Teamspeed.com - First Drive: Porsche 911 Turbo (997/2)

Classic Driver tests the revised Turbo:

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Easier, stronger, cleaner, faster and more economical. The seventh-generation Porsche 911 Turbo sets impressive new standards in all disciplines. With 500HP (493bhp) it has almost twice the power of the original 1974 911 Turbo. Available with optional PDK transmission for 2010, the latest Turbo can reach 194mph and accelerate from 0-62mph in 3.4 seconds. The Nordschleife, however, is the real test of such a car and it’s a massive 10 seconds faster there than its direct predecessor.

Since 1974, Porsche has sold approximately 80,000 Turbos, an extraordinary achievement when you remember that the original was intended principally to be a homologation special for racing. Now, 35 years later, the latest 3.8-litre twin-turbo version retains the spirit of the original but it is incomparably superior in its performance and road manners. It is also nearly 18 per cent better on CO2 emissions than its predecessor, making it a class leader in that respect.

Launched in the warm Portuguese October sunshine as Northern Europe began to shiver, conditions were perfect for a 911 Turbo first drive. We chose the most sporty variant, with Porsche PDK double-clutch transmission, forged 19in light alloy wheels, ceramic brakes and the aero kit with a large tail-wing. Inside were sports seats and the carbon trim package.

As we set off towards Cascais, and from there to the westernmost point of the European mainland, the improvements over the 2006 car were obvious. After just 100km, the main impression was that it sits even more securely on the road and accelerates noticeably more strongly. It also steers more directly than any previous Turbo.

For the rest of the article and pics -->> http://classicdriver.com/uk/magazine/3600.asp?id=14358