The air-cooled 911 Turbo peaked with the 4WD twin turbo 993, as sophisticated a weapon as there was on the road in the 90s. The all new, water-cooled 996 Turbo followed in 2000, setting a whole new benchmark for the all-weather supercar, with a useable 420bhp from its Mezger derived, 3.6-litre, flat-6 and 4WD. It was as happy trundling to the shops as it was at near on 200mph.
The 996 was a largely successful modern reboot of the 911 concept, but it took the arrival of the 997 in 2004, to finish the job. For many the 997 is the sweet-spot of the modern/water-cooled 911 era. Just the right balance of size and performance, and as surely as night follows day, the 997 Turbo arrived in 2006, to build on the 996 Turbo’s formula.
Once again, the engine was the bullet-proof 3.6 Mezger unit, but this time with a host of revisions, most notably Variable Turbo Technology (VTG) – effectively two compressors, within a single housing, for improved turbo response. Power was boosted to 473bhp; torque a massive 457lbs/ft @ 1950-5000rpm, with 0-60 arriving in 3.6 secs and top speed of 193mph.
The 997 Turbo was of course 4WD equipped, but now with an electronically activated centre diff and Porsche’s new active suspension management (PASM), plus stability management (PSM). Transmission options remained 6-speed manual and 5-speed Tiptronic.
In 997.2 Turbo form, the beast with two turbos, received yet more power – up to 530bhp and 516lbs/ft torque @ 2100-4250 – from an all new 3.8-litre, direct fuel injected, engine (thus saying goodbye to the legendary Mezger unit), plus the all-new, seven-speed PDK transmission. However, you’d be hard pushed to tell the difference, both versions the ultimate evolution of the 911 Turbo’s thundering power and performance, technical sophistication and genuine everyday practicality.
IN THE BLACK
Which brings us to this Basalt Black mean machine: A 2007 997 Turbo Tiptronic, with just 41.000-miles on the clock. As early 997 Turbos go, it is certainly one of the better ones we’ve seen, its condition reflected by its low mileage. Showroom fresh? Not far off.
Exterior wise, this Turbo features the distinctive, polished spoked 19in Turbo wheels, suitably booted with Turbo correct N-Rated Pirelli P-Zero tyres.
And on the inside, it’s black-on-black, which is the only sensible choice for an equally black exterior. Extended leather is a given, but for a touch of tastefully semi-bling, this Turbo also features the Carbon pack to embellish the dash, steering wheel, shifter and sills. The seats are six-way electrically adjustable, hard-backed Sports chairs, while sounds come courtesy of Porsche PCM and Bose speakers.
In terms of mechanical spec, being an early 997.1 Turbo means 473bhp, which as already intimated is more than enough for the real world. The elephant in the room? Well, there are those that might get a bit sniffy at the Tiptronic transmission, but we think it suits the Turbo well, with more than enough torque to fill the gaps between the five ratios.
Predictably this Turbo has wanted for nothing, backed up by a mix of Porsche Centre and Porsche specialist servicing and maintenance. As per the low mileage, this has been entirely routine, and there is nothing to suggest any major expenditure on the horizon.
ON THE ROAD
Wide-bodied the 997 Turbo might have been in 2007, but by contemporary 911 Turbo standards, its positively Slim-Jim. And 473bhp is almost real-world road useable, unlike the crazy world of 600+bhp contemporary 911 Turbos. Seriously, drive this and you’ll wonder whether faster and bigger, really is better.
The 997 chassis is still on the right side of analogue, likewise the steering. And if you want to feel what real grip, acceleration and actual G-force feels like, just unleash this Turbo out of a corner….
IN SUMMARY
What can we add? The all round, every day, all-weather supercar, often sounds like damming with faint praise, but actually it’s the 911 Turbo’s towering achievement. As such, and in this colour combo and spec, plus super low miles, we’re not expecting this 997 Turbo to be with us for long.
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