2012 Porsche 911 Turbo

The 997.2 generation Turbo is arguably one of the best modern 911s to have been produced. Upon its release in 2006 at the Geneva Motor Show, it was (and still is) regarded as an instant classic. It’s the last of the “small” 911s and the last generation to feature the renowned Hans Mezger designed flat-six. The return of the bug-eye style headlights was a welcomed change after the integrated headlights of the 996 and struck a wonderful balance between modern and traditional 911 styling. The extensive use of aluminum meant that the 997 Turbo models were 90 lbs lighter than the 996 Turbo.

Porsche used the 911 GT1 based, twin-turbocharged, direct-injected 3.8-liter engine and incorporated Borg Warner turbochargers with variable turbine geometry for the first time in a production car. The variable vane turbochargers minimized turbo lag at low speeds and reduced back pressure at high RPMs, making for incredibly responsive engine characteristics across the powerband. Maximum boost was set at 1.0 bar, resulting in 500 horsepower and 502 lb-ft of torque. Like all of the Turbo models since the 993, it featured an all-wheel-drive system to ensure that all as much of the flat six’s power makes it to the road as possible. For the 997 generation the all-wheel-drive system was comprehensively re-tuned, and when paired with the PDK transmission, the Turbo was capable of charging from 0-60mph in just over 3 seconds on its way to its 195 mph top speed.

This 2012 911 Turbo pays homage to some of the best Porsches of the decades with a paint-to-sample paint scheme in the timeless pastel shade of Meissen Blue, complimented by Espresso natural leather and matching carpeting throughout the cabin and offset by a black Alcantara headliner. The interior features heated adaptive Sport Seats with the Porsche crest embossed on the headrests, a SportDesign steering wheel, a SiriusXM Satellite radio tuner, and the 7-speed PDK transmission with steering wheel-mounted paddle shifters.

The optional 19” 911 Turbo II wheels are a modern take on the instantly-recognizable Fuchs wheels used for decades on countless 911s. The Sport Chrono package allows for 10 seconds of overboost for a burst of additional power, while the dynamic engine mounts and the optional limited-slip rear allow for the highest degree of precision possible at the limits of cornering and grip.

With just 11,300 mi on the odometer, this Turbo is in impeccable condition and perfect for those looking for a modern 911 with a slight vintage feel with the advantage of driver assistance technology and a powerful, reliable drive train. As an instant classic from its release, the second generation 997 allowed for engineers to perfect what is already an excellent 911- one that made staunch Porsche-denouncer Jeremy Clarkson concede defeat and sing the praises of its merits.