997 Turbo Spotted

[daro911]

Porsche 911 Turbo emerges
Thursday 15th December

New superfast icon spy-shotted



The new Porsche 911 Turbo is in the open. Due to launch at the Geneva Show next February, Porsche's secret is out -- the car has been spy-shotted as it emerged from the company's factory gates.
The differences between it and the standard 997 are clear. The side scoops are replaced by large and deeper openings, plus a pair of bulging housings inside which sit high-intensity fog lamps. The parking lights and indicators, rather than sitting below the headlamps in the front valance are housed in slats that run across the side scoops.

The sills are more pronounced and, in the traditional manner, the Turbo grows air scoops ahead of the rear wheels for added cooling. At the rear, like the 996, the spoiler is almost a replica of the infamous duck-tail from the 1970s. There are also two air outlets outside of the trapezoidal exhaust vents, giving a more aggressive look than the rather meek-looking rear of the 996 Turbo.

Sadly, we can't publish actual pics for copyright reasons, but see the link below.

Inside the engine bay sits a 3.6-litre turbocharged version of what sources suggest will be a derivation of the 996's motor. This engine was itself evolved from Porsche's Le Mans-winning 911 GT1 sports car programme, and was related to the engine used in the 993, the last, much-mourned air-cooled model.

Power outputs are uncertain, but some reports suggest 500bhp to all four wheels is possible, up 20 per cent on the outgoing model. More likely though is a lesser figure, given Porsche's penchant for careful, step-by-step improvements, rather than giant leaps into the unknown.

http://autoweek.com/news.cms?newsId=103796 Thanks Kish []

 

[THX911]

ORIGINAL: daro911

Pictures of the new Porsche 991 Turbo

Robert, the above link did not work for me but this one did:
http://autoweek.com/news.cms?newsId=103796

 

[daro911]

Uncloaked! 2006 911 Turbo: Porsche's silver bullet spied on shakedown test

GREG KABLE Posted Date: 12/14/05
Our spies have undermined Porsche's plan to keep its seventh-generation 911 Turbo secret until its world premiere at the Geneva motor show next February.

Shown here, devoid of bulky camouflage, blackout paint and taped disguise, is the turbocharged version of the new 997 as it will appear on American highways by next June. We caught the production-ready prototype as it ventured out of Porsche's factory gates for final shakedown tests. The photos reveal a curvaceous appearance and eye-catching details that are bound to set Zuffenhausen's latest performance leader apart from tamer versions of the 911.

Building on the wide-bodied appearance of the recently introduced 4S, the 997-series Turbo declares itself with a unique front bumper carrying high-intensity LED indicators and parking lights integrated into a horizontal bar running across the outer air ducts. The fog lamps are set low on the corners within special housings designed to protect them from stone damage.Along the flanks, sills under the doors are more pronounced and sizeable air ducts ahead of the rear wheel arches provide efficient cooling. Changes to the rear include the adoption of a reshaped biplane wing assembly that Porsche says will provide added levels of downforce, and a bumper with small ducts to pull hot air out of the engine bay. Completing the makeover, lightweight 19-inch alloy wheels wear ultra-low-profile tires, accentuating a significantly lower ride height than standard 911 models.

Behind the Turbo's distinctive look is a more powerful version of Porsche's twin-turbocharged 3.6-liter six-cylinder engine. High-level Zuffenhausen sources say the powerplant is derived from the outgoing model's engine, which itself evolved from Porsche's Le Mans-winning 911 GT1 sports car program.

We've heard reports of power outputs of up to 500 hp"”a massive 80-hp or 19 percent increase above the outgoing model's 420 hp. The company's habit of incremental improvement suggests the figure could be significantly lower, though with others advertising 500 hp, Porsche must be tempted to respond. Nothing is official just yet, but we're told to expect a subtle 30-hp gain, taking the new model up to 450 hp (the same power obtainable by adding a Porsche X50 power kit to today's 911 Turbo S"”perhaps a similar option will be offer­ed on the new model).
The Turbo's torque figure also rises by about 30 lb-ft to 457 lb-ft. Drive goes to all four wheels via a standard six-speed manual unit or a new double-clutch automatic gearbox, and Porsche's familiar full-time awd system.

What's one way to distinguish the 996 Turbo (top) from the new 997 Turbo pulling away from you on the highway? Note the new trapezoidal exhaust openings and tips poking through the lower fascia, rather than tucked under the rear trim.

Key to the increased output is Variable Turbine Geometry technology for the two turbo­chargers. Common on high-performance diesel engines, VTG continuously adjusts the angle of the turbocharger's vanes to provide a more linear delivery of power and wider spread of torque. To make this work on gasoline engines, with much higher exhaust temperatures than diesel units, the BorgWarner-developed turbos employ heat-resistant ceramics. The engine also benefits from improved variable intake and exhaust valve timing.

As already reported by AutoWeek ("Porsche Juices the 911," Nov. 7), the 997 Turbo's weight is up to about 3520 pounds. Even with the added weight, the 997 Turbo gains in power-to-weight ratio and should be able to hit 60 mph in well under 4.0 seconds with a top speed of 190 mph

 

[daro911]

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[daro911]

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[garyw]

I liked the look of the rear intakes on the Pistonhead version, however the spied shot really does nothing for me at all...very Subaru / Evo look []

On the spy photo's, I'm more than happy to cancel my order

garyw

 

[Guest]

I've been looking at the pictures for a few days now.
I don't want to jump to a conclusion, since these things tend to grow on you, but at the first impression I am not that keen.
I don't like the front or the back, and I'm undecided about the sills. The styling seems too fussy.
It looks to be form over function, which is not part of the core values.

Of course more power and better power to weight ratio is good, but more weight is not so good.

I'm happy to stick with my 996, but just as well, since this was the plan and I can't afford to change anyway.[]

 

[Geoff_Fields]

Well I like it,almost. The front spoiler lip could do with being colour coded. I agree the exhaust could do with some minor cosmetic change, possibly twin tail pipes similar to 997S. I think it looks a lot better than the aero kit offered for the non turbo 997. Eye of the beholder and all that.

 

[John_Ward]

New set of images on Pistonheads....
http://www.pistonheads.com/porsche/default.asp?storyId=12716

 

[riverproaudio]

Doesn't do it for me, very disappointed in the look

 

[Guest]

Do you suppose the BMW M-Sport wheels are part of the disguise (which fools no-one) or the real deal?
I don't like them.

 

[Guest]

Anyway, on a more positive note, I'm interested to know what it is like to drive.
The variable turbos sound interesting.
Could this be the end of noticeable turbo lag, with big engine performance from a smaller more economical unit?
I am curious to know what the real capacity will be, 3.6 or 3.8. I have read reports claiming both.
Will the car have electronically adjustable ride height (like RUF offer)?
Will the new engine lid and turbos retro fit the 996?

The picture on the top right on pistonheads shows what they are trying to achieve.
This give the more squat rear, longer nose appearance of the 993.
The LED indicators in the air intakes look like something Chrylser would do though.

I do wonder if RUF have the better ideas about how the 911 should evolve.

 

[Alan Woods]

My 2p for what it's worth:
I think it looks great, especially what they've done with the rear spolier. I saw a Ford Focus with those wheels yesterday [:-] but I'm sure they won't be OEM.
Sadly not a problem for me right now, but if forced to spend 100K I'd take the G-car option

 

[mbrands]

I agree with Stuart Martin and garyw's comments. It looks messy not very well resolved at all.

I'm not cancelling my order yet, but am very disappointed by the looks. I was hopeful that the new designer (the Saab guy that replaced Harm Lagaay) would have come up with something much more cohesive and inspiring. Hopefully this is not representative of his talents and thus the way forward.

I've heard that at launch there will be a Turbo and a more powerful Turbo S and that a 2WD version will follow a year or so from then.

 

[tallmat]

I really don't like the front - it looks odd, wide and like one of those weird fish you see diving....

The back spoiler is too wide - I read it's supposed to replicate the RS2.7 ducktail.

It's hardly pert - more Jo Brandt than Kylie.

Perhaps it's because the turbo was the best looker of the 996 series that we're critical. Certainly looks alone would not have me rushing to change.

I think the 996t will stay fresh for a long time - the 993T still looks fantastic.

As Stuart says, the tech changes are of more interest but they'd have to take the car a big leap forward to make a change worthwhile from what is still acknowledged as one of the world's best.

 

[Guest]

ORIGINAL: mbrands
I've heard that at launch there will be a Turbo and a more powerful Turbo S and that a 2WD version will follow a year or so from then.

In keeping with the rest of the models, it seems sensible to offer an S version, effectively the X50 option but with a badge to show it.

I do not understand the 2wd version though. The justification for 4wd on cars around 500bhp is that it was necessary to get the power onto the road. (As in real roads, not tracks.)
If it is not necessary then why have it all?
If there is a 2wd version, then is that intended to be the GT2? However, since the GT2 is not raced (unlike the GT3) it has lost a bit of focus. It is hard to differentiate it, and if you just want a turbo for track days, I wonder how many people there are out there to buy it.