After a one-year hiatus, the 2001 Porsche 911 Turbo model makes its much anticipated return and brings with it 415 tire-shredding horsepower. All 911s get electric engine cover and trunk releases, improved interior lighting and improved trunk carpet. A new optional audio system includes a bass box, there are optional "Turbo Look 1" wheels, a self dimming day/night rearview mirror and a new three-spoke steering wheel with colored Porsche crests.
The Porsche 911 continues to be one of the world's top sports cars. Porsche has the uncanny ability to build a car that has stunning performance (zero-60 in under 4 seconds for Turbo models), legendary mystique (what 13-year-old boy doesn't dream of owning a 911?) and real-world functionality (a useable interior and optional all-wheel drive).
Back in 1999, the 911 underwent its first "clean-sheet" redesign since its introduction in 1965. Longer, wider and sleeker than any previous 911, the newest version nevertheless maintains the unmistakable 911 profile and classic styling cues. There are currently five models: the Carrera Coupe and Carrera Cabriolet, the all-wheel-drive Carrera 4 Coupe and Carrera 4 Cabriolet, and the new-for-2001 911 Turbo.
Like all previous 911s, the current models feature a rear-mounted, horizontally- opposed six-cylinder engine. Serious Porsche enthusiasts cried foul when Porsche announced the engine would be water-cooled rather than air-cooled. But it's hard to argue with the results. The all-aluminum 3.4-liter engine generates 300 horsepower and 258 foot-pounds of torque. In the Turbo model the engine grows to 3.6-liters, features twin turbochargers, and generates 415 horsepower and 413 foot-pounds of torque.
In the 911 coupes, the rear seatbacks fold down to create a flat cargo floor. The one-touch power soft top on the Cabriolet models folds compactly in a compartment behind the rear seats. A standard hardtop cover fits flush against the body with the roof lowered.
What's not to like? Well, the 911 has the unfortunate problem of sharing very similar front-end looks with its smaller brother, the Boxster. For a $15,000 premium, it'd be nice not to be confused with a lesser car. And with MSRPs ranging from the mid 60's to $120,000, the Porsche heritage still includes sapping a big bundle of cash out of your wallet.
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