2014 Porsche 911 Turbo and Turbo S: First Look

Competes with: 2014 Audi R8 5.2, 2014 Nissan GT-R
Looks like: A 911 with swollen rear fenders
Drivetrain: 520- or 560-hp, twin-turbocharged 3.8-liter six-cylinder; seven-speed dual clutch automatic transmission; all-wheel drive
Hits dealerships: Late 2013

The new 2014 Porsche 911 Turbo and Turbo S are the latest, most powerful additions to the 911 lineup since the platform was redesigned for the 2012 model year. A steady release of new 911 variants, including the 911 Carrera, 911 Carrera 4 and track-oriented 911 GT3, continues with the bad-boy 560-horsepower Turbo S. Porsche says it’s capable of accelerating from zero to 60 mph in 2.9 seconds. The “entry-level” 911 Turbo with 520 hp takes 3.2 seconds to reach 60 mph.

Turbo S models bump performance with a standard Porsche Dynamic Chassis Control to reduce body roll, Sport Chrono Package Plus tuning package and carbon ceramic composite brakes; these features are all optional on the base Turbo. Both Turbo models feature a new all-wheel-drive system equipped with a water-cooling function; Porsche says it helps sends more torque to the front wheels than the previous 911 Turbo.

A whole lot of new performance goods are packed under the 911 Turbo’s massively bulging body with wider fenders than the already widened Carrera 4’s. All-wheel steering and active aerodynamics are among new performance features. We’re not talking about active shutters to increase fuel economy like on a Ford Focus: The 911’s front and rear spoilers extend to three positions for maximum downforce on the track and more aero efficiency. Porsche says the aero enhancements alone account for a decrease of 2 seconds off the 911 Turbo’s lap times on Germany’s Nurburgring.

All-wheel steering helps the 2014 911 Turbo turn faster into corners with enhanced response and rear wheels that turn up to 2.8 degrees, depending on the vehicle’s speed. At speeds below 31 mph, the rear wheels pivot in the opposite direction of the front wheels for increased parking lot agility. Above 50 mph, the rear wheels turn in the direction of the front wheels for quicker steering response.

Like the track-ready GT3, the 911 Turbo uses a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission. There’s no talk of a manual transmission at this point unlike the previous-generation 911 Turbo; the previous generation’s up-level Turbo S only came with the automatic option, however. Porsche says the PDK automatic transmission features an auto stop/start function like more pedestrian versions of the 911.

The inside and outside of the 911 Turbo gain their own touches with full LED headlights, 20-inch wheels, exclusive interior color combinations, carbon-look trim pieces and sports seats with 18-way adjustability.

The 911 Turbo starts at $149,250 and the Turbo S is $182,050; all prices include a $950 destination charge. Both cars go on sale in late 2013.