Porsche's 2021 lineup can be a bit confusing for the uninitiated. The 911 Carrera is now turbocharged, but that's not reflected in its name, then there's the Porsche Taycan Turbo, which is electric and doesn't actually have a turbo. To make matters worse, there are probably 20 different variations of the current 911, not to mention that evil tongues will claim the Porsche 911 still looks the same as ever, and that the engine is in the wrong place. Sure, the design is more of an evolution rather than a revolution, but Porsche has truly perfected its rear-engine formula, which is blatantly obvious with the latest 911 Turbo S.
Just like its older turbocharged siblings, the 2021 911 Turbo S features a muscular, broad-shouldered body. However, whereas the original Turbo Porsche had a penchant for sending Wall Street bankers backwards into trees and ditches, today's version is infinitely much more refined and civilized. The mere fact that a rear-engined car with 640 horsepower and 590 lb-ft of torque can be called civilized speaks volumes of Porsche's brilliant engineers.
Even when compared to the previous Turbo S, the 2021 model is superior in every way, making it one of our favorite cars of 2021. The new 992 Turbo S is more powerful, quicker, offers better handling, and is even more fun and involving to drive — just like Porsche 911 Turbo models from the pre-996 era, but safer. The phrase practical supercar was pretty much coined to describe the Porsche 911 Turbo, and today's Turbo S further cements that reputation.
Here's why the Porsche 911 Turbo S is the winner of the HotCars Best European Sports Car of 2021.
Classic Porsche Design That Looks Modern And Sporty
Compared to certain other high-performance Porsches, the exterior styling on the Turbo S is somewhat understated. There isn't a massive rear wing, or even any Turbo stickers for that matter. However, a closer look reveals that this isn't your run-of-the-mill Carrera.
The previous generation had 20-inch wheels front and rear, but now, the front wheels are 20 inches and the rear ones measure 21 inches in height. These are wrapped in 255/35R-20 Pirelli P Zero PZ4s on the front and 315/30R-21 on the rear.
In true 911 Turbo fashion, the body is wider than that of the regular Carrera — 1.8 inches wider, to be exact. It also has plenty of active aero, such as the adjustable front lip spoiler, adjustable front cooling flaps, a variable rear wing, hidden vents and various trickery on the car's body and floor. Combined, it creates a maximum of 375 lbs of downforce, 15% more than the previous 911 Turbo S.
2021 Porsche 911 Turbo S Has The Perfect Blend Of Performance And Power
Placed firmly at the rear end, we find the best feature of the 911 Turbo S — an incredible 3.7-liter flat-six that's been enhanced with a couple of turbochargers, and at higher revs, it belches out some proper 911 flat-six noise. Thanks to some tuning wizardry, this powerhouse produces a very respectable 640 horsepower and 590 lb-ft of torque — that's 60 horses and 37 lb-ft more than its predecessor. The engine is mated to a very efficient eight-speed double-clutch gearbox and the power is sent to all four wheels.
All of that put together obviously translates into blistering performance. From a standstill, the 911 Turbo S will explode to 30mph in just 0.9 seconds, keeping the right foot planted will get it to 60mph in a mere 2.6 seconds, and 100mph is dealt with in 5.3 seconds. It will also demolish the quarter-mile in 10.5 seconds at 137 mph, and on a long enough straight, achieves a top speed of 205mph — but there's more to the Turbo S than straight line performance.
What's The Turbo S Like To Drive?
The 911 Turbo S isn't the ultimate in Porsche performance — the GT3 and GT2 RS offer superior driving dynamics — the Turbo S is the ultimate Porsche for everyday road use. Here, comfort and user-friendliness has received as much attention as performance and handling.
Speaking of which, the handling is impeccable thanks to the wider track, new aero features, and rear-wheel steering. At slower speeds, the rear-wheel steering tightens the turning circle, and at high speed, it brings stability. Thanks to the suspension, the steering always feels spot-on and inspires confidence, in fact, most drivers will run out of courage long before the car runs out of grip.
Thanks to the powerful engine and excellent handling, it's easy to find yourself going at speeds that can land you in trouble with the law. Luckily, Porsche fitted the Turbo S with massive carbon ceramic brakes that measure 420 mm at the front and 390 mm at the rear, and they do a great job of bringing things to a halt.
In all honesty, there just aren't many cars that can do what the 911 Turbo S is capable of. It can tackle any asphalt-covered surface thrown at it, whether it's a racetrack, the everyday commute, or anything in between.
Classy Yet Sporty Interior Setup
While Porsche has put a lot of work into making the driving experience more like the GT cars, the Turbo S still features an interior that's comfortable and quiet. It's almost unbelievable that a car that offers so much driving pleasure also has a certain level of practicality. Unlike the GT2 and GT3, it has four seats — although the rear seats are only suitable for kids or short adults — and when folded down, there's even more storage space in addition to the frunk.
Those who go for the optional Lightweight Package won't get the rear seats. However, what they do get is more than 60 lbs of weight savings thanks to bucket seats, sport suspension, a lighter exhaust, lightweight glass, and less sound deadening. Obviously, this is how every driving enthusiast should spec their car.
The driving position and the controls couldn't be better; it's easy to adjust everything, connecting a phone is a breeze, and the 10.9-inch touchscreen is simple to use. Those looking for a bit of nostalgia will be happy to know there's a five-dial layout, just like the 911s of yesteryear, although, these days, except for the tachometer, they're all digital. It's also possible to turn two dials into a large sat nav map.
What's nothing like Porsches of old, however, is the tiny gear lever. While most Porsche purists would've loved to see an actual gear lever, this one does actually feel natural to use after a short while.
Living With A Porsche 911 Turbo S
The Turbo S is an absolute joy to drive. As mild-mannered and polite as anything else built for daily commuting duties, it will turn into a true beast when the need arises. Even with all the power this thing churns out, it can still return staggering fuel economy — 30 mpg is entirely possible if driven by a mature and sensible person. Being a Porsche, it can be used and abused repeatedly without the need for anything other than regular servicing. It comes with a three year/unlimited mileage warranty, and services are every two years.
There aren't many differences between the $175,650 Turbo and $208,350 Turbo S models. Basically, the $30,000+ premium over the regular Turbo model pays for more adjustable sports seats, a set of carbon-ceramic brakes, PASM active anti-roll bars, and 70 extra horses. Those looking to spend even more money can always opt for the Cabriolet version for an additional $13,000 or so.