Hello, everyone! I’m Mina, the editor of “Welcome Home, PORSCHE.” Our Porsche Owners’ File series was created in response to readers who wanted to hear firsthand stories from Porsche owners. For installment #20, accent shares the buying story, options, and driving impressions of the 911 Turbo S Exclusive, a rare model limited to just six cars in Japan.

〘Owner Profile〙
・Porsche featured: 911 Turbo S Exclusive
・Name: accent
・Location: Northern Kanto
・Family: Wife and two dogs
・Previous cars: I’ve owned several German cars, but this is my third 911 and my fifth Porsche overall: three 911s, and five Porsches in total.
Cayenne (first generation) → 911 (997.1) → Panamera → 911 (997.2) → 911 (this 911 Turbo S Exclusive)
＊All were Turbo or Turbo S models.

1) How I Decided to Buy a Porsche

One morning, I was browsing the Porsche website in the U.S. when I came across the 911 Turbo S Exclusive. I hadn’t owned a Porsche for a while, but I remember thinking, “If this comes to Japan, I’d love to own a Porsche again!”

As soon as the car appeared on the Japanese website, I headed straight to the dealership and put in a reservation. It was limited to just six cars in Japan, so I’d all but forgotten about my reservation when the dealership called to say, “You can buy one.”

I could hardly believe it. But an opportunity like this might come only once in a lifetime, so I stretched my finances to the limit and went ahead with the purchase.

2) Options and Specifications

You could call it fully equipped. That said, there weren’t many options to choose from in the first place. They included adaptive cruise control, a front-axle lift system, a rear wiper, and Burmester audio.

3) The Wait for Delivery

I think it was a little over six months from the call saying, “You can buy one,” to delivery. Limited-edition cars apparently go through a different import inspection process, and it took several months after the car arrived in Toyohashi.

4) Living With the 911 Turbo S Exclusive: Performance

To me, it doesn’t feel any different from the 911 Turbo S (991.2). Whatever the figures may say, I don’t think most people—including me—would notice a major difference from behind the wheel.

① Engine and Engine Sound

The engine has the distinctive sound of a flat-six. At idle, it’s very subdued, with a dry, lean note. But press the accelerator and that’s another story: the engine roars, and with more than 600 horsepower, the force pins you back in your seat until your mind goes blank.

Across the rev range—even in town—you can control the engine exactly as you like and call up just the right amount of power.

If you want to, it’s easy to get the car into a power slide with pinpoint precision. And because torque is continuously sent to the front wheels, bringing it back under control is just as easy—it feels as though an invisible rope is gently pulling the car straight from the front.

When conditions are right, you can enjoy spirited driving with confidence.

② The PDK Transmission

The PDK feels much more refined than the earlier version in my 997.2. Select Sport Plus using the steering-wheel switch, and the shift program transforms into something worthy of a race car.

It can make you feel as if your driving skills have suddenly improved.

③ Ride Comfort and Road Manners

I think they’re excellent. The ride remains soft and composed at all speeds, while the suspension holds firm when it needs to. The body feels as solid as a safe, giving you a strong sense of security. Every time you go through a corner, you feel connected to the car and confident in what it will do.

The seats are also superb in every respect—their shape, softness, and support all contribute greatly to the comfort.

④ Handling and Brakes

I think they’re excellent. With no engine over the front axle, there’s less weight on the front of the car, which I believe allows Porsche to use softer spring rates. Animals push off the ground with their hind legs and steer with their front legs; the design seems to follow that same fundamental principle.

In older 911s, you often had to enter a corner with some brake pressure still on, deliberately managing the weight transfer. With a modern 911, I don’t think that’s really necessary anymore.

As with any Porsche, the brakes inspire absolute confidence. The car settles evenly onto all four wheels, grips the road, and sheds speed— that’s how it feels.

Next page → Fuel economy, maintenance, and the final verdict on the 911 Turbo S Exclusive