2011 Porsche 911 Turbo S

The 911 Turbo S has a top speed of 315kph. Jeffrey E Biteng / The National James Oxford Last Updated: September 08. 2010 5:59PM UAE / September 8. 2010 1:59PM GMT She says: it is loud. It drowns out the music and I can’t hear him speak. Of course, this doesn’t matter as what he says is of little consequence. The boom of the engine is an excellent indication of wallet size, and that’s all I need to hear. And the more sound he makes, the more people look over. It’s wonderful being the centre of attention. Who knew a car could be as effective as a mini dress? He says: She probably won’t realise that this car means something. She won’t know that this 911 Turbo S has 30 extra horsepower over the mere Turbo, bringing it up to a knee-trembling 530hp. This is the new flagship of the range and don’t you know it. Not only is it about speed – of which it reaches a smidgeon shy of the fabled 320kph mark – it’s about looks, technology and panache. It says what I am in silver paint and announces it with the scream of twin turbochargers. She likes the shape. She says: I must admit it’s a very shapely car. But I’m almost jealous of the way he looks at it. Next time I had better wear my Versace top. It’s a bit cramped inside so he’ll be able to appreciate its full effect. There’s a lot of leather in here. The smooth, leather dashboard reminds me of Mulberry handbags. Perhaps after I’ve worn the Versace, he will buy me a Mulberry clutch. That would be an excellent result. He says: In fact, I might bring up the clutch; anyone who can say Porsche Doppelkupplungsgetriebe is destined to impress, but if you can say it as well as own it, well, you got it made. Actually, I’m sure she will enjoy the way the lightning-fast clutch will take us to 100kph faster than she can sneak a glance of herself in the mirror – well, just over three seconds. This Turbo S might not have the all-round brilliance of the GT3 RS, but its straight-line acceleration is one of the world’s most sublime driving experiences. The specs Price,base/as testedDh595,200/Dh643,220 Engine 3.8L inline six cylinder Gearbox seven-speed dual-clutch automated manual Power 530hp @ 6,250rpm Torque 699Nm @ 12,100rpm Fuel economy, combined 14.7L/100km She says: Going so fast is nothing short of exhilarating. I hope this man is not as fast as his car, because this could be a very fruitful relationship. He tells me that this shiny fascia is made of carbon fibre, which they use to make racecars. He says: The interior is a work of art, the down-facing frontage of the chocolate dash angled downwards is an ode to the 996. It really does look like the designers harked back to the last Turbo S, soaked up its essence and gave it a thoroughly modern look and feel with wonderful materials and stunning craftsmanship. It’s a cabin you want to touch all over. She says: It suits me. I think I look good in this sports car. It complements my physique and these low seats are great for stretching out my legs. He says: There is possibly no seat or driving position more comfortable in its class. The special Turbo S seats mould perfectly into place, regardless of body shape. Being a Porsche, everything is in the right place and has a degree in industrial design. Naturally for a GT, the back seats are a token, but even they provide support where they lack legroom. Not only has Porsche’s technology moved in leaps and bounds since the 996, so has its interior design. She says: I wonder what it feels like to go at full-speed in this thing – 315kph sounds nothing short of exciting. Perhaps I should look impressed as he accelerates? He seems like the kind of man who likes to evoke wonder in a woman. He has done so already, having faithfully assured me that his Porsche cost Dh643,220 – one of the reasons that drew me to it. He says: When you have the money, you can take your pick of cars. This Turbo S might look the part, but does it really operate the way an Italian stallion would? Does it display its heart the way a Ferrari 458 Italia does, or the soul of a Maserati GranTurismo S? As the driver, I don’t think so. It has the power and performance but unlike the other options for the price, it is ice cold. It does the job of going fast perfectly – possibly unmatched in its precision – but is there more to it than that? She says: I like this car, and I’m impressed by the kind of man who drives it. I like the way both of them are neither understated nor overstated. Countless times have I seen this shape of car and while it may not have the show-off appeal in its features that other sports cars have, it still cuts an impression. And the engine sounds and feels amazing. If he plays his cards right, I might just have to ride in it again. motoring@thenational.ae From: the National Newspaper