Tokyo show: Turbos won’t deter 911 purist

PORSCHE is confident that a move to forced induction for its iconic Carrera won’t deter longstanding 911 aficionados, and says turbocharging the flat-six engine was done in the name of driver-focused power, not emissions reduction.

In the 911's 52-year history, only the Turbo and GT2 have received forced induction, but for its 2015 mid-life update, the 991 Carrera variants have also been treated to twin turbochargers.

Speaking at the Tokyo show, Porsche 911 product line general manager Erhard Mossle said the decision to blow the Carrera had not been taken lightly, and would allow the much-loved sportscar to keep up with its rivals without harming emissions.

“It’s fuel economy on one side, of course, but it is as well for performance,” he said. “Our competitors all use turbos as well – Mercedes, Ferrari – so you have to keep up the power and performance it’s easier with a turbocharged engine.

“When you drive the car, you will see the turbo is not a devil’s thing. It is a really great engine in this car, and we managed to make it feel like a normally aspirated engine.”

Dr Mossle pointed out that diehard NA fans still had the choice of the high-revving GT3 and RS variants to choose from for now, both of which use a naturally aspirated version of the boxer six.

In previous generations, the presence of a turbocharged under the engine cover of a 911 was a clear point of difference and selling point for the flagship, but Dr Mossle explained that the outright performance of the 911 Turbo would ensure the Carrera would not cut its grass.

“Performance and power (of the Turbo) is far away from these cars,” he said.

The new version arrives in Australia this month, and Dr Mossle said the strong local sales success of Porsche cars was due to “our cars of course”, and the updated 911 would be no exception.

“I think we have the right mix between different model lines, and in Australia and other markets we have very successful sales.”