Porsche 911

By Sam Hardy

May 2006

• Rating:

Every time the German firm launches a new 911, it sets the supercar benchmark even higher. The latest is powered by a 473bhp 3.6-litre twin-turbo flat six-cylinder unit, providing an extra 59bhp, plus an even more advanced drivetrain. So is it the best Porsche yet?

Wearing numerous air intakes, 19-inch alloys plus a widened rear end with a huge wing, it's clear that the Turbo is not for the shy.

But it's also sophisticated, featuring active four-wheel drive that adjusts power according to grip, and adaptive dampers which get increasingly firm at high speed. Sport mode brings even sharper responses. The engine's two turbos pump out 473bhp and 620Nm of torque. Add lightweight aluminium doors, and the power-to-weight ratio rises from 260 to 290bhp per tonne.

This results in the six-speed manual Turbo covering 0-62mph in 3.9 seconds and 0-100mph in 8.4. The Tiptronic auto version hits 100mph from a stand-still in 7.9 seconds - and both achieve 193mph flat out. The impression is of never-ending, searing acceleration with faultless power delivery.

Tackle corners and the Turbo has loads of grip, even in the wet. As well as being incredibly easy to drive fast, it's involving, with sharp steering and brilliantly weighted pedals.

At £97,840, this model is almost £40,000 more than a Carrera - but it's undoubtedly the ultimate all-round 911.

Tell us about your car in our Driver Power survey.