Vehicle Description
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 N�rburgring, 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.
