Porsche Turbo 997: Everyday Hero

Porsche Turbo 997: Everyday Hero
Price as tested: $126,000

While none of us has the need to drive as fast as a 747 on takeoff, a host of manufacturers now offer supercars with top speeds in the 200 mph range. With apologies to Spinal Tap, “11” is the new “10.”

Of the supercars I’ve driven under track conditions, the Porsche Turbo 997made the most of my amateur skills. It also was the most comfortable and accommodating, and the most ergonomically correct. In my experience, the Porsche Turbo 997 is by far the easiest supercar to drive well.

The 997 features a 3.6 liter, 480 horsepower twin-turbo engine with 460 lb-ft of torque meted out through all four wheels. Takeoff from zero to 60 is a heart-stopping 3.7 seconds, with continued acceleration taking about one second for each 30 mph increment. That’s zero to 120 mph in less than 7 seconds by my count, although I was too busy holding on for dear life to take my eyes off the track. The car’s twin turbochargers are always active to some extent, so turbo “lag” is virtually non-existent.

Porsche makes the 997 as safe as a (very fast) minivan with six airbags and three separate electronic safety systems to manage traction, stability, and the car’s active suspension. With these systems engaged, the car adjusts its ride for varying road conditions, distributes the right amount of power to each wheel to eliminate overstear and understear, and checks its massive torque to prevent spinouts as you blast through tight turns. The net result is blistering performance that’s smooth and controlled for drivers of all skill levels. By comparison, lose your edge in the Lamborghini Gallardo Superleggera and you’ll get sideways in a second even though it too has all-wheel drive.

The 997’s cabin may not be as sexy as that of an Aston Martin or Bentley, but generations of refinement have left nothing to chance. Everything is exactly where it should be, and the driving position and seating are superb. Of course, the Porsche’s so-called back seat is best thought of as a package shelf. However, the fore-positioned trunk will do just fine for soft luggage for two.

Driving the Porsche Turbo 997 is an astonishing experience that anyone with a need for speed should have at least once.

Coolest Option: Ceramic Composite Brakes