The Porsche 997 Turbo

By Ashok Kalia

Nothing quite prepares you for the instantaneous and furious performance of this the latest turbo, the most expensive and the most powerful 911 Porsche makes today.

Step ever so slightly on the accelerator pedal and know what it feels like to set foot on a landmine. The response is that instantaneous and epic. From its upgraded 3.6 litre engine the new 911 turbo now produces 480bhp, which means a 0 to 60mph of less than 4 seconds and a top speed of 193mph.

But as dangerous as these figures may sound the car certainly isn’t! A permanent four wheel drive system, traction control, ABS and Porsches amazing stability system will ensure that when you’ve long run out of driving talent the turbo hasn’t.

Its understated styling hides its immense capabilities with the only exterior changes compared to other much cheaper 911 models is that it sits a little lower, has two massive air vents on either side to draw air into the rear engine, a fixed spoiler that opens and closes depending on how fast your going and a few bulges here and there.

Inside, apart from the word ‘turbo’ etched into the centre of the rev countered you’d be forgiven for thinking you’re sat in any 911 or come to think about it, any Porsche car. The quality of finish and materials is still fantastic and a joy to be surrounded by.

But what makes the turbo a true ‘super car’ is just how talented it is and how talented a driver it makes you think you are. Because no other car I’ve driven, apart from the Ferrari F430 is so responsive and has so much in reserve. It reacts instantly, finds grips where you think there isn’t any, gives you confidence from its adaptive permanent four wheel drive system, responds to your driving style ensuring you’re always pointing where you should be and even appears to be physic as it somehow prepares for the road conditions ahead.

Granted I can’t afford one but at £98k, but I have to say its value for money. Because what your getting is Porsche’s sixth generation super car, an icon that goes back as far as 1972, is packed with the latest technologies and safety features and an all rounder that’s as at home on a race track as it is in the Waitrose car park. It’s no exaggeration saying that the 911 Turbo is still one of the greatest cars in the world. But be warned! Be a little too playful and it will bite back

Contributor's Profile
Ashok Kalia is an internationally published Asian motoring writer based in the UK. Ashok can be reached via email at ashok@asiaworldwide.com.