engine to survive severe cornering and acceleration. Power goes to all four wheels via the seven-speed PDK (We’ll spare you the full German word) transmission.

Suspension: Porsche gave the new 911 platform a longer wheelbase and wider track, for improved performance. The front spoiler can be raised for scrape-free climbing of parking ramps and garages. The same aerodynamic aids can extend, Knight-Rider style, at speed. The front spoiler extends and the rear wing juts out to press the car closer to the pavement. A new rear-wheel steering system reduces the turning radius, so you don’t embarrass yourself in the parking lot. Above 80 kph, the rear wheels steer in the same direction as the fronts to aid stability.

Built in: Stuttgart, Germany, about 320 kilometers from the Green Hell known as Nordschleife (Nurburgring), where the S’ rear wheel steering cuts three seconds from the lap time.

The new 911 Turbo S will arive in the Philippine market in January 2014. For more information please contact Porsche Center Philippines at 7270381 to 85 or visit its showroom at located at 201 Edsa Mandaluyong City.