The improved dynamics of the Porsche 911 Turbo S are clear to see – a 911 has never been wider. Its body now measures 1,900 mm (20 mm more than before) m while, thanks to unique wings, its width at the front has increased by 45 mm to 1,840 mm (previously 1,795 mm). Track widths have also widened: the distance is now 1,600 mm (10 mm) at the rear and 1,583 mm at the front (up by 42 mm). The 911 Turbo S has wider tyres and newly designed wheels because of its increased performance: 20-inch tyres with their new 255/35 size at the front and 21-inch tyres measuring 315/30 at the rear. The increases in length and weight are moderate: the new 911 Turbo S is 28 mm longer than the previous model and has an unladen weight according to DIN of 1,640 kg (Coupé). The additional 40 kg is mainly due to the new eight-speed PDK transmission, the cooled front axle transmission, the particulate filter (GPF) as well as the larger wheels.
The new front end with wider air intake openings has a characteristic Turbo look with dual front light modules. The newly designed, pneumatically extendible front spoiler ensures aerodynamic performance, while the muscular rear wing sections with integrated air intakes emphasise the sleek body. At the same time, although lightweight in appearance, the rear wing delivers the required downforce. The new rear end, with its typical Turbo-style rectangular twin tailpipes in high-gloss black, rounds off the appearance of the back of the car, together with a tail light bar that is characteristic of the current 911 generation.
The standard LED matrix headlights with dark interior inserts are another distinguishing feature of the new 911 Turbo S, with an even darker version available as an option. The 84-pixel module for dipped and high beam enables maximum illumination, with more than 300 lux and numerous functions. This allows individual and dynamic control of the headlight range and better illumination in bends. The motorway light, fog light and adverse weather light adapt the illumination of the field of vision according to the situation. Targeted dimming reduces the glare from road signs.
Adaptive aerodynamics with extended control strategy and additional functions
The adaptive aerodynamics – launched as a world first on the previous model – have been further refined and extended for the new 911 Turbo S. New functions include Wet mode and air brake. If the standard sensors detect a wet road surface, the driver will be notified by a message in the instrument cluster. The driver can then activate Wet mode using the rotary switch on the steering wheel. The aerodynamic control systems then switch the balance to generate a higher downforce on the rear axle, which in turn increases the contact between tyres and road.
In addition, the 911 Turbo S features an air brake function. In case of emergency braking at high speeds, the front spoiler and rear wing are moved to the performance position. The higher drag force and increased downforce reduce the braking distance, depending on the initial speed and road conditions. Driving stability is also improved during braking.
The optimised design of the car’s active systems enables even better adjustment of its aerodynamic properties to suit different driving requirements. The newly designed active front spoiler and rear wing have boosted downforce by 15 per cent to guarantee enhanced driving stability and dynamics at higher speeds. Maximum downforce in the performance position (Sport Plus mode activated) is now around 170 kg. When speeds exceed 260 km/h, the rear wing is adjusted to a slightly flatter angle in the performance position. This reduces the maximum load on the rear axle and improves race track performance. In conjunction with the other aerodynamic configurations – Eco, Speed and Wet modes as well as the air brake function – the new 911 Turbo S delivers a greater aerodynamic control range and adapts to the particular driving situation.
New cooling air flaps and larger and lower weight rear wing
The newly developed controlled cooling air flaps in the front intakes make it possible to achieve lower drag and improved fuel consumption by closing completely at speeds between 70 km/h and 150 km/h. The most efficient configuration with a minimum drag coefficient (cd) value is achieved with closed flaps and retracted front and rear spoilers. The flaps open from 150 km/h and are fully open at speeds above 170 km/h to improve aerodynamic balance at high speeds. The cd varies depending on the aerodynamic setting from between 0.33 in Eco mode and 0.38 in the Performance setting.
All active aerodynamic elements have been newly developed. The revamped front spoiler extends by 10 mm further than on the previous model. Lightweight construction is also used on the rear wing: the distinctive Turbo feature has an eight per cent larger effective aerodynamic area while weight has been reduced by eight per cent or 440 g. The technical structure – over a foam core with forged inserts – consists of an upper side with two layers of carbon fibre-reinforced plastic (biaxial CFRP fabric) and a lower side with one layer of glass fibre-reinforced plastic (triaxial GFRP fabric).
New optional lightweight and noise-insulated glazing option for 911 Coupés
Porsche has developed innovative lightweight and noise-insulated glazing for the 911 Turbo S. This composite glass weighs approximately 4 kg less than the glass in other models. The body weight in the area above the car’s shoulder line, which is important for driving dynamics, is therefore reduced, lowering the car’s centre of gravity. Compared to the regular production glass, the lightweight glass is made from thinner outer panes and chemically pre-stressed inner panes. This special glass structure is not just lighter but also more sound-absorbent and is an option that is expected to be offered for all 911 Coupé models from mid-2020.
