Porsche 911 Turbo 3dr Car Review - February 2012

REVIEW
List Price: £110,342
Tax Band: L
Insurance Group: N/A
MPG: 24.4
CO2: 272
0-62 Mph: 3.7 secs
BHP: 500 BHP
Range: 360 miles
CarSite Verdict:  4.5/5
Could this be the best Porsche 911 ever? Certainly it’s one of the best driver’s cars Porsche have produced. With this model they have kept all the core attributes which made the 911 so successful, but this model is lighter, has increased power and lower emissions, and fuel economy has also been improved. All this, as well as stunning performance make this 911 Turbo one of the most engaging and entertaining cars to drive.

PROS:  Cleaner than before, faster than before, amazing cornering agility and razor sharp steering.

CONS:  You’ll need deep pockets to run it, cramped rear seats.

Behind the Wheel

The Porsche’s interior is top notch, from the driver-centred switches and controls to the feel of the soft-touch plastics used in the trim. You’ll have no problem finding the perfect driving position thanks to the myriad of adjustments available on the driver’s seat and steering wheel. The design of the sports dials, the steering wheel and the short gear lever all serve to remind you that you’re seated in a high performance supercar.

The 911 Turbo is kitted out with Porsche’s 493bhp, 3.8-litre rear-mounted flat-six boxer engine. With a top speed of 194mph, producing 479lb-ft of torque and a 0-62mph time of 3.7 seconds, it delivers gut-wrenching acceleration and performance. However, probably the best thing is that unlike some if its supercar rivals – you can actually use the Porsche everyday. It’s a car you can use around town or for a blistering dash out on the open road - the Porsche delivers anywhere - and the noise from the engine, especially when changing gear, will make you want to just drive it forever.

Precise steering with immediate feedback gives you razor-like control of the car. Agility and stability when cornering are supreme thanks to the revised suspension system and enlarged dimensions of this model.

While performance will always be the principal focus of any Porsche 911 it’s also very comfortable to drive around town as well as out on the open road. There’s ample room for two adults upfront, however legroom and headroom are severely limited in the rear. The sports seats are superbly supportive and grip you well when cornering hard. Suppression of road, tyre and wind noise is excellent making for an all round first class driving experience.

Looks & Equipment

The Porsche 911 Turbo constantly improves in terms of performance and tweaking here and there on the body but the classic 911 silhouette remains intact. Why try to improve perfection.

This 911Turbo comes with PSM stability control, alloy wheels, climate control, electric door mirrors, electric windows, metallic paint, rear parking sensors, leather seats, alarm immobiliser, CD+MP3conectivity and satellite navigation fitted as standard. Optional cruise control and Bluetooth are also available.

Practicality, Safety & Reliability

How practical can a supercar be? Well, the 911 Turbo isn’t too bad. There’s plenty of comfortable space upfront for driver and passenger. Boot space in the front of the car is 105-litres – enough for a couple of small suitcases or overnight bags and there are always the rear seats, which while uncomfortable for adult passengers over any great distance, you can always use the space for another couple of bags.

Safety kit as standard includes front, side and head airbags, PSM electronic stability, and world class brakes. The Porsche 911 is widely believed to be one of the safest supercars available on the road – so you can expect it to receive top marks from Euro NCAP when they crash-test it.

The 911 comes with Porsche’s three-year-unlimited-mileage warranty and regular service intervals of 20,000 miles.

Value for Money

Supercar performance doesn’t come cheap and the 911 Turbo’s price tag of £110,232 only serves to highlight that. However, you do get an awful lot of car for your money, and for most, it’s a lot more than just a car.

The Porsche is now greener than before with CO2 emissions of 272g/km and an average fuel economy of 24.4mpg. Nonetheless, it’s certainly not for anyone who is on a budget. Running costs are typical for the supercar category, but thanks to Porsche’s reputation you can expect it to hold its value well. Some experts tout that after three years or 60,000 miles you should be able to recover 50-55% of its original value. Not bad considering all the fun you’ll have had during that time.

Porsche 911 Turbo 3dr Car Review - by 
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