When Porsche messes with a good thing, they make it better

3. It has the first all-new engine in the 911 Turbo’s 35-year history.

The main differences between this generation of the 911 Turbo and the last are the engine and transmission. The twin-turbocharged, horizontally opposed six-cylinder grows from 3.6 to 3.8 liters while losing complexity. The parts count is down by 40 percent and the engine block and heads are comprised of four parts instead of 14. The addition of direct injection increases power and fuel economy, lessens turbo lag and reduces emissions. Porsche’s Variable Turbine Geometry returns. It allows the turbochargers to act like small turbos at low speeds when quick response is needed, and like large turbos at higher rev ranges to deliver maximum torque. All told, the new engine increases from 480 to 500 horsepower and torque jumps from 457 to 479 lb.-ft. That’s a lot of thrust.