Review: Pushing the limits in a Porsche 911 Turbo S in the UAE

One of the quickest cars we’ve had in a while. Strap yourself in

‘Unprecedented power.’ This was the phrase with which we were confronted when being introduced to the Porsche 911 Turbo S. “Yeah, yeah,” we thought. How often have the superlatives been fried up and served piping hot sans scrutiny at a car launch? Then, in a subtle manner befitting this particular maker, the numbers were presented. From then on you couldn’t have forced our eyebrows groundwards with a crowbar. A 0-100kmh sprint time of 2.7 seconds. Indeed you read correctly. Actually it may have taken you longer to sound out the previous sentence than for the 911 to get up to speed. We haven’t been in something so nippy since our last trip to that IMG theme park. We were intrigued. We were excited. We were out on the road as soon as they would possibly allow us. Here’s how it went.

So how fast does it actually go?

330kmh if you really need to know. But away a perfectly flat racetrack, you’re not going to get close to that. Not because of any trifling matter like breaking the law, but as a result of ground clearance. The 911 Turbo S is so sporty the dashboard is actually adorned with a “nose lift” button for when you’re approaching bumps in the road so as not to scrape the front. With practice you become more confident the vehicle is going to safely make it over various dips and raises you encounter around town, but to begin with even the most minor obstacles will have you reaching for the magic mechanism. If you own one of these no force on Earth is going to render you so cavalier as to risk defacing a solitary centimeter of gorgeous bodywork. Trust us.

We know the acceleration stats, how does it achieve them?

By being a two-door coupe (or cabriolet) and pumping out 650hp from its 3.8-litre, six-cylinder boxer engine complete with two VTG turbochargers and channeling it through a turbo-specific eight-speed Doppelkupplung (dual-clutch) transmission. This creates 70 more horses than the previous 911. Yes, 70! The torque’s also up by 50Nm to 800Nm. The dimensions have also increased significantly to enhance the driving dynamics. The body is now 45mm wider above the front axle at a total width of 1,840mm and 20mm wider above the rear axle, bringing the overall width here to 1,900mm. What’s more the adaptive aerodynamics now include controlled cooling air flaps at the front and a larger rear wing designed to produce even more downforce. All these elements combine to produce an unprecedented authentic sporty sensation when sat behind the wheel. Perched so close to the ground, matched with the precision reactionary engine and tight steering, you’re not going to get closer to being an F1 driver on the highway than in one of these.

What if you don’t want to race? Can I get to work in it?

While you’ll never be flush with space in a Porsche sports car, it is very comfortable. Turn it to ‘normal’ mode and everything calms down. Even in traffic, the automobile isn’t itching to go fast like a few of its contemporaries. It’s as perfectly happy in second gear as it is flying along. A full leather interior and carbon trim provides the required Porsche sensation you expect when writing the cheque at the showroom. The 10.9-inch centre screen is subtle and does the necessary. Overall, it’s a pleasant machine that has the ability to go insane if needs be.

Would you get one?

We would, but we love the brand. If you have a large family and the means to only buy one set of four wheels, and you really want a 911 Turbo S, you may need a discussion with your significant other about priorities. If, however, the budget sits in your account and you need something to make you feel alive in the morning or over the weekends, this is the only car for you.

WHAT: PORSCHE 911 TURBO S

Engine: 3.8-litre, 6 cylinder turbo

Power: 650hp

0-100kmh: 2.7 seconds

Top speed: 330kmh