- All-new “Type 992” Turbo S models
- 640-hp twin-turbocharged flat-6 engine
- Premium interior and comprehensive standard equipment
- Offered in coupe and convertible body styles
- Pricing starts at $204,850
The all-new 2021 Porsche 911 Turbo S has arrived in the States. The benchmark sports car, which will be available in both coupe and Cabriolet (convertible) body styles, joins the expanding “new” 911 lineup as the flagship. The 911 Turbo S is touted as the quickest and most powerful 911 Turbo in the model’s nearly 50-year history. Utilizing the fresh “type 992” platform (Porsche’s internal designation), the German automaker refines nearly every aspect of this icon. It adds significantly more horsepower and dials in additional performance. At the same time, it increases its comfort as a daily driver.
Unique wide-body styling
Instantly recognizable as an iconic Porsche 911, the automaker has made subtle tweaks to differentiate the “wide-body” 911 Turbo S. Overall, the familiar shape is more aggressive and wider to accommodate larger wheels and a wider track. Yet it still retains the two-suitcase capacity in the nose (aka “frunk”) and additional cargo capacity behind the front seats. The subcompact car remains a “2+2,” meaning the rear seats are too tiny to be comfortable for anyone but the smallest children.
Further differentiating the Turbo S models from the standard 911s are distinctive black intakes in front of the rear wheels and standard LED headlights. Unique adaptive aerodynamics include a pneumatic front lower lip spoiler, automatic cooling flaps on the front grille, and a large rear wing that automatically adjusts its height and angle based on driving conditions. Standard exhaust pipes are rectangles, but the Sport Exhaust upgrades them to a pair of large ovals (with a choice of finishes).
Premium interior with upgraded standard equipment
The exterior enhancements complement a premium interior that includes full leather upholstery as standard equipment. No-additional-cost seating includes 18-way adjustable Sport Seats Plus. These feature throw-back stitching patterns that recall first-generation 911 Turbos from the 1970s. Upgraded standard equipment includes the GT Sport steering wheel, BOSE audio system, and Sport Chrono package. The latter includes the integrated Porsche Track Precision app (software that allows the download and review of driving performance on smartphones and computers).
New twin-turbocharged 3.8-liter flat-6 engine
The 2021 Porsche 911 Turbo S utilizes the traditional rear-mounted engine. The new 3.8-liter, horizontally-opposed, 6-cylinder is based on the smaller twin-turbocharged 3.0-liter “9A2 Evo” engine that powers the Carrera and Carrera S, but it features larger variable turbine geometry (VTG) turbochargers. Burning premium unleaded fuel, it is rated at 640 horsepower and 590 lb-ft of torque – that’s a notable gain of 60 horsepower and 37 lb-ft of torque over its predecessor.
The engine is mated to a standard 8-speed Porsche “Doppelkupplung” (PDK) dual-clutch gearbox, a marked upgrade from last year’s 7-speed PDK. The new automatic transmission promises better acceleration, improved fuel economy, and lower engine noise on the highway. Porsche Traction Management (PTM), the company’s active all-wheel drive system that continuously varies the force transmitted to each wheel, is standard on the Turbo S models.
How fast is the 2021 Porsche 911 Turbo S?
The boost in power and new 8-speed PDK transmission improve acceleration to supercar levels. According to Porsche, the 2021 model rockets from a standstill to 60 mph in a reported 2.6 seconds. That’s a couple of tenths faster than last year’s type 991 model. The automaker is notoriously conservative with its performance figures, so most experts believe the new model hits 60 in about 2.4 seconds. The company says the sports car accelerates from 0 to 124 mph in just 8.9 seconds, which makes it one of the fastest road cars on the planet. Only a handful are quicker, and none are less expensive. Top speed is a blistering 205 mph.
Staggered wheels and enhanced brakes
For decades, Porsche relies on staggered wheel widths to improve vehicle dynamics. The 2021 Turbo S model is the first to use staggered wheel diameters. The 2-door boasts 20-inch front wheels with 255/35-20 tires) offset by 21-inch rear wheels with 315/30-21 rubber. This unique fitment increases tire contact area, which improves grip without increasing the tendency to hydroplane on wet surfaces. It’s an innovative approach to improving performance without sacrificing safety. Of note is a new, colored tire temperature monitor that changes instrument cluster icons from blue to white as the cold tires rise to operating temperature.
The automaker’s renowned Porsche Ceramic Composite Brakes (PCCB), which are lighter and more heat resistant than traditional iron brakes, are standard on the Turbo S models. The system is further refined for the new 2021 Turbo S models. The front calipers increase from 6- to 10-piston units and the rotors grow in diameter to further improve braking capacity.
The comfortable demeanor of a grand tourer
Stretching the legs of the Porsche 911 Turbo S, we took it on a 300-mile drive from the L.A. Basin to the neighboring Mojave Desert. The roads were empty, so the Porsche cruised effortlessly at 75-plus mph on the nearly empty highways. The seating position is low, but outward vision is excellent (always been a 911 hallmark). Porsche’s efforts to lower noise, vibration, and harshness pay dividends in a notably quiet cabin than previous models. Less road and wind noise permeates the cabin. Yet, the Turbo S retains a sporty exhaust growl, making this an excellent long-distance tourer.
The ride is firm, as expected from this category of vehicle, but it never borders on abusive or harsh. Fitted with the next generation of Porsche Active Suspension Management (PASM), damper response is quicker and more precise than that on the outgoing model. There is also a notable difference between the operator-adjustable suspension setting. We prefer the softer mode for all but our most enthusiastic driving. Our Guards Red test vehicle boasts the optional PASM Sport Suspension. This setup lowers the ride height for even sportier driving dynamics.
With the driving mode dial set to its default position (Normal), the PDK uses all eight gears. That allows the engine to leisurely spin below 2,000 rpm on the highway. With the engine operating without turbo assist, fuel efficiency is impressive. The automaker has not released fuel economy numbers, but we are confident that the new Porsche 911 Turbo S will easily deliver 25-plus mpg during a highway cruise. That’s remarkable for a 640-hp sports car.
The power of a muscle car
Turn the steering wheel-mounted driving mode dial to Sport or Sport Plus and the demeanor of the 911 Turbo S alters dramatically. The exhaust note deepens (with the optional Sport Exhaust) and throttle response is immediately more aggressive. The shift logic within the PDK gearbox also shifts faster and holds gears longer while the adjustable dampers firm up. Lastly, the rear wing moves into its optimal position for downforce or aerodynamics, based on vehicle speed.
Mash the accelerator and the Porsche 911 Turbo S blasts off the line. Power flows to the wheels with the most traction, launching the coupe without a hint of wheelspin. Purists will be pleased to learn that the new “Turbo” has lost none of its traditional character. Unlike the smaller 3.0-liter engine, which is literally free from turbo lag (it has much smaller turbocharger units), the larger 3.8-liter exhibits a hint of lag under wide-open throttle. Power is strong off the line, then a half-second later a massive surge of additional power is unleashed. This “afterburner” effect, which molds passengers into their seatbacks as the exhaust roars, is what the brand’s purists crave from the Turbo S. Power from the turbocharged engine feels limitless. Passing slower traffic on 2-lane roads is immediate and effortlessly safe.
The energetic driving dynamics of an exotic
Despite its 3,636-pound curb weight (the Turbo S is one of the heaviest 911s), the coupe feels light from the driver’s seat. It is remarkably agile. Directional changes are near-instantaneous thanks to standard rear-wheel steering. Feedback from the driver’s seat is excellent and the coupe may be tossed into corners with accuracy, confidence, and a bit of smile-inducing playfulness.
Body roll is minimal and the vehicle is well balanced and neutral in the corners without any hint of aggravating understeer. Unlike the standard rear-wheel drive 911 models, which slide and squirm their tail ends when aggressively prodded, the all-wheel drive Turbo S claws tenaciously at the pavement and pulls itself out of the corners with determination – this Porsche is nearly unflappable.
Is the Porsche 911 Turbo S a supercar?
The all-new 2021 Porsche 911 Turbo S is a supercar by every definition. Both the coupe and convertible are street-legal sports cars that deliver performance that far exceeds most passenger vehicles. However, unlike most other exotic cars that require many compromises – reduced cargo capacity, brutal ride qualities, limited outward vision, or poor fuel economy – the 911 Turbo S delivers outstanding performance without any negatives.
How much does the 2021 Porsche 911 Turbo S cost?
The 2021 Porsche 911 Turbo S Coupe costs $203,500. The 911 Turbo S Cabriolet, with a standard power-operated soft top and a heated rear window, starts at $216,300. Delivery is $1,350 extra. Expect both vehicles to reach showrooms before the end of 2020.
