First look: Porsche's new 353kW 911 Turbo

PORSCHE’S much-anticipated 997-series 911 Turbo coupe will go on sale in Australia in the third quarter, priced from $327,000.

Porsche Cars Australia confirmed the news this week as the sixth generation of the range-topping all-wheel drive 911 Turbo broke cover ahead of its world premiere at the Geneva motor show, which opens on February 28.

It gains significant increases in engine output, outright acceleration and handling. Maximum output from the 3.6-litre boxer engine increases to 353kW at 6000rpm – 44kW over the 996-series Turbo – and 620Nm (up 60Nm) from 1950rpm to 5000rpm.

Paired with the standard six-speed manual gearbox, the Turbo can accelerate from 0-100km/h in a claimed (and often understated) 3.9 seconds, reaching 200km/h in 12.8 seconds.

The "most powerful series-built 911 model of all time" can also accelerate from 80 to 120km/h in fifth gear in 3.8 seconds.

Fuel consumption? The EU statistical average has been reduced by one-tenth to 12L/100km.

Figures for the optional Tiptronic S automatic transmission are even more impressive – rest to 100 clicks can be swallowed in 3.7 seconds, 200km/h in 12.2 sec and 80-120km/h in 3.5 sec.

Fuel consumption is 0.3L/100km lower than its predecessor at 13.6L/100km. Both versions have a top speed of 310km/h.

To be shown alongside the 911 GT3 (another world debut), the 911 Turbo benefits from exhaust turbochargers with variable turbine geometry, a first for a petrol-engine production car.

The VTG has adjustable guide blades that direct the engine exhaust flow variably and precisely on to the turbine wheel of the turbocharger.

Porsche claims the upshot is improved flexibility and acceleration, particularly at low speeds.

Power is transferred to the road via a redesigned version of the Porsche Traction Management (PTM) AWD system.

The brakes comprise monobloc fixed-calliper (350mm diameter, ventilated) discs with six pistons at the front and four at the rear. Higher-performance ceramic brakes will be optional.

Visually, the Turbo has bigger air-intakes, bi-Xenon headlights and deep-set foglights. At the back the coupe is 22mm wider than the previous model and has a redesigned wing spoiler.