The ‘911 Turbo’ badge is a true legend in performance motoring, and bar the motorsport-orientated GT2 and GT3 models, the Turbo still occupies the top of Porsche’s model tree as the ultimate all-weather supercar.

Now, to bring the car inline with the recent updates applied to the rest of the 997 range, Porsche has given the Turbo a refresh, and while it might look virtually identical to the previous model on the outside, there are extensive changes under those familiar voluptuous curves.

Yes, you really are looking at the new 911 Turbo – we haven’t got the pictures mixed up. We’re used to Porsche making only subtle changes to the 911 over time, but with this Turbo – apart from the addition of driving lights obvious on the move – the alterations require concentration to spot. There are small changes to the front and rear lighting, a new wheel design, re-profiled mirrors and slightly larger exhaust tips – and that really is it.

But as long as you don’t buy this car purely for the latest bling, you won’t care, because it’s how it goes that’s important, and the news here is very good indeed. Chiefly, the Turbo has an all-new engine, something which – technically speaking – it hasn’t had since its inception in 1975. Even when the 911 switched to water-cooling over ten years ago, the Turbo engine could trace its lineage back to the old car, but not any more.

The new power unit brings a larger capacity at 3.8 litres, adds direct fuel injection, and retains the ground breaking variable-vane turbochargers. The results on paper are a convincing 500hp and up to 700nm of torque, the latter with the optional overboost function.

Porsche 911 ready for launch

With launch control activated, Porsche suggests the new turbo will get from 0-62mph in just 3.4sec, before going on to hit 194mph all out. In reality, the new engine is mighty. Turbo lag has been virtually eliminated, and instead you’re treated to one giant elastic band of acceleration, akin to being caught in a whirlwind. In the lower gears it’s hard to focus on pretty much anything at all, and even in the higher ones the Turbo will easily overtake normal traffic.

Talking of gears, Porsche now offer their advanced twin clutch PDK gearbox on the Turbo, and in addition, gearshift paddles behind the steering wheel are now available. The latter are a must if you opt for the PDK ‘box, as they’re so much more instinctive to use than the standard – and much criticised – buttons found on lesser 911s up until now. Although the manual ‘box still has plenty of appeal, the PDK system is ideal for the Turbo, offering superb seventh gear economy one moment, and then seamless acceleration and racecar-like downshifts the next.

The previous 997 Turbo was highly regarded for its cross-country pace but Porsche has introduced some clever new technology to improve it further. Active engine mounts hold the engine very tightly in place during cornering, and then slacken off on the straights for comfort, and there’s a new Torque Vectoring system, that teams a limited slip differential with the ability to individually brake a rear wheel to aid cornering balance.

These changes, coupled with some weight-saving in the new engine, significantly alter the feel of the Turbo. It’s now more planted on the road, moving around less during fast cornering than the old car, and it’s more agile when changing direction. At normal speeds it’s hard to tell the engine is positioned beyond the rear axle. Handled carefully you should get 24.8mpg from it.

Four-wheel drive traction

Factor in the superb traction of the four-wheel drive system, the incredible (optional) ceramic brakes, and a raft of electronic stability, safety and suspension systems, and the Turbo remains one of the quickest ways of getting from point A to point B that there is.

The appeal of the Turbo remains the fact that its performance miracles are combined with 2+2 seating, and a fairly compact car that is useable every day of the year. Tyre roar and some wind noise are still quite noticeable, but even the ride quality isn’t bad, and the engine is refined to the point that some might occasionally miss the character of the old motor.

All of the above means that the Turbo is now more convincing than ever. At £101,823 it significantly undercuts its supercar rivals, although with the optional extras available – some of which are pretty much essential – it’s easily possible to add on another 15% to the list price. Even so, we’d suggest the new Turbo was worth it: it’s fabulous.

Key facts

Model tested: Porsche 911 Turbo PDK
On the road price: £101,823
Date tested: November 2009
Road tester: Adam Towler