Thanks to the boost from the T-Hybrid system, there’s no drama involved when the genteel Porsche 992.2 Turbo S full sends its gobstopping performance
We’re back at the Ascari Race Resort for the launch drive of the Porsche 992.2 Turbo S T-Hybrid, which was incidentally the site of the 992.2 GTS T-Hybrid launch just a year ago. It was a good opportunity to see how the flagship 992.2 Turbo S would stack up against the 992.2 GTS, especially with both incorporating T-Hybrid technology into their respective powertrains.
In its latest 992.2 iteration, the Turbo S (currently the most powerful series-production 911) sees its twin-eTurbo’d 3.6-litre augmented by a tasty dollop of T-Hybrid goodness, which bumps its performance to a mind-bending 711hp and monumental 800Nm. This translates to a 2.5-second 0-100km/h time and a ’Ring time that is 14 secs faster than its predecessor.
The “Turbo” nameplate is one of the most evocative ones in Porsche’s vernacular, and can be traced to the first G-model iteration from exactly half a century ago. As a side note, the first series production 911 Turbo S can be traced to the type 964 in 1992.
Short of the fast and fearsome turbocharged GT2 and GT2 RS variants, the 911 Turbo / Turbo S have been kings of the hill in terms of cutting-edge technology, performance and luxury, especially in full-fat Turbo S guise — an everyday supercar, if you will.
Most notably, the Turbo / Turbo S are distinguished by their potent combination of punchy, pumping performance and a plushly posh cabin that has the driver (and occupants) comfortably cocooned right smack in the eye of a mighty storm.
Petrolheads automatically associate Porsche with the 911, but many of us take this for granted. Don’t forget, Porsche first penetrated certain countries with utility models like the Cayenne, Macan and Panamera, so these are the models that those markets associate with the brand.
With sales of the Cayenne and Macan funding the creation of the fun cars, it should come as little surprise that the practical Porsche models outsell the sports cars (like the 911 and 718) several times over. Even so, enthusiasts naturally gravitate towards the 911’s magnetic allure. And if you’re newish to the brand, the most recognisable top-of-the-line series-production model to pervade the mass consciousness is the Turbo S.
Porsche clearly recognised how synonymous the “Turbo” nameplate was in relation to peak performance that it was applied to the range-topping Taycans: the Turbo / Turbo S / Turbo GT — even if they were all-electric vehicles with no physical turbocharger!
Porsche GT / RS elitists tend to regard the modern 911 Turbo variants as an “easy choice”, due to the superlative levels of luxury and effortless point-squirt performance, a far cry from its beginnings 50 years ago as a rear-driven “widowmaker”.
These days, the Turbo S boasts top-shelf luxury accoutrements and the rocksteady, all-weather assurance of all-wheel drive to help tame its savage performance, which has become drama-free and ever-easier to tap into with each successive iteration.
The uncompromising GT / RS models at the other end of the spectrum require hard work and commitment to flog hard — a badge of honour to their owners — a marked contrast to how effortless it is to wield the might of the Turbo S.
You always know what you’re going to get with any Porsche, especially in relation to driving pleasure, and the 992.2 Turbo S T-Hybrid is no exception. In Turbo S guise, not only does it make all the right noises in maximum attack mode, but you also get a full-bodied hourglass figure with bodaciously wide hips and curves in all the right places.
Both inside and out, the new model receives striking Turbonite design elements from the 992.1 Turbo S Edition 50 to better distinguish it from lesser 911 models better. This includes the bonnet badge, rear model designation and wheel-centres. In the cabin, there are Turbonite accents on the door panels, steering wheel, dashboard and centre console surrounds, as well as on the Sport Chrono stopwatch and instrument cluster.
Apart from the HD Matrix LED all-in-one headlight clusters, the Turbo S’s front-end is dominated by the same five active flaps we’ve already seen on the 992.2. GTS. However, the Turbo S features underbody active elements that reduce front-lift, as well as help cool the brakes.
Another familiar aero feature is the active front chin spoiler that we first saw on the 991 Turbo S, which can be fully retracted, partially extended or fully deployed to impact air-flow.
At the rear, revised aero elements at the extreme ends of the rear bumper and titanium exhaust tips (the lightweight exhaust back-box saves 6.8kg) in a gorgeous light bronze pushed to the edges of the rear valance accentuate its width for a more powerful presence.
Topping this off is the Turbo S’s dramatic active rear wing, which can extend and tilt depending on aerodynamic needs.
The use of the T-Hybrid system means some features (like air-conditioning) go belt-less, which sees some weight savings (offset against the hybrid system’s additional 85kg). In shape, the Turbo S’s engine is wider and shorter than its predecessor, and set lower in its curvaceous rear-end for improved handling balance, thanks to the lower centre of gravity.
Compared to its predecessor, the aero effects see drag reduced by 10%, but downforce remains the same. What is staggering is the Turbo S’s linear power delivery, especially with the T-Hybrid system providing an adrenaline shot in the arm.
Like the 992.2 GTS, the T-Hybrid is tuned for maximum performance in the Turbo S, so you can’t charge the 1.9kWh battery, there’s no altruistic purpose in mind, and there isn’t an all-electric mode. It fills the minute gap between standstill and the minuscule time it takes for the electric turbos to hit full song. The twin electric-turbos are smaller than the 992.2 GTS’s single e-Turbo, but spin faster for even harder performance.
Don’t be deceived by how seemingly docile the Turbo S appears to be under acceleration. It only seems that way until you take a peek at the speedometer and realise the actual speed is at least 30% higher than expected! It isn’t just about being silly fast, but being able to deliver a scintillating sensory experience as well.
One element that contributes to how urbane the Turbo S feels is the exceptional ePDCC active electro-hydraulic chassis control system, which all but eliminates body movement regardless of whether you’re gunning it on the straights, hard on the brakes or powering out of a corner.
The Turbo S remains perfectly composed even during quick direction changes, and the occupants are never left shaken and stirred during high-g manoeuvres. The steering feel is surprisingly communicative and gives you ample feedback as to the tyres’ levels of grip, even when you do silly things to unsettle the car mid-corner.
With larger rear footwear (10mm wider tyres) than its predecessor, the new Turbo S has heaps of mechanical grip, even if you get on the power early as you exit the corner. The Turbo S isn’t just another stomp and spurt sports car, because it is as entertainingly agile as the liberties you dare to take with it.
The standard Porsche Carbon Ceramic Brakes (PCCB) deliver eye-watering stopping power, with a natural pedal feel that allows for millimetre-precise trail-braking. It was only after the first lap that we realised we could brake far later and deeper into the corner than we thought possible… and this is considering the huge speeds it is operating at!
The 992.1 Turbo S already delivered huge performance, and though the 992.2 Turbo S is tuned to punch harder, the flattened-out power curve means the latter is more urbane and less unruly, which is great for those who prefer less drama in their cross-country grand touring escapades.
For starters, it is less tiring to drive fast on long journeys than its hardcore GT / RS brethren, yet even if the Turbo S won’t start the fight, it possesses enough firepower to finish it with a fast and furious smackdown. In inclement weather and slippery, winding roads, few things will be able to keep up with a Turbo S, especially since the Porsche will also easily accommodate one’s small family and its weekend bags.
The enduring 911 Turbo S is evergreen and legendary. This sweetly balanced all-rounder serves as swift, stable and sublime all-weather transport for the most part, but boasts city-levelling firepower when it full-sends in full-aggro mode… and this will never go out of style.
PORSCHE 911 TURBO S T-HYBRID COUPE
Engine: 3,591cc, flat-six, twin-eTurbos
Battery: 1.9kWh, 400V
System power: 711hp at 6,500–7,000rpm
System torque: 800Nm at 2,300–6,000rpm
Transmission: 8-speed PDK dual-clutch
0–100km/h: 2.5 secs
Top speed: 322km/h
