2021 Porsche 911 Turbo First Look: It's Quicker Than the Old Turbo S!

Right on schedule, the latest 992-generation Porsche 911 variant is the new 2021 Porsche 911 Turbo. Notice we didn't tack an "S" to the end of that nameplate, though. Yes, if the hair-ripping, face-shredding, world-turning 2021 Porsche 911 Turbo S is too rich for your blood, the "base" Turbo and Turbo Cabriolet are here to fill the gap between the future 992-series Carrera GTS and the range-topping Turbo S.

Since the 997-generation 911 more or less cemented Porsche's modern model hierarchy, there are no surprises with the new 2021 Porsche 911 Turbo—but that doesn't mean you should be any less excited. Compared to the Turbo S, the Turbo is indeed softer, slower, less powerful, less expensive, and overall less capable, but this dour language is a fair bit misleading. The new 2021 Porsche 911 Turbo is absolutely, positively a supercar.

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2021 Porsche 911 Turbo: More Power, Absolutely

Like the Turbo S, power comes from a 3.8-liter twin-turbo flat-six, putting down a stellar 572 horsepower and 553 lb-ft of torque, up 32 hp and 67 lb-ft compared to the prior 991.2 Turbo—and matching the 991.2 Turbo S. The new 911 Turbo is down 68 horsepower and 37 lb-ft versus the 2021 992 Turbo S, but just like the S, gearswaps are performed exclusively by Porsche's preternaturally quick eight-speed dual-clutch PDK automatic transmission.

Even if you don't have the greenbacks for the S, you can sleep well knowing you can pick on all those 991.2 Turbo S models you find parked in the golf course lot, as the new 2021 Porsche 911 Turbo coupe's 2.7-second zero-to-60-mph time cuts 0.2 second from the sprint of the 991.2 Turbo, and 0.1 second from the 991.2 Turbo S's time. (We tested the old Turbo S to 60 mph in 2.5 seconds, so figure Porsche is being conservative with this latest Turbo's estimate.) Get the droptop Cabriolet, and 60 mph is dispatched in 2.8 seconds. Of course, this being Porsche, expect those times to drop when independent testing begins. For those who live in the Turbo's homeland and have access to the autobahn, top speed is a heady 198 mph.

2021 Porsche 911 Turbo: Under the Skin

Again, just because the new 2021 Porsche 911 Turbo doesn't match the Turbo S in pure performance, don't think this is anything other than a nebula-hopping capsule of super-speed. To complement the tremendous power, the 992 Turbo packs a heap of speed-wrangling hardware and goodies, like standard rear-wheel steering and a similar aero setup as the one found on the Turbo S. There's a heap of optional extras, too, including the Turbo S's carbon-ceramic brakes, a new Porsche Active Suspension Management (PASM) Sport suspension, offering more aggressive damping and tuning and a 0.4-inch drop over the standard PASM setup—which, we once again must stress, is still absurdly capable. Porsche Dynamic Chassis Control (PDCC) with active anti-roll stabilization is also available.

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There's also a new optional sport-exhaust system—the first of its kind on a non-S Turbo—along with a new Lightweight package and Sport Package, just like the ones found on the Turbo S. The Lightweight package cuts 66 pounds via removal of the rear seats, swapping the front seats for buckets, and shaving sound insulation. Unfortunately, the Sport package adds nothing other than a few aesthetic touches, building primarily on the existing SportDesign kit's trim and tinsel. Click the box next to Sport package, then, and your new 2021 Porsche 911 Turbo arrives with the SportDesign bits and additional visual flair such as black touches, carbon-fiber elements, and Exclusive Design clear taillights.

2021 Porsche 911 Turbo: More of the Same, That's Great

Elsewhere, the new 2021 Porsche 911 Turbo plays roughly the same game as the Turbo S and, by extension, the rest of the 992 line. There is a fair bit of standard equipment that includes the popular Sport Chrono package, a GT Sport steering wheel, a 10.9-inch PCM center screen, and a Bose sound system. This being Porsche, there's a lengthy list of options to scroll through, including adaptive cruise control, night-vision assist, lane-keep assist, and upgraded Burmester audio.

If all of this sounds fine and dandy, be prepared to pay handsomely for the privilege. The new 2021 Porsche 911 Turbo coupe starts at $172,150, while the Cabriolet will set you back $184,950; both prices are $32,700 less than the 2021 Porsche Turbo S coupe and Cab. Still not sweating? Get your order in soon to ensure it hits your driveway when deliveries begin sometime in early 2021.

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