2006 Porsche 911 (997) Turbo

Key Points: Porsche Ceramic Composite Brakes (PCCB), Carbon Package, Adaptive Sports Seats.

Released in February 2006 at the Geneva Motor Show, the 997-generation 911 Turbo features the more aggressive wide body shell of the all-wheel-drive models, as well as a new front bumper, large air vents on the rear quarter panels, and a retractable rear spoiler as seen on the previous 996. It weighs 41kg less than its predecessor, due to the extensive use of aluminium.

Power comes from a Porsche 911 GT1-derived 3.6-litre ‘Mezger’ flat-six with two BorgWarner Variable Turbine Geometry (VTG) turbochargers, producing around 473bhp and 457lb-ft of torque, which is managed by the Porsche Traction Management (PTM) and Porsche Stability Management (PSM) systems. The turbochargers are fitted with a two-stage resonance intake system, with guide vanes incorporated on the turbine wheel that change their angle of attack depending on the exhaust speed, reducing turbo lag at low speeds and preventing excessive back pressure at high revs.

Porsche claims that the 997 Turbo can accelerate from a standstill to 62mph in 3.9 seconds with the manual transmission, or in 3.7 seconds with the five-speed Tiptronic S transmission, before reaching a top speed of 193mph.