The Porsche 911 Turbo S Lightweight. There Is No Substitute.

If the Porsche 911 is the sports car’s sports car, the Turbo S is the 911’s 911. One of the quickest cars on planet Earth, it’s twin turbo flat-6 engine makes 640 horsepower and 590 lb-ft of torque. Tom Voelk checks out a well-optioned 2021 model in Gentian Blue, equipped with the $10,340 Lightweight Package. It’s like leaving your fourth grader behind for a smidge more performance. Besides, ripping off wicked fast 2.1 second 0-60 sprints wouldn’t be setting a good example, would it?
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About Tom: Tom Voelk is an award-winning automotive contributor to The New York Times. His podcast was the first to win an Emmy Award (and he's won for photography, editing, producing and reporting). But really, all you need to know is in the videos.
00:00 Intro
1:23 Overview
1:52 Acceleration
3:33 Powertrain
5:12 Performance and Handling
7:40 Brakes
8:32 Fuel Economy
8:50 Interior
9:35 Cargo Seat Delete
10:10 Interface
11:15 Frunk
11:35
12:35 Summary
13:53 Epilogue
14:32 Credits
15:03 Fun Fact (Sort Of)
Porsche 911 Turbo S review, Porsche 911 Turbo S Lightweight, Porsche 911 Turbo S acceleration, Porsche 911 Turbo S sound, Tom Voelk, Tom Volk, Tom Voelk car reviews, Tom Volk car reviews, cars, automotive, Driven,

[@christopherprose3881]

For most, even the base 911 is an exceptional sports car offering up all the performance most anyone will ever need (or use). If they can't approach the starting price of a new one (90k+), older models (some) are very worthwhile, very desirable, and can usually be had for less than 50k. Most have low miles and have been well cared-for. The 911 is the benchmark for sports cars in every generation and for good reason. Even those that claim to hate them admit to that. If I had the funds, I would lust after the last generations' '50' model. The retro Fuchs-style wheels on that model looks so perfect, the rest of the car just shines. Great video, as always, well done.

[@charlespeterson2285]

Thanks for the review, Dad!

[@hectorherbert6585]

If there is one car to have..this is the one....zero competition.

[@MrHiBeta]

Thanks for the concise review. Here is the experience of a man fast approaching 70 (age, not mph). I own a loaded Gentian Blue 2020 911 S (992) and love the car, but I ordered a Turbo S in Nov ‘21 on the assumption there is more to love in a Turbo S. I should have the car by the end of the year. I don’t go to track days with my car, but Home Depot instead. I also use my car for road trips taking me one to four states away. The value in 992, and unquestionably a Turbo S, is the power, not the speed. Most KZbin Turbo S reviews emphasize the car’s speed but not the power. Speed is for racing; power is for driving. On the interstate, having a car with power immediately available for keeping clear of reckless drivers is essential to me.

[@PapaDougsAdventures01]

I remember seeing the 928 in an episode of the Hardy Boys when I was a kid. I instantly fell in love with that car. As an adult when I had the opportunity to buy one I did and what a wonderful car. The 911 was the one all the kids in my class drew and obsessed over but the 928 was my first love. Before the 928 I had a 924 and since then I’ve owned a Boxster S. Fabulous cars!

[@hertzair1186]

….I hope Porsche will produce a 2-door Panamera and call it a 928…as as homage to the 928…

[@DrivenCarReviews]

I remember that TV show too, the only reason I watched it was for the car. Loved the wld interior. Wish I'd have been smart and bought a 928 10 years ago when I had the chance to buy a nice nice relatively cheap.

[@fadedlogic1]

The shot of the hood reflecting the trees and clouds was pure art, Tom! Thank you for taking the time for those little touches!

[@ethanhunt2929]

Love your auto reviews! You set the standard for camera shots and auto reviews! I also love to drive the back roads of North Bend. Keep the great reviews coming.

[@jamesvelvet3612]

Ordered my new 1987 911 Turbo (930) in October, 1986 and took delivery a few months later. Still have the original order sheet: $62k USD all in: 4 speed, limited slip, Grand Prix white w/burgundy leather sport seats. Worth about 2x what I paid for it but sold it after a bit to buy a......................motorhome. Never said I was smart ;-)

[@gordonlewandowski77]

You always do thoughtful reviews with "real people insights" even when you review cars like the turbo S. It's also fun to see roads in our backyard that we drive for fun!

[@rubenharris9241]

Great job taking us through this car from a realistic point of view Tom!

[@jaimehaiti9479]

Great review and insight on the car. For me, this car is a dream machine plus being reliable. I would pick a 992 turbo S over any hyper car on the market. There is no substitute for sure.

[@LWRC]

Maybe the Lamborghini Technica can't match this car's sheer performance but on a visceral feel perspective, I think the Lamborghini has it beat!!!

[@Fluterra]

They are not very reliable! I have a 992 and an AMG GT, the GT has been far more reliable.

[@jaimehaiti9479]

@@Fluterra thanks for the feedback. From my experience, I have had a 911 since 2012 and been driving it everyday without any issues. I plan to keep it or upgrade to a 992 next year, if I can find a good deal.

[@CARPB147]

@@Fluterra I've had two 911 Turbo S, a 2014 (991) and a 2017 (991.2). Not even the slightest problem with either.

[@maxmock2661]

@@Fluterra the 992 turbo s is by far more reliable dont base an argument of personal experience thats a fallacy

[@jackj5368]

Great car, and an equally great presentation. No one provides a better car review narrative than Tom Voelk.

[@Rico34]

Thanks for the review Tom; I’ve seen a few & I appreciate your candor that seemed more realistic compared to other KZbinrs…

[@konradlorenz6411]

Great review, Tom. One feels your car enthusiasm - thank you indeed!

[@michaelh6225]

Tom, you're like a kid in your enthusiasm for this vehicle. Right on! (GREAT review, BTW.)

[@davidplon9215]

Excellent review as always Tom! Porsche is an amazing vehicle and engineered like almost no other cars out there! Personally, I'd go for the 911 S with a manual transmission if I was buying a one. Think the Turbo S is just overkill but If you've got money to burn then GOD BLESS!

[@MegaRetr]

Excellent review as always Tom!

[@cmair77]

Yes Tom preach! Been purposely watching your vids on my tv for awhile now. Thank you as always, Martin and Rod too.

[@DJL78]

Beatifully shot review! 🍸

[@GrahamQuigley]

Really sweet message at the end bro 😎 Super grateful for you!

[@benbustama3430]

I enjoy Tom’s videos. I like his style. Underrated car journalist. The car, well it’s the business. It’s simply the 🐑! Well done mate. Cheers/B

[@jody024]

Another quality review!

[@snakegs4203]

Best review I’ve seen. I stumbled into one this weekend that a guys finances fell through. It’s a 2024 $277k spec w pretty much a lot of what I’d done. Love the color and i bought it. Was possibly getting a 718 rs allocation in march. Still might but def not passing on this turbo s now after review.

[@shawnstewart2276]

Great segment! Thanks for all the hard work we appreciate you and your team!

[@6deste]

Awesome review, thanks Tom

[@catmaxwell88]

Tom, I have been a loyal watcher since the beginning! Always good content! I have to ask: why haven't you bought testing equipment for 0-60 runs? I would love to see that on here.

[@DrivenCarReviews]

Because a GoPro on the speedometer and timecode work nearly as well as $1K worth of gear.

[@cvillalobos27]

Excellent advice at the end. Thanks.

[@gtilover11]

Love icons. Range Rovers, GTIs, 911s... Great car and great video.

[@rodneyskennedy3163]

Great down to earth review Tom.

[@sonofcain14]

Great review....ma dream car...I hace say before and again, your smile is bigger with a Porsche

[@mojojojo911]

Amazing. Thanks Tom

[@derrickaf1]

Okayyyyy:)! Great review as always!!!

[@TheLoathsomeCowboy]

Great review of a great car. Loved the colour. It’s what I would have specified if I could remotely afford one (sigh).

[@nateisright]

Thanks, Tom. You’re the gold standard.

[@bavariancarenthusiast2722]

Great review Tom! If you meet your heroes is always a great dream come though if they don't let you down. A 911 never lets you down. As Daily Driver - Carrera S is more then fast enough, GT 3 is the weekend and canyon weapon if money is no object well the Turbo S. If money is an object I would take the Boxter S again any time...sigh Porsches....

[@cartmann227]

Excellent video. Thanks.

[@Driven-Productions]

Solid review 💯

[@wbridges100]

You probably put a couple of thousand miles on the Porsche during your time with the car! And you're right, your videos look great on the TV! Thanks for doing all of these reviews!!

[@jameswilkinson150]

You used to be a news photographer (I guess in Seattle?) Did you know my cousin, Grant Haller?.. Nice review BTW, nice car too!!

[@niccanavan1028]

As much as I want to see your take right now Tom, I shall wait until I’m home for the 4k big screen 😅

[@carspot6262]

Wow so quick - Super nice 👍

[@373axle]

Dream car with this lightweight package, right up there with the best, million dollar exotics.

[@teamracing6]

beautiful color on that car!

[@williamlawton9655]

OK Tom I’m hooked. I bought one! Yeah it’s a few years. Older is half the price. Experience couldn’t be any better if I paid twice as much.

[@AlisonAZ]

Nice Ride! A bit out of my price range. I bought my Miata for about the cost of the upgrades on this car. Thank you for this.

[@DrivenCarReviews]

Of course you did. My Miata was $15,500 brand new, just came across the monroney the other day.

[@pf6797]

Tom this is awesome!

[@aizzahzyyamin5410]

favourite model

[@psibet900]

Great video here. It makes my obsession to own one even stronger. You're a great communicator in every way, but you resemble an actor who did a great deal of TV and movies decades who I actually met twice. My memory is great for faces, but terrible for names. When I remember who this actor was I will get back to you to see if you agree.

[@DrivenCarReviews]

Robert Redford maybe? But really, probably Don Rickles.

[@psibet900]

Just found his name. Mitchell Ryan. I met him twice while waiting for my 1996 Toyota Supra Turbo was being serviced in Culver City, CA. He didn't have blue eyes, but his facial physiognomy was very similar to yours along with your great mane of white/grey hair. No insult intended as I'm probably older than you are..

[@derekwhoelse8359]

Wish I could afford it. Anyways, happy with my tuned C4. Great video Tom.

[@Kryxtal]

Great review, and appreciate the safety message at the end!

[@clubracer6]

Great review, but I really wanted videos of the tacos at the end. Love this color on this 992, do not love my career choices that will prevent me from ever buying one.

[@nandof7]

What a beautiful car!!

[@DoctorChange106]

awesome car

[@OJB42]

Porsche seem to be the best at making cars with amazing performance but which are also reliable and usable, as well as - while still being expensive - still costing a lot less than some other manufacturers.

[@allsportsexpert]

All vehicles have precise steering and they always go into the right gears. Name one vehicle that doesn't.

[@michaelfrock2473]

The only thing I would change is that shifter. For that price it would be nice if it looked more like a manual.

[@sneakersonfeet9045]

ATTENTION EVERYONE, this is the BEST Car Channel on KZbin…..Tom is #1

[@FLG8r]

base model Carrera is more than enough ... an additional $100K+ to knock off more than a 1 sec. to 60 mph kind of excessive; happy with my 991.2; thanks for sharing the advice in the end; save the all-out performance driving for the tracks.

[@svgitana2499]

Great review!! God I hate that muffler supresión that the government has come up with!! 👎🏻🤦🏻‍♂️

[@gregs8685]

A base Carrera offers more than enough performance for the street and is a wide body. At half the price, that’s the way I’d go. Actually I’d get an S manual.

[@jefffaller8474]

I love the concept of the lightweight package until you realize that at 6'1 240 pounds it would be better to just loose 65 pounds and keep the money. I know myself that if I had the $200K to spend i'd be thinking well, there goes the "lightweight concept" whenever someone sits in the passenger seat. I remember a few years back shopping for a carbon fiber framed endurance bicycle to ride the STP and realizing at some point its not the weight of the bike, its the weight of the cyclist that's the problem. Great review! Thanks Tom.

[@DrivenCarReviews]

Oh I thought long and hard about saying something like that. Perfect product placement for Noom.

[@iNSANEcOOkieMONstEr]

@@DrivenCarReviews Every ten pounds lost is a tenth of a second gained. But I am pretty sure that if you are laying down a ballpark 225k for your 'Turbo S' you aren't hangin' out down at Pacific Raceway for the Friday Night grunge race!

[@Kelveron]

What happened to the evil twin? It would've been fun to see him contort his way into the 'difficult to access, rear storage area! 😄

[@phillyphil1513]

he would have to sit outside ON THE WING (not pleasant).

[@DrivenCarReviews]

Would have been fun seeing him being extricated with the jaws of life.

[@martinkleinman2522]

Great review as always. The price is somewhat daunting, so maybe I'll diet down 60 lbs., keep my 8 year old car, and tell everyone it's the special "lightweight" edition. Nah. I'll stay pat.

[@derekgraham3028]

GREA T REVIEW TOM. TRULY ASPIRATIONAL. THERE IS NO SUBSTITUTE.

[@michaelpetty2016]

Thanks for the safety speech "Dad". The internet is full of people piling up their super cars and it's nice to see a responsible review instead of you flying up a canyon at 70+ mph.

[@DrivenCarReviews]

It's possible to fly up a canyon at 70 safely. But it only takes a lapse of judgement for a second or two to end badly. Like I said, there are things I've seen and heard that will never leave my brain.

[@bliglum]

So a 10K upcharge, for a feature stripped version.. Well played Porsche, well played.

[@williamscott7763]

Another great review Tom. There is no substitute! What’s your favorite between the lava orange 991 turbo s and the 992 turbo s?

[@DrivenCarReviews]

I like the 992 for all of the advances in tech, but the Lava Orange one that my son and I drove up from the Bay Area is a memory that can't be rivaled. Hand me the keys to either and I'd be fine.

[@royrauch9775]

Last month a Tesla Model S Plaid in Napierville, Quebec set the new record for the fastest quarter-mile time for the electric sedan at 8.83 seconds and 161mph. The Model S had a stripped out interior for weight savings, as well as SV104 wheels wrapped in Mickey Thompson drag radials at the rear and Michelin PS4 tires on the front. Not content with the blistering fast time, the same Model S Plaid has set a new record this week. At the same track in Napierville the Model S crossed the line in just 8.77 seconds at 162.55mph (261.60km/h). Unlike last time, there is a video of the record run which you can see below. As for what changed that allowed the car to go faster this time the owner, TMC user mulot30th, said there was an additional 60lb weight saving over the previous attempt due to someone else being behind the wheel on the run. Additionally he said there a slight change to the suspension. “Main change is suspension geometry change (slight) which reduce “tire drag” a little bit at least that is what I intended to do with that and have worked,” he said. Interestingly, the top speed at the end of his quarter mile run of 162.55mph is inches away from the electronically limited top speed (when not in Track Mode) of 163mph. Quebec-based Ingenext was able to hack their way past that limiter and reached a top speed of 216mph (347km/h). As for this Model S Plaid, the owner says that while the car does not feel like it is slowing down when crossing the line, he feels there is not much room to improve beyond 8.77s with the current setup. You can check out the record run on KZbin!

[@cwpb4618]

if the Porsche 996 and 997 Targas Were Hatchbacks, then why can't this one get hatched? Also, what do you order at Matador? Love that new Ballard location.

[@Moakmeister]

Is this car still stock, since this is a package offered by the manufacturer?

[@mrdave777]

$223 K as tested? I’m not a huge Tesla fan. But the latter looks so much better!

[@MrHiBeta]

Tom, I read a lot of the viewer comments and have an observation. The number of comments focusing on absolute speed and offering a Tesla Plaid S as a lower cost alternative miss the mark. A Plaid S is a fast car for sure, but there is more than zero to sixty speed or quarter mile speed. No mentions of road handling, highway range, stopping power, build quality, and residual value setting the Porsche apart from the Plaid.

[@DrivenCarReviews]

I know this and you know this. But trying to reason with that believe is just a waste of my time. While I've not driven a Plaid specifically (only various Model S), plenty of my brethren have and have described the scary handling and brakes during hard driving. Plus entering Plaid Mode takes time. They are two completely different experiences. FWIW, I'm a big EV guy, but this is a case where my money would go to the ICE car. Though really, I'd be going with a Taycan.

[@rubioalejo]

I think you fit better in a Macan based in all that notes you made!

[@LWRC]

I wished Porsche would get rid of that 1/3 candy bar shift lever and replace it with a round golf ball knob!!!

[@the_larsonfamily]

Exactly

[@milohajek]

yeah the MSRP might be around $200,000 BUT since the sinking of the "Felicity Ace" in February, losing over 4,000 VW group vehicles, including 1,000 Porsche's, and the already reduced distribution and allocation for ALL of North America for 2022, from the usual 7,000 or so vehicles to 2,800 (minus the 1,000 that where sunk) and the prices of the Turbo S are in the $299,999 to $339,999 range.

[@jazzjokesjalopies]

Tom, if I complement your videos any more, it might go to your head - and nobody needs two evil twins. Here’s the thing about this iconic car and its competitors. I live in the White Mountains in a town of 1,100. Yet driving a few miles of country road in any direction puts me behind Escorts and Cruzes and RVs, and there I sit, regardless of my car’s potential. New England needs a Nurburgring.

[@DrivenCarReviews]

I have a wife Jeff, she keeps me humble.

[@owenmcdonald5922]

Another great video. I hope you didn't incur the wrath of local law enforcement. If ever I'm in the position to shop for a 911, it would be a C4. Turbo would be far beyond my abilities.

[@DrivenCarReviews]

I've been around long enough to know many law enforcement folks, especially in the districts where we shoot. Most are very cool with enthusiasts (and are car geeks themselves). What they don't tolerate is stupidity and dangerous behavior.

[@chartliner]

The multiple timer's digest stock market award winner Don Wolanchuk who used to race cars had a Mercedes Benz V12, he sold it because he said it is too easy to speed in a car like that , he felt he was either going to get into a bad accident or lose his driver's license. So having a Porsche this fast may get you killed.

[@FFE-js2zp]

RepairPal does independent repair invoice analytics - there are 31 better substitutes: “The Porsche Reliability Rating is 2.0 out of 5.0, which ranks it 32nd out of 32 for all car brands. This rating is based on an average across 345 unique models. The average annual repair cost for a Porsche is $1,192, which means it has below average ownership costs. The other factors that contribute to Porsche reliability include an average of 0.8 visits to a repair shop per year and a 21% probability of a repair being severe.”

[@MrHiBeta]

?

[@rossc2439]

Awesome

[@artagain8977]

“Not planet friendly” come on Tom.

[@alliejr]

Happy to see you enjoyed your week with this car. It’s 100% IYKYK kinda car since everyone will notice a Ferrari but no one will notice the difference between this Turbo S and base 911. Tom… get yourself a Cayman or Boxster. It’s 90% of what you love (engine note, fender look) for 1/4 the price).

[@erikhaw7313]

Good job on the dad speech,the amount of energy released in car accidents is incredible

[@Tetsujin-28]

So I did watch on my 4kTV and it looks great , but how do I "LIKE"?

[@AlreadyDeadInside83079]

....or get the full carbon Stinger set-up, some custom intake, exhaust, the more comfortable seats, and sit in relative comfortability while destroying these numbers with the sound of WAR behind you...might as well when you pass the 200K mark🤩

[@ltkwok]

Is there enough weight over the front wheels to handle all that torque?

[@DrivenCarReviews]

Seems to be. I had no issues.

[@LWRC]

Has anyone with a recent generation of the Twin Turbo experienced carbon build up issues with the direct injection engines?!!

[@milohajek]

its a 3.7 Liter (3,745 cc)

[@TuvingtonD]

Two points: 1. "Hey Porsche" voice control activation is an option in the settings. 2. Get a 911 4 GTS. It's all the speed and handling you'll ever need.

[@DrivenCarReviews]

1) Not in this particular car. 2) For most, probably. For all? Nope.

[@fredianocappellaro7406]

GRANDE PORSCHE 👍 🇮🇹 🔝

[@billnorblat4047]

A Turbo is best specced with no sports suspension, a nose lift, 18 ways, Burmester, and a Moonroof.

[@milohajek]

Yes but Car & Driver averaged a MPG of 27 MPG on their 75 mile test loop

[@mark82421]

Well said ! (dad speech)

[@SSS-mp8th]

Beautiful car and impressive performance but I'll be honest, I'm pretty sure no one watching this will be able to afford one, just a hunch. Now for those that want similar speed at everyman $$$ I give you any liter bike at around $20k depending on brand. 0-60 in 2.3-2.8s and the quarter in under 10s.

[@DrivenCarReviews]

Sometimes it’s just fun to dream a little.

[@SSS-mp8th]

@@DrivenCarReviews True, virtual window shopping, keep up the good work.

[@chrisbrownaz]

I don't think more than 400 horsepower increases enjoyment anymore. The acceleration becomes so fast it removes the enjoyment on normal roads. Too effortless and quick.

[@YourMajestyTheKing]

I wonder if it's much easier to use the full EV potential that can do 0-60 in 1.9 or whatever than the Turbo S given that u can squirt and slowed right down immediately before the cop blinks. In a Turbo S you probably would break something doing that.

[@DrivenCarReviews]

Break something? In a Turbo S? I don't think so.

[@GrahamQuigley]

I want to buy one of these for you buddy. I really do.

[@DrivenCarReviews]

Well, if you’re a benevolent billionaire, then I’m OK with that. But really, don’t stretch if you’re a working guy like me.

[@BUEAU]

911 on and on and on and on.......

[@weirdshibainu]

I'd pass on the lightweight package

[@Tmrfe0962]

Sigh….lottery only dream here…love my 914, really…fast is kinda relative…of course, that’s something a 914 owner says…