New Porsche 911 Turbo: 3.8-Liters, 500 HP Of Direct-Injection Glory

It may look like the old Porsche 911 Turbo, but this newest version of the 997 Turbo has been upgraded with the Carrera's 3.8-liter direct-injection mill. Can this old dog learn a new trick?

Porsche isn't stupid. They may not be great at corporate takeovers, but they've heard the moans of weekend Nurburgringers being overtaken in their 911 Turbos by dentists in Lambos and Nissan GT-Rs. They know the 3.6-liter twin-turbo in the outgoing Turbo is now old enough to vote and the thrill of driving a Porsche has been slowly watered down.

The engine's a big upgrade, as the new direct-injected twin turbo puts out an impressive 500 HP, launching the new Turbo to 62 MPH in 3.4-seconds with a top speed of 194 MPH. At the same time, the fuel economy has been boosted to 24.1 MPG (euro scale).

In addition to the new power upgrade, the 911 will be getting a version of the seven-speed PDK transmission with actual paddles. Why stop there? All the Porsche's electronic overseers have been given a dose of Cialis to liven up the experience. Prospective buyers can line up at the Frankfurt Motor Show to see it.

Click next to see the press release and walk through the gallery.