2010 Porsche 911 Turbo

MotorWeek viewers know that there are few cars that get us boosted more than a Porsche 911 Turbo.  And we were fortunate enough to recently have a chance to drive the new-for-2010 Turbo in Portugal.

Through the high speed corners of the famed Estoril circuit, the new Turbo feels just like you expect-which is to say it’s just about perfect. It remains amazingly neutral as the corners seriously tighten up; though tapping into the available 14 pounds of boost too abruptly will induce oversteer quickly. 

The Turbo remains a driver’s car, rewarding smooth and precise inputs with smooth and precise handling performance; though with Porsche’s PSM in sport plus mode, you can be a little more ham-fisted and still come out of the corner at full speed.

Providing the thrust is a heavily revised 3.8-liter flat six now with direct injection. It puts out a nice even 500 horsepower, sending up to 516 pound feet of torque-with the available Sport Chrono package-to all four wheels through a six-speed manual, or our choice, Porsche’s seven-speed PDK sequential gearbox.

Those who opt for the PDK get launch control and 3.2-second 0-60s as part of the package. 

Styling-wise, the look is familiar, with trademarks such as a low front spoiler and wide hips with big air intakes still intact.  Both front and rear fascias are all-new. 

Nineteen-inch wheels are standard and trick center lock 20s are available, as are Porsche’s ceramic composite brakes. 

Plenty of creature comforts make this one supercar that has no problem operating in daily driver mode.  New paddle shifters for the PDK are mounted behind the wheel and work much better than before. 

“It’s amazing the way Porsche just continues to refine their products like the new 911 Turbo. As awesome as the previous Turbo was, this one just raises the bar even more.” – Brian Robinson

In Coupe and Cabriolet, the 2010 911 Turbo arrives here after the first of the year with prices starting around $133,000.

 

 

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