A few years back Autothority unleashed a 993 Twin Turbo that could rewrite the parameters of space and time. In Stage III guise, it sported such goodies as 993 GT-2 cams, more efficient turbos, a larger intercooler, a reprogrammed ECU and a freer-flowing exhaust. With the adjustable boost controller turned to the maximum, it was good for over 600 bhp.

Now Autothority is following up on that masterpiece with a new canvas, the 996 Twin Turbo. I recently spent a day in its development car utilizing its Stage I upgrade, which consisted of a reprogrammed ECU good for an extra 60 bhp or a total of 475 bhp. That figure easily surpasses the soon-to-arrive GT-2's 456 bhp, but the GT-2 gets around with 220 lb less mass.

Although just an appetizer to further development, Stage I should be enough to hold over power-hungry Turbo owners who have gotten used to 415 bhp. Driveability is unaffected, enabling the car to tool around at low revs without hiccups. Ask for more and prepare for the tunnel vision that comes with being truly fast, and the scrambling hands and feet to keep it from bumping off the rev limiter. Also prepare for an extra dose of rear-end squat/front-end lift when hard on the throttle. The extra oomph exposes the stock suspension as being too soft. Which is why a lower and stiffer suspension is part of Stage II, as is freer-flowing exhaust and maybe a few other goodies. Autothority suggests that should be good for roughly 500 bhp. As they say, "Watch this space."