Vehicle: 2010 Porsche 911 Turbo with PDK, PCCB and Limited Slip Rear Differential Lock
Price as tested: CDN$185350

Performance: There are 2 biggest highlights for 911 Turbo during the latest revision. Other than the exceptional 7-speed PDK dual clutch gearbox, another advacement is the use of direct fuel injection which improves both performnace and efficiency. Not to mention Porsche’s worthy VarioCam technology. When it comes to performance, the latest iteration of 911 Turbo has a whopping 500 ponies and 480 lb/ft of torque through its new VTG or what Porsche called Variable Turbo Geomerty technology. This technology has been proven since the introduction of 997 Turbo a couple of years ago. The single biggest highlight of the whole package is the overboost feature that comes with Sport Choron Package in the latest Turbo. With a press of a “Sport” button, the overboost feature is able to increase the torque from 480 to 516 lb/ft of torque. Even with all those twin-turbocharging, it is completely free of any turbo lags. Both turbos spool up instantly and efficienctly thanks to VTG. All of these combined with the ease and efficiency of the PDK gearbox, which is optional on top of the sweet 6-speed manual gearbox. This gearbox is able to rev match. With 2 clutches, 1 for odd and another for even gears. Its able to shift quicker than any manual gearbox without sacficing any fuel efficiency. So how does it perform with Porsche’s legendary 3.8 liter flat-6 twin-turbo engine. One word: Perfectly. If you thought the previous Turbo’s Tiptronic already the best manumatic in the world. The PDK has taken it one step further down the level of technology. In the past, Tiptronic always have some shift delay even if Turbo already have the quickest software around. With the PDK, it makes the Tiptronic rather tame. If you are purely go for driving fun, you still can’t beaten the great 6-speed manual with a excellent clutch. The clutch take-off is progressive with the right feedback. It doesn’t have the usual heaviness that defined any supercar. It makes the 911 Turbo equally civilized driven in town as it is on the racetrack. Best of all, Porsche flat-6′s amazing soundtrack remains entertaining even with all of those technology upgrades.

Handling: Dynamically speaking, standard 911 Turbo is already hard to beat. As anyone can handle it on both the racetrack and on the road without the harshness of its silibing: GT3. The biggest highlight of latest upgrade is Porsche’s Torque Vectoring system, which is able to reduce the understeer by applying the brake to the inside rear wheel. Standard Sport Choron Package’s “Sport” and “Sport Plus” are able to tighten up the sports seat’s support, while giving the suspension more work out for more aggressive driving characteristics. With Canada’s price premium over the States, its a smart move for Porsche Canada to offer Sport Choron as standard instead as an option as south of the border. The Limited Slip Rear Differential Lock is able to control the oversteer while making it a very balanced sports car to drive despite of its engine placement. All of these combined with 911′s already rock-solid chassis and sophiscated AWD system, its very hard to get it out of line even when driver does rear its ugly heads. Once driver rears its ugly head, there is always a PSM or what Porsche called ESP. PSM has to be one of the most uninstusive stability program I have ever driven. There are 3 threshold for driver to control how much oversteer do they want on the road or on the track. As one expects from a Porsche, the steering feel and feedback are simply exceptional. It has the best steering precision and response anywhere in the world. Even with the Sport Choron set at “Sport” and “Sport Plus”, the suspension remains comfortably compliant without feeling harsh. So what does all of these upgrade mean for driver? Porsche claims the latest 911 Turbo has shaved 10 seconds off the Numburging race track time at 7 mins 39 seconds.

Brakes: Porsche’s Turbo brakes are hard to fault. With large 4-wheel discs and standard ABS, there aren’t anything stops as good as a 911 Turbo. The stopping distance is short while pedal feel is simply astounishing. The optional PCCB has even improved the already exceptional brakes on the racetrack.

Interior: Slip behind the wheel of Turbo, all you find is typical 911 interior. That means all the control and instrumentation gauges have driver in mind. The leather sports seats provide awesome back and side support when cornering. As you would expect from a Porsche, all the plastic and leather materials are from the top shelf.

Conclusion: Porsche 911 Turbo is a performance car that is as civilized to handle on the racetrack as it is on the road. The latest host of upgrades have just improved of what is an already a very capable car. If you find the Carrera is just too tame and a GT3 is too hardcore for your liking, 911 Turbo could well be your ticket.

OVERALL VERDICT FOR 2010 Porsche 911 Turbo
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Performance: 5/5
Handling and ride/fun-to-drive: 5/5
Interior/ergonomics/user-friendliness: 4.5/5
Fit-and-finish/build quality: 4.5/5
Cargo/accessibility/layout: 2/5
Value-for-money: 4/5

Overall rating: 4.5/5