2018 Porsche 911 Turbo S Exclusive Series

It’s All In The Name

Porsche has always done a fantastic job at keeping their finger on the pulse of customer expectations. In particular, Porsche acknowledged that the Turbo/Turbo S’s big-spending customer demographic had limited options in explicitly differentiating their pride and joy from other builds.

Turbo/Turbo S customers tend to have little-to-no budgetary concerns when it comes to their purchase; aside from custom colorways. In many cases, customers ended up building essentially the same car – a Turbo S specced with every option available. So much for paying extra to be different, right?

The best way to address this in true Porsche fashion was to release a Turbo S so Exclusive that its mere name and existence (or lack thereof) would be a differential in itself.

2018 Porsche 911 Turbo S Exclusive Series

With a limited production of just 500 units worldwide, the 2018 Porsche 911 Turbo S Exclusive Series lives up to its new moniker. With an MSRP of $257,500 USD, an ‘entry-level’ Exclusive Series doesn’t cost much more than a fully-loaded Turbo S. However, if Economics 101 has taught me anything, it is that its scarcity alone will mean that this car will fetch well above that price, particularly in the indirect sales market.

The Exclusive Series is quite a bit more than just a fancy aero kit (a very fancy one at that), trim-specific wheels and Exclusive badging strewn about on a Turbo S. In fact, the car has received noteworthy upgrades in every area that a quintessential Turbo S owner would care about – including a power boost.

Features and Highlights

Engine

The Exclusive Series employs the same 3.8L twin-turbocharged flat-six as the Turbo S, but with the addition of a power kit, which increases peak horsepower from 580 to 607. With peak torque remaining the same at 553 lb-ft, the Exclusive Series rockets out the blocks, clocking 0-60 mph in about 2.8 seconds; not any faster than the Turbo S.

However, the 27 horsepower bump serves a tangible purpose over the latter portion of the sprint. Attaining a top speed of 205 mph, the Exclusive Series is capable of achieving 0-124 mph in a jaw-dropping 9.6 seconds, shaving 0.3 seconds off the Turbo S’s time in this range.

Chassis

The monstrous engine is mated to a 7-speed dual-clutch PDK transmission, with the power delivered to all four wheels via its ultra-competent all-wheel drive system. Further providing aid to driver discrepancies are torque vectoring and stability management, which come standard.

Equipped with the standard Porsche carbon-ceramic brakes and Pirelli P-Zero tires, the Exclusive Series still stops and grips more similarly to the Turbo S than its GT counterparts, as one would expect. This is no fault in the car, as the Exclusive Series is as capable of being a raging beast on the racetrack as it is a refined gentleman on the streets.

Exterior

The exterior design of the Exclusive Series definitely stands out. Most noticeable at first glance is the Golden Yellow Metallic paint job and accentuating carbon-weave racing stripes, which are available only on these 500 cars. The Exclusive Series can be offered in ‘other select exterior colors’ by request.

Living up to its name, the Exclusive Series has been adorned with a unique array of carbon fiber parts from front to back which includes the front hood, roof, rear wing and aero kit. Newly styled 20-inch Exclusive Design wheels, a new rear fascia, black-painted calipers, along with plaques and logos on various body panels, serve as reminders to everyone that this car is 1 of 500.

Interior

The interior of the Exclusive Series is the beneficiary of the same treatment received by the rest of the car. Two golden yellow stripes run the length of the primarily black leather, contrast stitched, and carbon fiber accented cabin.

On the subject of the aforementioned carbon fiber interior pieces; each weave incorporates thin copper threading, which provides a unique and mesmerizing sheen unlike anything offered in any other 911.

Leather and/or color-matched stitching is not spared for any parts, including uncustomary items such as air vent slats and the steering wheel column which are normally made from plastic.

Verdict

The 2018 Porsche 911 Turbo S Exclusive Series is a desirable response to so many Turbo fans’ love letter to Porsche. Not unlike any emotionally-driven correspondence, the Exclusive Series comes with an ‘If you want me, come and get me’ ultimatum attached – and it will be a costly one.

With an MSRP of $257,500 USD, I would estimate that most Exclusive Series builds will surpass that price as buyers opt for additional options such as carbon fiber wheels, an upgraded sound system and of course, the matching wrist watch and luggage set. To contend with the oversupply of advances from prospective buyers for only 500 units available around the globe, that price could even go up further as is often the case with such limited edition models.

The Exclusive Series is the ultimate expression of one-upping the Joneses, as opposed to simply keeping up with them. If this is not how you find justification in parting with more than a quarter of a million dollars, then the 2018 Porsche 911 Turbo S Exclusive Series is not for you. Don’t be too discouraged though, as there are 23 other 911 variants for you to choose from if you are still courting Porsche’s flagship beauty.

Specifications and Performance Summary

Pricing and Model Info

Make	Porsche
Model	911 Turbo
Generation	2018 – Present
Sub-Model	Exclusive Series
Car type	Coupe
Category	Series Production Car
Built At	Stuttgart, Germany
Introduced	2018
Base Price (US)	$257,500

Chassis and Powertrain

Curb Weight	3,528 lbs
Layout	Rear-engine
Driven wheels	All-wheel drive
Suspension	MacPherson strut suspension with anti-roll bar (front), LSA multi-link suspension with anti-roll bar (rear)
Brakes	410mm brake rotors with 6-piston calipers (front), 390mm brake rotors with 4-piston calipers (rear)
Engine	Flat 6 Boxer
Aspiration	Twin-turbocharged
Valves	2 Intake / 2 Exhaust
Lubrication	Integrated dry-sump
Cooling	Water-cooled
Displacement	3.8 Litres
Transmission	7-speed PDK