2026 Porsche 911 Turbo S: 701-HP Twin-Turbo Beast
▼ Summary
– Porsche covered travel costs for Ars to test the 911 Turbo S, but Ars maintains editorial independence.
– Turbochargers are widely used to boost engine power and efficiency but often cause throttle lag.
– Porsche engineered a turbocharger for the 911 GTS that eliminates throttle lag while providing power.
– The 2026 911 Turbo S features twin T-Hybrid turbochargers, making it Porsche’s most powerful 911 at 701 hp.
– The Turbo S uses smaller, faster-spinning turbochargers than the GTS for improved performance.
For over a century, turbochargers have enhanced engine output, but their modern application achieves unprecedented levels of power and efficiency without the traditional drawback of throttle lag. The 2026 Porsche 911 Turbo S elevates this engineering feat, delivering a staggering 701 horsepower (523 kW) and earning the title of the most powerful 911 ever produced. Porsche’s innovative approach ensures immediate throttle response, making forced induction both exhilarating and seamless.
While turbocharging typically introduces a delay between pedal input and power delivery, Porsche’s latest technology eliminates this issue entirely. The automaker’s recent work on the 911 GTS demonstrated how a single electrically assisted turbocharger could provide immense power without lag. Building on that success, the Turbo S incorporates two such advanced turbos, creating a system where responsiveness matches raw performance.
This groundbreaking setup, known as the T-Hybrid system, represents Porsche’s inaugural hybrid 911. Rather than simply integrating an electric motor and larger battery, engineers placed a high-speed electric motor directly within each turbocharger assembly. This allows the turbos to reach peak rotational velocity in under one second, virtually erasing any perceptible lag.
In the Turbo S, twin turbochargers are employed instead of the GTS’s single unit. These turbos are slightly reduced in size, 10 mm smaller on the compressor side and 15 mm smaller on the turbine side, which enables even faster spool-up times. The outcome is instantaneous power delivery across the rev range, providing drivers with relentless acceleration on demand.
![Image: 2026 Porsche 911 Turbo S front view] ![Image: 2026 Porsche 911 Turbo S interior]
Visually, the Turbo S is distinguished by specific styling enhancements, including a more aggressive front aerodynamic package. The cabin remains well-insulated, with the available soft top effectively minimizing exterior noise intrusion. Combining race-derived hybrid technology with Porsche’s iconic design, the 2026 911 Turbo S sets a new benchmark for supercar performance and sophistication.
(Source: Ars Technica)
