Scoop photographers and automotive journalists alike have a lot to thank Porsche for –especially in the past few months when the Germans tantalized us with photos and info about the new 911. But today, the Stuttgart-based company finally stopped holding back and revealed the new 911 Carrera in all its glory.
The ninth generation of Porsche’s iconic sports car is code-named 991 and, at a first glance, is quite similar to its predecessor, the 997. However, as with any 911 in the model's 48 year- history, appearances can be deceiving.
Although it sports similar external dimensions, the new 911 has a new bodywork, a 100 mm longer wheelbase and reduced height which, combined with the wider front track, the repositioned mirrors and the new headlights, give it a more dynamic look while still retaining the signature 911 shape.
The new 911 features an aluminum-steel body that offers significantly increased rigidity as well as up to 45 kg or 99.2 pounds weight reduction. Thanks to improved aerodynamics and the wider extending rear spoiler, the new Carrera has reduced lift without increasing its drag coefficient.
In contrast to the bodywork, the interior is completely different. Porsche says that it draw inspiration from the Carrera GT, but we think a fusion of classic 911 cues, such as the five round instruments and of course the ignition key on the left side of the steering wheel, and Panamera elements which are more evident in the rising center console, is a more accurate description.
At launch, the new 911 will be offered in two flavors, the base Carrera and the sportier Carrera S. Both are available with either a new 7-speed manual gearbox or the dual-clutch PDK automatic transmission.
The Carrera is powered by a new version of the flat-six engine with a displacement of 3.4 liters and a maximum output of 350HP. Despite the new engine’s reduced capacity (the base 997 had 3.6 liters), the Carrera accelerates from 0-62 mph (0-100 km/h) in 4.6 seconds when equipped with the PDK transmission, and 4.4 when the Sport Chrono package is specified.
When equipped with the PDK, fuel consumption is just 28.7 mpg (8.2 lt/100 km) and its CO2 emissions fall, for the first time ever in a Porsche, below the 200 g/km mark (194 g/km).
The 3.8-liter engine that powers the Carrera S has an output of 400HP (15 more than the outgoing model) that enables it to accelerate from 0-62 mph (0-100 km/h) in 4.3 seconds with the PDK transmission and 4.1 with the Sport Chrono package. Yet its average consumption is 14% lower, to 27.0 mpg (8.7 l/100 km) and its CO2 emissions just exceed the 200 g/km “barrier” (205).
The improved fuel efficiency is achieved through the addition of an auto stop/start system, better thermal management, electrical system recuperation, a new electro-mechanical steering wheel and the new, 7-speed gearboxes.
Along with the wider front tracks and the longer wheelbase, the 991 also gets a new rear axle and, for the first time in the Carrera S, Porsche’s Dynamic Chassis Control (PDCC) active roll stabilization system as an option.
Even though the new 911 will make its debut at the Frankfurt Motor Show on September 13, Porsche announced that it is taking orders from September 1st and the car's launch will take place just two days later.
In Germany, prices start from €88,938 ($126,881) for the Carrera and €102,436 ($147,633) for the Carrera S, including 19% VAT.
