Lightning Lap 2017: Porsche 911 Turbo S

Lap Time: 2:46.8
Class: LL4
Base Price: $189,150
As-Tested Price: $192,310
Power and Weight: 580 hp • 3579 lb • 6.2 lb/hp
Tires: Pirelli P Zero Corsa PZC4, F: 245/35ZR-20 (91Y) R: 305/30ZR-20 (103Y)

For 2017, Porsche added 20 horsepower and reworked some of the 911 Turbo S’s electronic systems—the dual-clutch transmission will now bounce off the rev limiter in manual mode, and there’s a new, less intrusive Sport mode for stability control. But we let the prescient PDK automatic shift itself at the 7200-rpm limit, switched stability control off, and rode all 580 horses bareback. Helping to lop off big chunks of time are new tires, track-ready Porsche-spec Pirelli P Zero Corsas that bring increases in stick over the stock P Zeroes. The result of the extra power and grip is that the new 911 Turbo S lapped VIR 4.4 seconds quicker than the Turbo S we tested three years ago and two-tenths of a second quicker than last year’s GT3 RS.

G-forces in every corner increased compared with those of the last Turbo S, and the Pirellis remained remarkably consistent from lap to lap. More power and the ability to go to it sooner gave the Turbo S the highest peak speed on the track (161.3 mph) and the highest speed into the uphill esses (140.2 mph). The Turbo S entered the tricky off-camber downhill left that follows them 5.5 mph faster than before, slid sideways, and held a 3.5-mph higher speed through the apex than the 2014 Turbo S.

At slower speeds, the Turbo is a marvel of stability; but at the limit or beyond, the Turbo S acts tidier and lighter than its 3579-pound mass might suggest. A 61.1 percent rear weight bias means it’ll rotate slightly in corners if provoked, but breaking the rear tires loose and swinging the rear around isn’t threatening. Grip returns quickly, like in a much lighter car. It’s not the ass-happy surgeon killer of the ’70s; the tail steps out just enough to aim the nose through the corner, allowing you to return to full throttle sooner. With the extra power and 553 pound-feet of torque, you’ll also find yourself at the start/finish before you know it.