2006 PORSCHE 911 Turbo (997) 3.6L 5AT (480 HP)

Vehicle Overview

It was the sixth generation of the Porsche Turbo and it had to offer more than any other 911, for street use. It wasn’t a race-car, but a supercar dressed as a GT vehicle. And it was good at both.

In February 2006, Porsche unveiled the Turbo at the Geneva Motor Show. It looked more aggressive than its Carrera siblings. The air-intakes on the rear fenders told the world that the 911 was back and promised to offer exhilarating performance on the street and to be a fierce competitor on a track for a weekend race.

On the front, a new bumper with LEDs incorporated into the outer air inlets was designed. The center grille was as wide as it could, without interfering with the side scoops needed to cool the brakes. A new set of sills was installed and, on the wide rear wheel-arches, the split air-intake made a good impression. At the back, an extendible split-wing was installed. It was risen at speeds over 120 kph (75 mph) and retracted at speeds under 80 kph (50 mph). It added up to 27 kg (60 lbs) of downforce at maximum speed.

Inside, the 911 Turbo was fitted with leather upholstery as standard. The sport-bucket seats were powered and with memory for the driver’s side. Like its predecessor, the 2006 Turbo came equipped with the PCM (Porsche Communication Management) system, including the DVD-based navigation system. The 13-speakers Bose sound system was tuned for a concert-like, high-quality, experience.

The 3.6-liter engine was turbocharged with a Variable Turbine Geometry, which was a first on the market for a gasoline engine. That, along with a bigger intercooler, allowed a faster response from the engine. With its 480 hp and the all-wheel-drive system, the car could sprint from standing still without wheelspin.