2017 Porsche 911 With New Turbo Makes Debut at Frankfurt Motor Show

Jodi Lai
by Jodi Lai

The 2017 Porsche 911 looks pretty much the same as the one that came before it, but the biggest difference is something that can’t really be seen from the outside: Every 911 from now on will be a 911 turbo (with a lower case “t,” that is).

The turbo badge used to be reserved for high-performance versions of the 911, but now even the base Carrera will feature forced induction. The Carrera and the Carrera S both get a 3.0-liter turbocharged flat-six engine. The Carrera will have 370 hp and 331 lb-ft of torque, while the S will have 420 hp and 368 pound-feet with full thrust coming online at a low 1,700 rpm.

Both cars get a 20 horsepower increase from the previous non-turbo models, but more importantly, the bi-turbos mean more torque earlier in the rev range.

With a PDK transmission, the Carrera sprints to 62 miles per hour in 4.2 seconds while the Carrera S does it in 3.9 seconds. Both are faster than their predecessors and also have slightly faster top speeds.

One thing with turbo engines is that they don’t always sound that great, but Porsche promises the turbo flat sixes will still have their signature raspy growl. Porsche also claims that these engines will be 12 percent more fuel efficient.

SEE ALSO: Full Coverage from the Frankfurt Motor Show

The new 911s also get optional rear-axle steering and Porsche’s Active Suspension Management as standard equipment, which will help with handling, even though the previous 911 didn’t really struggle with in the first place. The system can lower the car’s height by 10 millimeters, while rear-axle steering enhances turn-in dynamics and stability and reduces the car’s turning circle by half a meter.

With the optional Sport Chrono Package, Carreras get a mode selector on the steering wheel, just like the one in the 918.

All 911s now come standard with a new infotainment system that can recognize smartphone gestures. Google Earth and streetview have also been integrated.

The 2017 Porsche 911 will go on sale in the U.S. in March next year, with pricing starting at around $89,000.

Discuss this story on our Porsche Forum

Jodi Lai
Jodi Lai

Jodi has been obsessed with cars since she was little and has been an automotive journalist for the past 12 years. She has a Bachelor of Journalism from Ryerson University in Toronto, is a member of the Automobile Journalists Association of Canada (AJAC), and a jury member for the prestigious North American Car/Truck/Utility Vehicle of the Year (NACTOY). Besides hosting videos, and writing news, reviews and features, Jodi is the Editor-in-Chief of AutoGuide.com and takes care of the site's day-to-day operations.

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