The character arc of the 911 Turbo more or less mirrors that of many adults: a wild and crazy youth filled with danger and reckless fun, followed by a gradual maturing until it was almost unrecognizable, safe and a bit boring at parties. The question is where does it go from here?
For 2021, the Turbo is all-new and based on the 992-generation 911 chassis. Most people won’t notice, but the new model is longer and wider, especially at the front axle. Inevitably, it’s also more powerful, which it really didn’t need to be. The top-spec Turbo S makes 641 horsepower and 590 lb.-ft. of torque; you can enjoy only a few seconds at full burn before you run up against the law.
The good news is that the Turbo feels very different from the old one, even if it doesn’t look it.
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The previous Turbo was probably too competent for its own good. It was the product of nearly four decades of continuous refinement. Objectively excellent, it lacked excitement. It was too grown-up, too mature.
By contrast, the original 911 Turbo was dreamt up in West Germany in the mid-70s and appeared to be the product of bunch of engineers on a late-night bender. They took the dainty 911 and gave it fat wheels, flared arches and a rear wing the size of a surf board. The pièce de résistance was a great big turbocharger bolted onto the motor, which boosted power to scary new heights. They created a monster. It had a reputation for biting careless drivers who didn’t respect its prodigious power, turbo lag or the fact that the engine – hung out behind the rear wheels – made the car handle like a pendulum. It earned the nickname “the widowmaker.”
The all-new Turbo is based on the 992-generation chassis.
Matt Bubbers/The Globe and Mail
The 2021 car is not like that. Nothing could be; on-board electronic wizardry ensure this car always has your back when the going gets fast. No, what Porsche has done this time is engineer back in a safe amount of excitement and danger in order to make you – and the car – feel young again.
I went to drive this car blind, having not heard from the engineers and Porsche executives who developed it (the car’s launch in California was cancelled due to COVID-19), but the changes were evident from the first on-ramp. Porsche seems to have realized that in a world where all sports cars are too fast and too grippy, people want cars that are entertaining at everyday speeds. (See also: the rising popularity of Porsche’s hardcore sports cars such as the 911 GT3 and Boxster Spyder.)
The wider front track means the steering is sharp, almost darty. It has regained some fizzy tactile feel and feedback. Porsche took lessons learned from the hardcore 911 GT3’s transparent suspension and steering setup and applied them to this more comfortable and luxurious 911 Turbo. You can feel the road and get a sense of how forces are building up on the tires. You can feel once again that, ahh, yes, the engine is indeed in the wrong place – just as it should be – as you trail-brake into turns or lift the throttle midcorner. All of which is to say that you can now enjoy the Turbo properly on public roads, even just driving to get groceries.
Carbon-ceramic brakes come standard.
Matt Bubbers/The Globe and Mail
The Turbo is not as outrageous looking, lively or tail-happy as some other machines – Aston Martin Vantage, Lamborghini Huracan Evo, McLaren 570S – but it’s a big step in the right direction for Porsche and a nod to what made the original Turbo such a sensation.
Like some of its eventual owners, the new Turbo appears to be in the throes of its own mid-life crisis. The 2021 Turbo S, which arrives in Canada late this year, has successfully captured some of the lost excitement of its younger, wilder days. It’s still the responsible choice if you’re in the market for an everyday supercar, but it’s no longer the boring choice.
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Tech specs
The Turbo’s interface is complicated, but still has physical controls.
Matt Bubbers/The Globe and Mail
Base price: $231,700 (coupe) and $246,300 (cabriolet)
Engine: 3.8-litre twin-turbo flat-six
Transmissions: 8-speed dual-clutch automatic
Fuel economy (l/100 km): TBD
Drive: All-wheel drive
Alternatives: Audi R8, McLaren 570S, Aston Martin Vantage, Ferrari Roma, Mercedes-AMG GT, Jaguar F-Type SVR, Polestar 1
Looks
In terms of styling, the new Turbo isn’t a significant improvement over the last generation.
Matt Bubbers/The Globe and Mail
It’s more fun to drive, but not really more fun to look at. Here’s hoping the whale-tail wing from the original makes a comeback.
Interior
The Turbo’s interior is a huge improvement over its predecessor’s.
Matt Bubbers/The Globe and Mail
A huge improvement. Three digital screens are neatly integrated into the dash in a retro layout reminiscent of classic 911s. The main interface is overcomplicated, but at least there are still physical controls.
Performance
It’s more cushy and comfortable at highway speeds. Even in the city, the ride is much less harsh. Only at very slow speeds do you really feel the huge wheels and lack of suspension travel. And yes, it’s pleasantly rapid: 0-100 km/h in 2.7 seconds.
Technology
It has rear-wheel steering, all-wheel drive and carbon-ceramic brakes as standard, but because this is Porsche, you can still easily spend $40,000 on options.
Cargo
You’ll need to use the interior space to bring home a two-week grocery run.
Matt Bubbers/The Globe and Mail
The front trunk is too small for a two-week grocery run, so you’ll have to put the eggs carefully on the passenger seat, but it will all fit, which is more than you can say for most other exotic machinery.
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The verdict
The new Turbo recaptures some of its old thrill. You’ll like this car if you want an under-the radar, daily-driveable, almost practical rocket ship.
Matt Bubbers/The Globe and Mail
The writer was a guest of the automaker. Content was not subject to approval.
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CHICAGO (AP) — United Airlines has struck a deal with Elon Musk’s SpaceX to offer satellite-based Starlink WiFi service on flights within the next several years.
The airline said Friday the service will be free to passengers.
United said it will begin testing the service early next year and begin offering it on some flights by later in 2025.
Financial details of the deal were not disclosed.
The announcement comes as airlines rush to offer more amenities as a way to stand out when passengers pick a carrier for a trip. United’s goal is to make sitting on a plane pretty much like being on the ground when it comes to browsing the internet, streaming entertainment and playing games.
“Everything you can do on the ground, you’ll soon be able to do on board a United plane at 35,000 feet, just about anywhere in the world,” CEO Scott Kirby said in announcing the deal.
The airline says Starlink will allow passengers to get internet access even over oceans and polar regions where traditional cell or Wi-Fi signals may be weak or missing.
Sony has made it easy for Canadian consumers to preorder the PlayStation 5 Pro in Canada directly from PlayStation’s official website. Here’s how:
Visit the Official Website: Go to direct.playstation.com and navigate to the PS5 Pro section once preorders go live on September 26, 2024.
Create or Log in to Your PlayStation Account: If you don’t have a PlayStation account, you will need to create one. Existing users can simply log in to proceed.
Place Your Preorder: Once logged in, follow the instructions to preorder your PS5 Pro. Ensure you have a valid payment method ready and double-check your shipping information for accuracy.
Preorder Through Major Canadian Retailers
While preordering directly from PlayStation is a popular option, you can also secure your PS5 Pro through trusted Canadian retailers. These retailers are expected to offer preorders on or after September 26:
Best Buy Canada
Walmart Canada
EB Games (GameStop)
Amazon Canada
The Source
Steps to Preorder via Canadian Retailers:
Visit Retailer Websites: Search for “PlayStation 5 Pro” on the website of your preferred retailer starting on September 26.
Create or Log in to Your Account: If you’re shopping online, having an account with the retailer can speed up the preorder process.
Preorder in Store: For those who prefer in-person shopping, check with local stores regarding availability and preorder policies.
3. Sign Up for Notifications
Many retailers and websites offer the option to sign up for notifications when the preorder goes live. If you’re worried about missing out due to high demand, this can be a useful option.
Visit Retailer Sites: Look for a “Notify Me” or “Email Alerts” option and enter your email to stay informed.
Use PlayStation Alerts: Sign up for notifications directly through Sony to be one of the first to know when preorders are available.
4. Prepare for High Demand
Preordering the PS5 Pro is expected to be competitive, with high demand likely to result in quick sellouts, just as with the initial release of the original PS5. To maximize your chances of securing a preorder:
Act Quickly: Be prepared to place your order as soon as preorders open. Timing is key, as stock can run out within minutes.
Double-Check Payment Information: Ensure your credit card or payment method is ready to go. Any delays during the checkout process could result in losing your spot.
Stay Informed: Monitor PlayStation and retailer websites for updates on restocks or additional preorder windows.
Final Thoughts
The PlayStation 5 Pro is set to take gaming to the next level with its enhanced performance, graphics, and new features. Canadian gamers should be ready to act fast when preorders open on September 26, 2024, to secure their console ahead of the holiday season. Whether you choose to preorder through PlayStation’s official website or your preferred retailer, following the steps outlined above will help ensure a smooth and successful preorder experience.
For more details on the PS5 Pro and to preorder, visit direct.playstation.com or stay tuned to updates from major Canadian retailers.
Since the PlayStation 5 (PS5) launched four years ago, PlayStation has continuously evolved to meet the demands of its players. Today, we are excited to announce the next step in this journey: the PlayStation 5 Pro. Designed for the most dedicated players and game creators, the PS5 Pro brings groundbreaking advancements in gaming hardware, raising the bar for what’s possible.
Key Features of the PS5 Pro
The PS5 Pro comes equipped with several key performance enhancements, addressing the requests of gamers for smoother, higher-quality graphics at a consistent 60 frames per second (FPS). The console’s standout features include:
Upgraded GPU: The PS5 Pro’s GPU boasts 67% more Compute Units than the current PS5, combined with 28% faster memory. This allows for up to 45% faster rendering speeds, ensuring a smoother gaming experience.
Advanced Ray Tracing: Ray tracing capabilities have been significantly enhanced, with reflections and refractions of light being processed at double or triple the speed of the current PS5, creating more dynamic visuals.
AI-Driven Upscaling: Introducing PlayStation Spectral Super Resolution, an AI-based upscaling technology that adds extraordinary detail to images, resulting in sharper image clarity.
Backward Compatibility & Game Boost: More than 8,500 PS4 games playable on PS5 Pro will benefit from PS5 Pro Game Boost, stabilizing or enhancing performance. PS4 games will also see improved resolution on select titles.
VRR & 8K Support: The PS5 Pro supports Variable Refresh Rate (VRR) and 8K gaming for the ultimate visual experience, while also launching with the latest wireless technology, Wi-Fi 7, in supported regions.
Optimized Games & Patches
Game creators have quickly embraced the new technology that comes with the PS5 Pro. Many games will receive free updates to take full advantage of the console’s new features, labeled as PS5 Pro Enhanced. Some of the highly anticipated titles include:
Alan Wake 2
Assassin’s Creed: Shadows
Demon’s Souls
Dragon’s Dogma 2
Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth
Gran Turismo 7
Marvel’s Spider-Man 2
Ratchet & Clank: Rift Apart
Horizon Forbidden West
These updates will allow players to experience their favorite games at a higher fidelity, taking full advantage of the console’s improved graphics and performance.
Design & Compatibility
Maintaining consistency within the PS5 family, the PS5 Pro retains the same height and width as the original PS5 model. Players will also have the option to add an Ultra HD Blu-ray Disc Drive or swap console covers when available.
Additionally, the PS5 Pro is fully compatible with all existing PS5 accessories, including the PlayStation VR2, DualSense Edge, Pulse Elite, and Access controller. This ensures seamless integration into your current gaming setup.
Pricing & Availability
The PS5 Pro will be available starting November 7, 2024, at a manufacturer’s suggested retail price (MSRP) of:
$699.99 USD
$949.99 CAD
£699.99 GBP
€799.99 EUR
¥119,980 JPY
Each PS5 Pro comes with a 2TB SSD, a DualSense wireless controller, and a copy of Astro’s Playroom pre-installed. Pre-orders begin on September 26, 2024, and the console will be available at participating retailers and directly from PlayStation via direct.playstation.com.
The launch of the PS5 Pro marks a new chapter in PlayStation’s commitment to delivering cutting-edge gaming experiences. Whether players choose the standard PS5 or the PS5 Pro, PlayStation aims to provide the best possible gaming experience for everyone.
Preorder your PS5 Pro and step into the next generation of gaming this holiday season.
