The 2021 Porsche 911 Turbo S is here, and it’s quicker than a Taycan

Rejoice, all ye faithful. Porsche’s new, 992-generation 911 Turbo S is here, and it’s quicker than the all-electric Taycan.

The top-tier (for now) 911 does the sprint in 2.6 seconds thanks to the time-proven combination of a rear-mounted, twin-turbo flat-six and all-wheel drive. The hottest Taycan, the Turbo S model (dubbed as such despite a complete lack of turbocharger or combustion engine) does the run in 2.8 seconds. Turns out EVs don’t have the last word on mid-2.0-second 0–60 times.

In fine Stuttgart tradition, Porsche studied its Turbo S recipe, kept all the tried-and-true ingredients, and turned up the heat just a bit for 2021. The particular 3.8-liter in this 992-gen Turbo S is now equipped with slightly larger turbochargers that help turn up the wick to 640 horsepower, a 60-hp increase over the outgoing 991-generation 911 Turbo S. The engine breathes more freely due to a revised intake system and bigger intercoolers all the way up to an unchanged top speed of 205 mph. If you opt for Porsche’s composite ceramic brakes to halt you back to more manageable speeds, your neck can experience all the stopping power of 10-piston front calipers, compared to the previous generation’s six-piston ones. Those clamp down on 10 mm larger front brake rotors and, for the first time, rest behind staggered center-lock wheels: 20-inchers wrapped in 255/35 rubber up front, and 21-inch units wearing monstrous 315/30 rubber in the back.

A wider front track and revised aero, including the front spoiler and the rear wing, helps the 911 Turbo S keep everything planted on the ground. As before, sharp-eyed carspotters can distinguish your S-spec Turbo by its glossy black tailpipes (the standard Turbo to follow will likely make do with chrome-plated pipes), or give you an approving nod if you’ve requested the oval tips unique to the Sport Exhaust System.

All this can be yours beginning at $204,850 (including delivery) for the hardtop Turbo S or $217,650 for the cabriolet (again including delivery and assorted fees).

What does the Turbo S mean for its 992-gen Turbo companion? Judging from the outgoing 911-generation, in which the Turbo S made roughly 30 hp more, the upcoming Turbo will likely make at least 600 hp. It could easily get the 992 Turbo S’s upgraded intake system, but since the previous Turbo didn’t get the S model’s beefed-up turbochargers, this newest Turbo will probably not get the full 60-hp bump the S model now enjoys. Top speed will likely float a tick below 200 mph and you may see 0–60 0.1 seconds later. However, given that the previous generation Turbo and Turbo S differed in price by roughly 1.22 contemporary Toyota Camrys ($28,900), we’d expect most Turbo buyers to go the Turbo S route without a second thought.

Both the hardtop and convertible Turbo S models will be available to order soon, Porsche says, and should descend upon dealer lots late this year. Get ready to drag race some Taycans—in a manner more aurally satisfying.