A Luxurious Setup Worth 5 Million Yen in Options

The 992 early-model 911 Turbo I test drove was truly loaded with options.

With nearly 5 million yen worth of extras, the interior and exterior were elegantly coordinated in Crayon and Slate Grey. Features like the sunroof, sports exhaust, 21-inch 911 Turbo Exclusive Design wheels, Matrix LED black headlights, and Exclusive Design taillights gave it an unmistakably upscale presence.

Inside, the 18-way adaptive sports seats with seat ventilation and the Burmester sound system complete the package. With this level of equipment, it’s truly deserving of the title “ultra-comfortable 911 Turbo.”

However, what truly captivated me about this car wasn’t its lavish features. The real value lay in the engine character and driving performance I experienced behind the wheel.

A Natural Power Feel That Surpasses the Turbo S

I’ve driven the 992 early-model Turbo S before, but this Turbo felt overwhelmingly easier to drive.

I recall feeling the same way with the 991 generation.

While the launch feel is nearly identical, the mid-range acceleration and torque delivery are much more natural. To put it simply, it feels like a large-displacement naturally aspirated engine. The way torque smoothly builds from low to high revs is exactly that sensation.

Looking at the numbers—580 horsepower and 750 Nm of torque—it might seem intimidating at first.

But in reality, you can enjoy revving the engine smoothly. Of course, the Turbo S offers more aggressive and violent acceleration, but that’s only in direct comparison. This Turbo also boasts an exceptional rev feel and smooth power delivery. Its performance is on a level that leaves most other cars far behind.

The Dual Personality That Makes Driving Fun

The charm of the 911 Turbo lies in its overwhelming dual nature.

In Normal mode, it cruises winding roads like the perfect date car—calm and considerate for passengers. Switch to Sport or Sport Plus, and it transforms into a beast reminiscent of a GT3. This duality is a hallmark of Porsche’s Turbo models, shared by the Panamera and Cayenne as well.

Sport Plus mode excels at maintaining engine revs precisely.

With a 580-horsepower turbocharged engine, you might expect jerky behavior or overpowering acceleration that’s hard to manage—but none of that happens. Even holding 5,000 or 6,000 rpm, it feels like revving a beautifully smooth large-displacement naturally aspirated engine. The engine sound is superb—no noisy mechanical clatter, just clean exhaust notes. The subtle burbling when lifting off the throttle is equally delightful.

“Nothing Added, Nothing Taken Away” — Perfect Balance

Riding this Turbo reminded me of Suntory Yamazaki whiskey’s famous tagline: “Nothing added, nothing taken away.”

The 911 Turbo embodies the pure essence of the 911, capturing the core of the Turbo series. The Turbo S is essentially a more heavily armed version designed to compete on the track. But this Turbo is perfectly focused on street driving, offering a more approachable experience.

This philosophy is clear in the ride quality as well.

While the Turbo S comes standard with Sports PASM (sports chassis), the Turbo uses the normal PASM. Sports PASM might lower the car and look better, but the Turbo’s setup suits its character and is undeniably more fun to drive. It’s supple with ample suspension travel, yet not too soft. Switch to Sport Plus, and the chassis tightens up, delivering handling close to GT models.

The handling strikes a perfect balance—not too twitchy, not too loose—just “just right.” It remains stable no matter how you drive it, yet never feels dull. That’s because you can maintain revs comfortably and safely in a satisfying speed range. The 911 Turbo gives you the feeling that you’re driving the car, not being driven by it. That’s its true essence.

Choosing Between the Turbo and Turbo S

Looking at the used market, the Turbo S is overwhelmingly more common.

That’s understandable. When spending this kind of money, most buyers think, “If I’m going to do it, I want the S.” I might have chosen the same if I hadn’t driven this Turbo. From a resale perspective, the Turbo S is definitely the safer bet.

However, for Porsche enthusiasts, die-hard fans, and above all, those who love to drive, I wholeheartedly recommend the Turbo. This is a comparative opinion, but if you genuinely enjoy driving—whether long distances or spirited runs—the Turbo is unquestionably the better choice. For everyday use, it’s the Turbo that will make you think, “This car just feels right.” When prices drop a bit and well-maintained examples appear, don’t hesitate to grab one.

It truly is an outstanding car.