2023 Porsche 911 Turbo
Overview
The Porsche 911 Turbo’s delivery of speed is nothing short of freaky fast. Its all-wheel-drive launches are courtesy a standard 573-hp 3.7-liter flat-six or a 640-hp version for Turbo S models. It’s among the quickest cars we’ve ever tested, getting to 30 mph in 0.8 seconds, to 60 mph in 2.1 seconds, and through a quarter-mile in just 9.9 seconds at 138 mph. Its rocket-like acceleration is undergirded by its ability to swallow corners in whole gulps thanks to its near-magical handling, amazing steering feel, and huge amount of grip. Although the 911 Turbo doesn’t offer a manual transmission, the eight-speed dual-clutch automatic is quicker and smarter than us anyway. More time with both hands at the wheel is a good idea with power like this. While we love the rear-drive 473-hp 911 with a manual transmission, that doesn’t mean we’d ever say no to the quicker and more firmly-sprung 911 Turbo and Turbo S.
What’s New for 2023?
While the majority of equipment remains the same for the 2023 Porsche 911 Turbo and Turbo S, a limited-edition Sport Classic is new this year, combining the look of the 911 Turbo with a 543-hp version of the Turbo’s engine, rear-drive, and the seven-speed manual of the normal 911. The standard Turbo engine was detuned to work within the manual transmission’s power limits. Only 1250 will be available globally with a price tag of $273,750.
Pricing and Which One to Buy
Turbo Coupe
$176,000 (est)
Turbo Cabriolet
$189,000 (est)
$209,000 (est)
Turbo S Cabriolet
$222,000 (est)
Sport Classic
$273,750
To unlock the entirety of the 3.7-liter six-cylinder’s 640 horsepower, you’ll need to spring for the Turbo S model. While the drop-top cabriolet version is enticing, we’d take the coupe for its purity of purpose. In addition to its tremendous power and standard performance upgrades, every Turbo S comes with 18-way adjustable sport seats, 10.9-inch touchscreen infotainment system, Bose surround-sound stereo, carbon-fiber interior trim, and Porsche’s Sport Chrono package.
Engine, Transmission, and Performance
Hanging out in the rear of both the Turbo and Turbo S is a twin-turbocharged 3.7-liter flat-six engine that makes up to 640 horsepower in the more powerful of the two variants; the regular Turbo model makes 572 horsepower. All-wheel drive is standard, and shifts are handled by an eight-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission. Porsche claims a zero-to-60-mph time of 2.6 seconds for the Turbo S, but at our test track it blasted to 60 in just 2.2 seconds. These acceleration times grew even quicker during our test with the 911 Turbo S Lightweight: 60 mph arrived in just 2.1 seconds and it blasted to the quarter-mile mark in 9.9 seconds at 138 mph—a perk of weighing just 3557 pounds, 89 less than before. Aside from the explosive acceleration, the 911 Turbo exhibits insane levels of cornering grip and strong brakes, making it a true performance powerhouse. The cabriolet variants are slightly heavier than the coupe, but the drop-top Turbo S we drove proved equally thrilling.
More on the 911 Turbo / Turbo S
Fuel Economy and Real-World MPG
Regardless of body style or engine output, the 911 Turbo and Turbo S are both rated at 15 mpg in the city and 20 mpg on the highway. We tested a coupe on our 75-mph fuel-economy route, and it earned 27 mpg on the highway. For more information about the 911 Turbo’s fuel economy, visit the EPA’s website.
Interior, Comfort, and Cargo
As with all 911 models, the Turbo and Turbo S are technically four-seaters, although the rear seats aren’t usable by adults. The cabin mirrors that of the entry-level 911 Carrera models but with racier trim, more expensive options, and plenty of standard technology features such as a reconfigurable digital gauge display. The 911 comes with a front trunk which holds two carry-on suitcases and the rear-seat backs fold forward to create a large flat cargo area in the coupe model; in our testing, we were able to fit six carry-on cases behind the front seats.
The Car and Driver Difference
Infotainment and Connectivity
In addition to digital gauges in front of the driver, the 911 Turbo and Turbo S come standard with the same infotainment system as lesser 911s. The large touchscreen now runs Porsche’s latest software, which includes additional features and improved functionality. A premium audio system from Bose is standard, and a Burmester stereo is optional, too. There’s also wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto as well as subscription services for SiriusXM satellite radio and a Wi-Fi hotspot.
How to Buy and Maintain a Car
Safety and Driver-Assistance Features
The 911 Turbo can be ordered with several high-tech driver-assistance features including adaptive cruise control and night vision. For more information about the 911 Turbo’s crash-test results, visit the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) websites. Key safety features include:
Standard automated emergency braking Available lane-departure warning Available adaptive cruise control
Warranty and Maintenance Coverage
Porsche’s warranty coverage is pretty standard for the segment, and the first maintenance visit is covered free of charge. However, rivals such as the Jaguar F-type offer far more value by covering maintenance for up to five years.
Limited warranty covers four years or 50,000 miles Powertrain warranty covers four years or 50,000 miles Complimentary maintenance is covered for one year or 10,000 miles
Specifications
Specifications
2021 Porsche 911 Turbo S
VEHICLE TYPE
rear-engine, all-wheel-drive, 2+2-passenger, 2-door coupe
PRICE AS TESTED
$216,050 (base price: $204,850)
ENGINE TYPE
twin-turbocharged and intercooled DOHC 24-valve flat-6, aluminum block and heads, direct fuel injection
Displacement
229 in3, 3746 cm3
Power
640 hp @ 6750 rpm
Torque
590 lb-ft @ 2400 rpm
TRANSMISSION
8-speed dual-clutch automatic
CHASSIS
Suspension (F/R): struts/multilink
Brakes (F/R): 16.5-in vented, cross-drilled ceramic disc/15.4-in vented, cross-drilled ceramic disc
Tires: Pirelli P Zero PZ4, F: 255/35ZR-20 (93Y) NA1 R: 315/30ZR-21 (105Y) NA1
DIMENSIONS
Wheelbase: 96.5 in
Length: 178.5 in
Width: 74.8 in
Height: 50.9 in
Passenger volume: 74 ft3
Cargo volume: 5 ft3
Curb weight: 3646 lb
C/D TEST RESULTS
60 mph: 2.2 sec
100 mph: 5.3 sec
130 mph: 8.9 sec
150 mph: 12.5 sec
180 mph: 21.4 sec
Rolling start, 5–60 mph: 3.7 sec
Top gear, 30–50 mph: 2.0 sec
Top gear, 50–70 mph: 2.4 sec
1/4 mile: 10.1 sec @ 137 mph
Top speed (drag limited): 205 mph
Braking, 70–0 mph: 139 ft
Braking, 100–0 mph: 284 ft
Roadholding, 300-ft-dia skidpad: 1.10 g
Standing-start accel times omit 1-ft rollout of 0.2 sec.
EPA FUEL ECONOMY
Combined/city/highway: 17/15/20 mpg
C/D TESTING EXPLAINED
2021 Porsche 911 Turbo S Lightweight Package
Vehicle Type: rear-engine, all-wheel-drive, 2-passenger, 2-door coupe
PRICE
Base/As Tested: $215,190/$223,230
ENGINE
twin-turbocharged and intercooled DOHC 24-valve flat-6, aluminum block and heads, direct fuel injection
Displacement: 229 in3, 3746 cm3
Power: 640 hp @ 6750 rpm
Torque: 590 lb-ft @ 2500 rpm
TRANSMISSION
8-speed dual-clutch automatic
CHASSIS
Suspension, F/R: struts/multilink
Brakes, F/R: 16.5-in vented, cross-drilled, carbon-ceramic disc/15.4-in vented, cross-drilled, carbon-ceramic disc
Tires: Pirelli P Zero PZ4
F: 255/35ZR-20 (93Y) NA1
R: 315/30ZR-21 (105Y) NA1
DIMENSIONS
Wheelbase: 96.5 in
Length: 178.6 in
Width: 74.8 in
Height: 50.9 in
Passenger Volume: 49 ft3
Cargo Volume: 14 ft3
Curb Weight: 3557 lb
C/D TEST RESULTS
60 mph: 2.1 sec
100 mph: 5.1 sec
130 mph: 8.6 sec
1/4-Mile: 9.9 sec @ 138 mph
150 mph: 12.0 sec
170 mph: 16.9 sec
180 mph: 20.8 sec
Results above omit 1-ft rollout of 0.2 sec.
Rolling Start, 5–60 mph: 3.6 sec
Top Gear, 30–50 mph: 2.1 sec
Top Gear, 50–70 mph: 2.4 sec
Top Speed (mfr’s claim): 205 mph
Braking, 70–0 mph: 139 ft
Braking, 100–0 mph: 279 ft
Roadholding, 300-ft Skidpad: 1.14 g
C/D FUEL ECONOMY
Observed: 14 mpg
EPA FUEL ECONOMY
Combined/City/Highway: 17/15/20 mpg
More Features and Specs
