Porsche 911 (992) Turbo 2020: Turbo S spy shots, plus specs, prices and release

Following the successful launch of its new 992-generation 911 a year ago, Porsche has switched its focus to adding a faster model to the line-up.

In recent weeks, spy photographers have spotted several 911-shaped development cars – rumoured to be a new version of the Turbo – testing on public roads in Germany and the US.

The most recent sightings have been of prototype models virtually undisguised, meaning it won’t be long before the next-generation Turbo makes its public debut.

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Here’s what we know about the new Turbo:

Release

According to Motor1, Porsche will release the new 911 Turbo in coupe form “later this year”, before taking the covers off a cabriolet model “at a later date”.

As the all-electric Taycan is tipped to steal the limelight at the Frankfurt Motor Show, from 12 to 22 September, the new Turbo could be unveiled at the Los Angeles Auto Show at the end of November.

Price

Turbo models typically sit in the middle of the 911 range, commanding a higher price than the regular £82,800 Carrera and slightly less than the £141,000 911 GT3 RS.

The new model is, therefore, expected to match - if not marginally exceed - the £126,000 price tag of the 991-generation Turbo.

Design

Unlike most prototype cars, which are often covered in camouflage to conceal their design, the Turbo development vehicles snapped by spy photographers are almost completely undisguised.

Judging by fresh spy shots posted by Evo, the new 911 Turbo will look almost identical to the existing Carrera S. Only a handful of subtle design tweaks set it apart from the entry-level models.

For instance, the Turbo gets a “slightly more aggressive” front splitter design, complete with electronically-controlled aerodynamic elements such as “variable grille slats”, the motoring magazine says.

There also appear to be larger openings on either side of the front bumper - presumably to improve the car’s upgraded brakes - and there are a pair of vents sculpted into the rear wheel arches to help feed air into the engine, the motoring site says.

Above the engine cover sits a small wing that looks similar, if not slightly larger, than the spoiler found on the previous-generation 911 Turbo. Porsche typically installs electronic rear wings on its newer models, where the spoiler automatically extends at higher speeds to improve stability.

At the bottom of the bumper is a set of four angular exhausts pipes, as opposed to the large oval outlets seen on earlier test models.

Spy shot of the cabin, meanwhile, reveal that the development car is the faster Turbo S model, says Evo. The pictures also suggests that the Turbo will retain the Carrera’s analogue rev counter, which is flanked by a two digital displays.

Engine specs and perfomance

The new Turbo is expected to retain the Carrera’s twin-turbocharged 3.8-litre flat-six engine, albeit with a bump in performance to somewhere in the region of “600hp” (592bhp), claims US motoring site Motor Authority.

Faster Turbo S models could offer close to 640hp (631bhp), the website says. Plus, it’s rumoured that an electrified version boasting 700hp (690bhp) is in the works, but the model is unlikely to arrive before the facelifted 992.2-generation 911 arrives in 2023.

Either way, Turbo and Turbo S cars should get four-wheel drive systems and eight-speed dual-clutch transmissions. MotorTrend anticipates a 0-60mph time faster than the 2.9 seconds recorded on the old model and a top speed of around 200mph.