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2004 Porsche Turbo Road Test

As Addictive as Morphine and Twice as Effective

Whats not to like? OK, I would have liked it if Porsche had lined the cockpit of my 911 Turbo loaner with gorgeous carbon-fiber trim like it did in the C4S I most recently borrowed, but I can understand why the sports car brand would want to keep the as-tested price of this specially tuned rocket south of $140K.

Specially tuned? You heard me right, but I can appreciate why you might need to give your head a shake. I certainly didnt think my ears were hearing correctly when I was told on the phone this particular Turbo, code named X50, was rated

Rather than giving specialty tuners such as RUF all the aftermarket business, Porsche decided to upgrade the Turbo in-house. (Photo: Trevor Hofmann, American Auto Press)

at 450-hp.

Doesnt the stock 415-hp horizontally-opposed twin-turbo six-cylinder produce enough output? Evidently it doesnt, at least for some Porsche owners. Rather than give specialty tuners such as RUF all of Stuttgarts aftermarket business, the worlds largest independent

Few cars that Ive previously driven have the ability to accelerate with the ferocity of the Turbo. (Photo: Trevor Hofmann, American Auto Press)

automaker has decided to keep some of the action in house. The result is an increase of 35-hp without affecting the cars warranty, all for a cool $17K and change.

Ive been fortunate to have driven quite a few Turbos over the years, both in 6-speed manual and 5-speed Tiptronic automatic modes. Each delivered what seemed like an interstellar blast off the line, optimized by grippy all-wheel drive

No matter what the condition of the road or weather, and no matter how skilled the driver, the car handles perfectly. (Photo: Trevor Hofmann, American Auto Press)

traction. Truly, few cars that Ive previously driven have the ability to accelerate with the ferocity of the Turbo, especially with the optional power upgrade.

Of course in most other cars the addition of 35-hp would be monumental. In the Turbo the upgrade is evident but hardly an overwhelming improvement. The "base" car is just so ruddy quick already that the extra oomph comes more as a Christmas bonus than a substantial pay raise.

The cars handling, on the other hand, is

The Porsche Turbo just screams power, even while its standing still. (Photo: Trevor Hofmann, American Auto Press)

like winning the lottery. Its perfectly poised, no matter what the condition of the road or weather, and no matter how skilled the driver. Ive driven it under sunny skies, pouring rain, raging sleet and heavy snowfall, on a wet leaf strewn race track, crunchy powder, mucky slush and sheet ice; all in all its probably the most stable vehicle at high speed that money can buy.

While a tight body structure, sophisticated all-wheel drive, race-tuned suspension setup and lightweight alloy rims on meaty performance tires have a great deal to do with its road manners, its standard PSM (Porsche Stability Management) system is undeniably effective.

In most major cities the sight of a Porsche 911 isnt exactly unusual, but all onlookers pay their respects when a Turbo drives by. (Photo: Trevor Hofmann, American Auto Press) align="justify">So are the brakes. Porsche coats the calipers in red paint to highlight their top-tier capabilities, a real site next to the massive cross-drilled rotors framed in 18-inch silver wheels. Few cars display such raw power so openly, its almost exhibitionistic.

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