2011 Porsche 911 Turbo S

The 997.2 Turbo was already an exceptional sports car, so when the engineers were faced with the challenge of improving on near-perfection, they rose to the task for the Turbo S in 2011, production totaled 1,180 coupes and 821 cabriolets, approximately half of the 997.2 Turbo production run. For the few lucky buyers who checked off the “S” option on the build sheet, they were met with Porsche Carbon Ceramic Brakes as standard, “RS Spyder” wheels with center-lock hubs, a six-disc CD/DVD system, Sport Chrono Plus, Adaptive Sport Seats and a choice of exclusive interior colors.

Beneath the engine cover, the same 3.8-liter twin-turbocharged engine from the standard Turbo remained but had been massaged to produce 530 horsepower and 516 ft-lb of torque between 6250 and 6750 rpms. The air intake was formed from carbon fiber, and the VarioCam Plus variable valve timing had been revised on the intake side. When compared on paper, the differences between the standard Turbo and Turbo S aren’t exactly earth-shattering, the sensation behind the wheel is all the difference one needs. Throttle response is faster and the engine pulls harder at higher RPMs for those who dare to keep the throttle planted. The front suspension geometry was modified slightly and paired with the Porsche Torque Vectoring system, the 997.2 Turbo S feels more like a mid-engined car than rear-engined when cornering. With the Sport Plus button engaged, the PDK transmission switches to a six-speed mode and shifts late and hard, while the active suspension system stiffens the chassis significantly and driver aids intervene much later. The engine takes on a much more aggressive character, and the traction control redirects much of the power to the rear wheels. When pitted against a base Turbo on the Nürburgring, Porsche slashed a full 2 seconds off the Turbo’s best time of 7:39- proof that the seemingly small changes in the Turbo S package add up to a world of difference where it counts.

When this 2011 Turbo S was being configured, its first owner made sure that this Turbo S would be unique. First, a custom color was selected in the form of paint-to-sample Viper Green, a vibrant color used in 1972 and 1973 and popular among Carrera 2.7 RS owners. The attention was then turned to the interior and the black interior was offset by the aluminum-look package, aluminum handbrake lever, and PDK shifter. The heated seats and steering wheel options were checked off, along with XM satellite radio before moving on to the list of Exclusive options. Continuing the aluminum trim theme, the PCM Aluminum Look package, aluminum footrest, front air intakes, and door sills with the Turbo S insignia were selected. The PDK gate surround, rear center console, steering column, sun visors, and floor mat trim were all covered with black leather to match the seating. Finally, the Porsche crest was embossed on the headrests.

The 997.2 Turbo S is one of the few that can tiptoe the line of the supercar classification- with tremendous real-world performance capabilities while retaining day-to-day sensibility and usability when being driven around town or for long trips.