2010 Porsche 911 Turbo

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Having already introduced the facelift versions of the 911 Carrera, Carrera S, Targa and GT3, Porsche’s development team is now concentrating on the 911 Turbo Coupe and Convertible models of the 997 range. Spotted here by our spy photographers with minimal camouflage, the new 997 Turbos will be distinguished on the outside by the restyled LED tail lamps, the beefier exhaust pipes and the newly styled alloy wheels. While the cosmetic changes are extremely subtle, as with all refreshed 997 models, the big news for the Turbo is under the bonnet.

But there is a great deal to the 911 Turbo that has changed, starting with the engine. The 3.6-liter flat-six is replaced by a direct-injection 3.8-liter version, running reworked twin variable-vane turbochargers, a higher 9.8:1 compression ratio and closed deck architecture, which is claimed to boost rigidity.

Peak power climbs from 480 hp to 500 hp at 6,000 rpm, while torque has increased from 464 lb-ft in the outgoing engine to 479 lb-ft between 1,950 rpm and 5,000 rpm.

Not enough pull? Order the optional Sports Chrono package and, along with goodies such as electromagnetic engine mounts, you get an overboost feature which momentarily elevates torque by an additional 37 lb-ft to 516 lb-ft–or more than double that of the original 911 Turbo from 1974.

Power is still channeled through a Getrag-built six-speed manual gearbox to a four-wheel-drive system, or Traction Management system in Porsche-speak. It relies on a Haldex style multiplate clutch to apportion drive to the axle with the most grip. In extreme conditions, it is able to transfer up to 100 percent of drive to either axle.

For the new 911 Turbo, however, there are changes to the nominal torque split to provide what Achleitner describes as a “more tail-happy character.” Porsche has changed the software to allow the multiplate clutch to send a greater percentage of drive to the rear under a wider range of conditions.

Like the rest of the updated 997s, the range-topping 911’s turbocharged flat-six engine will benefit from a new direct-injection system that will help increase output from 480HP to more than 500HP and at the same time, reduce consumption and CO2 emissions by nearly 15 percent.

There’s also talk of a modified version of Porsche’s all-new PDK seven-speed double-clutch transmission that should shave off a couple of tenths of a second in the 0-100km/h (62mph) sprint. Expect to see the facelifted 911 Turbo Coupe and Convertible arriving in showrooms during the second half of the year.

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