Porsche has unleashed the facelifted versions of its range-topping turbocharged 911s ahead of their world premiere at the 2016 Detroit Motor Show in January.
And by range-toppers, we mean the actual 911 Turbo and Turbo S, since now, Porsche’s 911 turbocharged lineup also includes the base Carrera and Carrera S models.
Available in both coupe and convertible versions from the start, the 2017MY for North America and 2016MY for the rest of the world, 911 Turbo and Turbo S models get an improved 3.8-liter bi-turbo flat-six that produces an extra 20hp in both cases at 540PS (533hp) and 580PS (572hp) respectively.
Porsche says that it achieved this power gain through the use of modified inlet ports in the cylinder head, new injection nozzles and higher fuel pressure, with the ‘S’ model also getting new turbochargers with larger compressors. Both versions feature a new ‘dynamic boost’ function that improves engine response when the driver reapplies the throttle, with the German company adding that this effect is more pronounced in Sport and Sport Plus modes than in Normal mode.
Along with a higher maximum torque at 553 lb.-ft. in overboost compared to 523 lb.-ft. on the Turbo, the Turbo S also has a higher redline at 7,200 rpm instead of 7,000.
The updated 911 Turbo Coupe can hit 100km/h in 3.0 seconds (0-60mph in 2.9 seconds) topping out at 320km or 199mph, which is 5km/h or 3mph faster than the previous model. Its ‘S’ sibling completes the 0-100km/h sprint in 2.9 seconds (0-60mph in 2.8 seconds) and can reach a top speed of 330km/h or 205mph, an improvement of 12km/h or 7mph.
Despite the performance gains, all 911 Turbo and Turbo S models return better fuel economy numbers thanks to new electronic engine and transmission management with revised gear change mappings, at 9.1 l/100km combined in the European cycle for the coupes and 9.3 l/100km for the convertibles, representing savings of 0.6 l/100km over the outgoing versions.
Porsche has added a new PSM Sport Mode on the 911 Turbo models, while all versions get two new options, the radar-based lane change assist and a lift system for the front axle that can be used to increase ground clearance by 40 mm at the front spoiler lip at low speeds.
As with most Porsche facelifts, the visual changes are on the minimal side. On the exterior, these include an altered front bumper with reshaped air vents and narrow LED units, new 20-inch wheels with half an inch wider tires on the Turbo, different door handles, a redesigned engine lid, revised tail lamps, and a new rear bumper, complete with reshaped tail pipes. Interior upgrades concern the 360mm sports steering wheel with a similar design to the 918 Spyder, and the new Porsche Communication Management infotainment system with a touchscreen.
In the US, the refreshed 2017 Porsche 911 Turbo models will reach dealers in April of 2016 priced between $159,200 and $200,400. Germany will get the new Turbo models in January with prices ranging from 174,669 euros to 215,962 euros.