The True Flagship Model

Currently, the flagship model of the Porsche "911" is undoubtedly the "911 Turbo," which combines turbo and 4WD, the theme of this feature. However, to be precise, the "Turbo S," with its even higher performance, reigns at the pinnacle of the 911 lineup.

The 911 Turbo S boasts an increased maximum output of 560 ps, up from the 520 ps of the 3.8-liter flat-six twin-turbo engine found in the 911 Turbo. Furthermore, with the addition of PDCC for roll stabilization and PCCB ceramic composite brakes for enhanced braking, the 911 Turbo S is undeniably the most potent model in the current 991 generation.



What will be the position of the 911 Turbo S if the "911 GT2," which is expected to be announced soon, makes its debut? It is likely that the 911 GT2, even in the 991 generation, will achieve lap times surpassing the 911 Turbo S at the Nürburgring by adopting a 2WD drivetrain and reducing weight. Will the 911 Turbo S lose its title as the flagship model then?

I would venture to say no to this question. While it's true that the 911 GT2, focused purely on track performance, might not match the lap times of the Turbo S. However, speed on the track is not the only aspect that people expect from a 911. Its character as a grand tourer, capable of high-speed, long-distance travel with confidence, along with its everyday usability and comfort, are also wonderful strengths of the 911.

In that sense, the 911 Turbo S, with its high stability thanks to 4WD, excellent comfort, and overwhelming speed, is truly the flagship model that represents the 911.

Differences Between the 911 Turbo and 911 GT2

Iattended the911 Turbo and 911 Turbo S test drive eventin Germany last August and thoroughly enjoyed its performance, which had further evolved from the 997 type. This time, by test driving the 911 Turbo S, which has now arrived in Japan, alongside other 911 models, I realized that the 911 Turbo S not only sits at the pinnacle of the 911 lineup in terms of performance but also surpasses other 911s in areas such as stability and comfort.

Some of you may remember report cards from school that used radar charts. To put it in those terms, the 911 Turbo S is like a model student who gets a perfect score in every subject – Japanese, Math, Social Studies, Science, Physical Education, and Art.



In other words, its radar chart forms a large, balanced circle. Other 911 models, while also forming a circular shape on the radar chart, achieve scores of only '3' or '4' across the board.

Furthermore, the 911 GT2, for some reason, gets a '10!' in Physical Education, while most other subjects are rated '4'. On a radar chart, this would appear as a spike in Physical Education, with the rest of the shape being a slightly smaller circle. While this might sound a bit unfair to the 911 GT2, please understand it not as a negative, but as a distinction between the well-rounded 911 Turbo and the specialized 911 GT2.

An Indescribable Smoothness

Now, reunited with the 911 Turbo S in Hakone after about half a year, I felt that the engine's response had somehow improved compared to when I drove it in Germany.

Frankly,the 997-generation 911 Turbo Sand the 991-generation 911 Turbo S I drove in Germany both exhibited a slight degree of turbo lag, though it was less pronounced in the latter. However, the 911 Turbo S I drove in Japan had virtually no perceptible turbo lag; the response was so sharp that torque seemed to kick in the instant the throttle pedal was pressed. As you can imagine, this linearity is a significant advantage when tackling winding roads.



Another difference from the international press event was that the engine sound seemed quieter. When I drove it in Germany, it produced a powerful exhaust note when pushed, though it was quiet during normal driving. However, the 911 Turbo S I test drove this time gradually increased in volume even at full throttle, without any sudden bursts of loudness, remaining within a pleasant range. Personally, I prefer the specification I experienced in Japan.

Furthermore,the 911 Carrera Swas a significant discovery. As you know, the Porsche 911 is known as a sports car that can be used daily, but the 911 Turbo, perhaps due to more thorough sound insulation measures than other 911 models, seemed to offer an even quieter ride with less road noise, contributing to a sense of luxury.Porscheis known as a sports car that can be used daily, but the 911 Turbo, perhaps due to more thorough sound insulation measures than other 911 models, seemed to offer an even quieter ride with less road noise, contributing to a sense of luxury.



Yet, its performance as a sports car is incredibly impressive. The 560 ps engine power, enabling a blistering 0-100 km/h acceleration in 3.1 seconds, delivers a level of performance that can be intimidating at times, and the cornering speeds are astonishing. Moreover, it does so without inducing anxiety, making it effortless to drive on winding roads at speeds 20-30% faster than usual. The 911 Turbo S possesses a foolproof nature that allows anyone to become a "king of the mountain" without needing advanced skills or theoretical knowledge.

It Has to Be Fun

When you hear that it's exceptionally fast, comfortable, and easy to drive, it might sound like a watered-down sports car. However, I would confidently argue against this view. The 911 Turbo S is terrifyingly fast and comfortable, but it is also an exceptionally fun sports car to drive...

First and foremost, its steering feel is superb. It transmits every detail about the road surface and the contact between the front tires and the road to the driver. It gives the impression of directly touching the road with your palms. As you gradually increase your pace, it accurately informs you of the tire's remaining grip, indicating "30% left...", "20% left...", "10% left..." long before you reach the true limit.

Therefore, as long as the driver is paying attention, "accidentally exceeding the limit" will not happen. This provides a sense of security while also allowing the driver to feel the car being pushed close to its limits. Driving on winding roads while engaging in such a dialogue with the car can only be fun. In fact, it's rare to find a sports car that offers such a rewarding driving experience.



For these reasons, I believe the 911 Turbo S is indeed the flagship model that represents the Porsche 911. And the two technologies that Porsche has honed over many years, turbocharging and all-wheel drive, play a crucial role in the 911 Turbo S achieving this position.

Porsche 911 Turbo S (Type 991) | ポルシェ 911 ターボ S
Body Dimensions | Length 4,510 x Width 1,880 x Height 1,295 mm
Wheelbase | 2,450 mm
Tread Front/Rear | 1,540 / 1,590 mm
Weight | 1,610 kg
Engine | 3,799 cc Flat-six Cylinder Turbo
Compression Ratio | 9.8:1
Bore x Stroke | 102.0 x 77.5 mm
Maximum Output | 412 kW (560 ps) / 6,500-6,750 rpm
Maximum Torque | 750 Nm / 2,200-4,000 rpm
Transmission | 7-speed Automatic (PDK)
Drivetrain | 4WD
Tires Front/Rear | 245/35ZR20 / 305/30ZR20
0-100 km/h Acceleration | 3.1 seconds
Maximum Speed | 318 km/h
Fuel Economy (JC08) | - km/ℓ
CO2 Emissions | 242 g/km
Price | ¥25,158,858 (incl. tax)

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