Just got my Excellence 5/2008, in which there is THE RAVE TO END ALL RAVES for Champion's modified Turbo, called Werks K1. Sorry I resorted to sensationalism and paraphrased "a little bit"
to grab your attention. This car has much more than just suspension mod--ECU, roll cage, exhaust, cup tires, etc. Please see the review for full details.
However it is the suspension mod that is extremely intriguing to me. The list includes: GT3 Cup pieces (front lower control arms plus rear upper and lower control arms and toe links), Werks' bump-steer kit, front upper strut-tower brace, and adjustable anti-roll bars. Surprisingly, it seems H&R lowering springs are used with the **stock** coil-overs. Not necessarily a good idea but it seems to work here.
Here are some of the raves (For background, Excellence is considered by many to be the best US mag on Porsche. They have been critical of the Turbo's stock suspension setup, which in their *opinion* is essentially too soft, preferring the GT3/GT3RS instead. Pete Stout is an experienced and knowledgeable reviewer, the "real thing."):
>>>>>>>>>>
But there appears to be more to this mod Turbo than a great motor. Leaving the first section of Excellence's South Test Loop and heading into its most challenging set of turns -- turns riddled with bumps, elevation changes, and varied surfaces setups from brilliant ones -- first impressions are good. So good, in fact, that the K1 may be the best modern Porsche we've driven here in years. If so, that would put a heavy 997 Turbo ahead of the 997 GT3 and RS, two 911s that are handling specialists if nothing else.
>>>>>>>>>>
... And the conclusion:
>>>>>>>>>>
The most shocking thing about the K1 is it's a Turbo I find more desirable than a 997 GT3 or GT3 RS. But then pershaps that's not so shocking when I realize it's the MOST THRILLING MOST SATISFYING modern Porsche I'VE EVER DRIVEN on road and track since the Carrera GT.
>>>>>>>>>>
Frankly, I am stoked! This suspension mod is extremely appealing because it appears integrated and well tuned, not a result of just throwing a bunch of components together. And it comes from an extremely reputable company. Remains to be seen how this suspension changes the Turbo's function as a daily driver, but from the review, sounds like it's the PERFECT 911!! At least that's my interpretation of it. The cost is high, $7500-8500 for the suspension, but it does seem to turn the Turbo into the best of both worlds, as great a track car as the GT3 with power and torque to spare, and easy to live with on a daily basis.
If you have any further info on this suspension mod, please post. Those on the fence about 997 Turbo purchase, what are you waiting for?
