Critical Knowledge:

• New flagship Porsche Turbo
• Standard 3.8-liter twin-turbo powerplant
• Rated at 530 horsepower
• Standard 7-speed dual-clutch transmission
• Standard ceramic composite brakes
• Unique interior upholstery
• No fuel economy penalty over standard Turbo model
• Coupe and convertible body styles
• On sale mid-2010
• Fast fact: single bolt, central locking wheels to reduce rotating mass

Introduction
Porsche's racetrack-bred 911 models have a racing pedigree. They have participated in a majority of the world's most prestigious races over the past several decades and won many of them. The list doesn't just include road circuit events; the 911 is also adept at off-road rally racing, hill climbs, and endurance events. The Porsche 911, with its flat-6 engine unconventionally mounted behind the rear wheels, has been successful for Porsche-as a street car and as a competition car as well.

In 1974, Porsche added a turbocharger to the 911. The forced-induction completely changed the personality of the vehicle, but Porsche simply called it the "911 Turbo." The 911 Turbo sported distinctively wide front and rear wheel arches, a deep front splitter, and an oversized rear "whale tail" spoiler. The brakes and suspension were upgraded. All of these changes were functional-not merely for aesthetics-each designed to improve the Turbo's high-performance mission.

While it was originally intended to serve as a limited-production model for entry into a racing series, the popularity of the 911 Turbo in the public sector (and showrooms) encouraged Porsche to continue production of the model. It eventually became the company's flagship "grand touring" model.

The standard Porsche 911 Turbo was last redesigned for the 2010 model year when it debuted in the 911's latest "997" chassis with a new engine, new transmission, and upgraded cosmetics. While Porsche's 911 lineup is comprised of more than a dozen different models, sitting at the top of the 911 model range is the new 2011 Porsche 911 Turbo S (the "S" nomenclature is reserved for the highest-performing models in Porsche's lineup). With the 2011 911 Turbo S, this means more power, unique wheels, bigger brakes, and a special engine management system. The Turbo S is expected in showrooms in the summer of 2010.