What does Porsche Turbo mean to you?

The Porsche community on their experiences with Turbo and what it means to them

September 3, 2024

From the 911 to the Taycan, discover the emotion behind the Porsche Turbo – and how it creates a powerful bond between car and driver

For more than 50 years, the Turbo badge has stood for design, performance and heritage. But beyond that, Turbo is also about something more visceral: the raw, heart-pounding emotion of the drive. It’s the rush of acceleration that pins you to your seat, the deep growl of the engine that stirs your soul, and the sense of connection as you push through each corner.

We reached out to some members of the Porsche community to hear their stories and experiences with Turbo models. From the classic 930 all the way through to the latest all-electric Taycan Turbo GT, here’s what they had to say about the unique blend of power, emotion and exhilaration that defines what Turbo means to them.

Iiris Vuorma • Porsche 997 Turbo

Woman leaning on white Porsche 997 Turbo in parking lot — Photo: Porsche

When Iiris was shopping around for a car, she was on the hunt for something that could do it all – look great, handle everyday driving but also tear up the track. Her search led her to the Porsche 997 Turbo from 2007, a car she describes as both practical and special, offering everything she needed from a daily driver and a sportscar. “I love driving cars with power,” shares Iiris. “When you push that pedal, you can really feel it – there’s a continuous surge that keeps building. Plus, the 997 Turbo has a timeless design that never gets old.” For Iiris, Turbo represents a perfect balance of power and versatility, with a design that’s instantly recognisable.

Lisa Taylor • Porsche 992 Turbo S

Rear view of 2021 992 Porsche Turbo S in Signal Green — Photo: Porsche

For Lisa, her Turbo S is not just a means of transport, but a big part of her lifestyle. “My daily driver is a 2021 992 Turbo S in Signal Green with a truffle interior that I custom ordered from Porsche Ontario,” she says. Lisa’s love for the Turbo S runs deep – so much so that she even named her Bernese Mountain Dog Turbo after her beloved Porsche. “Once you drive a Turbo S, it’s hard to drive anything else. That extra horsepower changes everything. There is no substitute.” From her previous European delivery of a 2017 Turbo S to now owning several Turbo models across the range, Lisa’s connection to Turbo technology is clear: it’s about a driving experience that’s second to none.

Jack Harding • Porsche 930

Man leaning against black 1980 Porsche 930 in nature — Photo: Jack Harding IG: @jackharding

Jack’s Porsche 930 from 1980 – which is the first generation of the 911 Turbo – has quite a history, having lived a glamorous life in Monaco before returning to the UK for a major restoration in the early 2000s. “I call her Claudia,” Jack shares with a smile. “There’s a thrill to the power these early Turbo cars have. Driving the 930 is like a symphony of power – raw und unpredictable.” For Jack, Turbo is about embracing the visceral experience of driving, where you’re not just behind the wheel, but fully engaged in the journey. “There’s a sense of identity that comes with being part of the Turbo family. It’s a connection that goes beyond just the car.”

Liv • Porsche Taycan Turbo GT with Weissach Package

Woman leaning on purple Porsche Taycan Turbo GT — Photo: Porsche, IG: @withliv

When Liv went for a road trip in the all-electric Taycan Turbo GT with the Weissach package, she was blown away by the experience. “The instant acceleration is mind-blowing,” she recalls. “It’s pure, unfiltered speed – no lag, just instant power.” Having grown up admiring the classic Turbo models for their distinctive design, Liv sees the Taycan Turbo GT as a great fusion of the iconic Porsche heritage and cutting-edge technology. “For me, the Turbo is a blend of design and performance that’s unmistakably Porsche. There’s also something about the deep, powerful roar of a turbocharged engine that gets your heart racing – it’s the sound of pure, unfiltered performance. Even now, my phone’s wallpaper is the silhouette of a Porsche 930 – a timeless symbol of what Turbo stands for.”

Dimi Dorbacopoulos and Dan Green • Porsche Cayenne Turbo

Couple walking away from Porsche Cayenne Turbo at sunset — Photo: Vincent Perraud IG: @vinceperraud

Dimi and Dan’s 2004 Cayenne Turbo is their gateway to adventure. “We spent nine months searching for the perfect Cayenne Turbo and finally found our unicorn with the factory rear spare carrier,” they say. Nicknamed Unicorn Cayenne, and now the star of their Instagram channel of the same name, their Turbo car allows them to explore remote wilderness areas with ease. “For us, Turbo means speed, handling and top-tier engineering and design,” they add. “Turbo models are revered for a reason – they offer features and performance that set them apart.” Their Cayenne Turbo has been a trusted companion on countless journeys, allowing them to explore breathtaking landscapes and have a great time.

Birte Krause • Porsche 924 Turbo

Woman leaning back on white Porsche 924 Turbo — Photo: Porsche

For Birte, driving a Porsche Turbo has always been about power and pure enjoyment. “As a child, I always imagined that I would drive a Porsche when I grew up. For me, it’s the epitome of an iconic racing car,” she says. Discovering her 924 Turbo felt like it was meant to be. “I didn’t go looking for the car, it found me. It was love at first sight.” Birte also has a deep appreciation for the modern Turbo models, particularly the Taycan. “The acceleration is wild – it hits you in the stomach like a rollercoaster. That’s the kind of thrill that makes the Turbo experience so special.”

Gerrit Weinkath • Porsche 944 Turbo

Man sitting on suitcase next to red Porsche 994 Turbo — Photo: Porsche

Gerrit finds that the thrill of driving a Turbo lies in its ability to surprise. “To me, Turbo means the fascination of driving fast without people expecting it,” he says. Spending a lot of time in his parents’ garage, surrounded by cars, Gerrit was naturally drawn to Porsche, especially the Turbo models. One of his earliest and most vivid memories was seeing the black 964 Turbo in Bad Boys 2. “Watching that car tear through the streets was incredible.” His own journey with Turbo began with a simple desire to have fun – and nothing puts a bigger smile on his face than driving his 944 Turbo. “It’s the heritage that makes the 911 Turbo so special. When you feel that Turbo punch pushing you into the seat, you understand. Owning a Porsche is like living in freedom – it’s just the car and you.”

Sascha Kruse • Porsche 993 Turbo

Man sitting on stool in front of black Porsche 993 Turbo — Photo: Porsche

Sascha’s connection with Turbo began with a childhood memory that left a lasting impression. “The first time I saw a Porsche Turbo, I was a young guy cycling to the local Porsche Centre. In the showroom, there was a stunning silver 965 Turbo, and I thought, ‘Wow, that’s an incredible car.’” As a fan of the racetrack and a dedicated car enthusiast, Sascha eventually built up a small collection of Porsche models, including a 911 GT3 and Carrera. “The Turbo was the missing piece for me, which is why I bought it. The stability Porsche offers on the track is unmatched – you can drive it hard every week, and it never stops delivering.” For Sascha, the Turbo isn’t just about raw power – it’s about feeling safe while still enjoying an exhilarating drive.

Tim Wettstein • Porsche 997.2 Turbo S Cabriolet

Man standing behind black Porsche 997.2 Turbo S Cabriolet — Photo: Porsche

When Tim hears the word Turbo, one thing comes to mind: explosive acceleration. “Hold on tight. That’s the first thought I have when I think of a Turbo,” he says. “There’s no lag in the modern Turbo cars – it’s just instant power.” But for Tim, the experience goes beyond the thrill of speed. “Porsche is all about community. I’ve driven a lot of different cars and attended countless car meets over the years, especially in the USA. Through all that, I’ve come to realise that Porsche is less of a status symbol and more about belonging to a group. The community is incredibly diverse.” Tim loves the feeling of pressing the pedal and being propelled forward, a sensation that never gets old in his 997.2 Turbo S Cabriolet.

Consumption and emission information

Taycan Turbo GT with Weissach Package (WLTP): Electric energy consumption combined: 21.3 – 20.6 kWh/100 km; CO₂ emissions combined: 0 g/km; CO₂ class: A.

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