The seventh generation of an icon.
For 48 years Porsche has set the standard for sports cars around the world with the 911. The 911 has become an icon in the automotive world, striking a perfect balance of performance, efficiency, and luxury that others strive to match. Since 2005, Porsche has introduced over 20 variants of the popular 997-generation and stretched the chassis to its limits with models like the GT3 RS 4.0 and GT2 RS. Now there’s a new kid in town, the Porsche 991.
The new Porsche 991 911 builds upon the model’s historic success and keeps it at the forefront of performance, efficiency, and engineering. The new generation is a pure Porsche with unrivaled driving dynamics, German engineering, and a new sleek and curvy design.
Porsche’s newest Carrera is longer, sleeker, and lower than prior 911s. The wheelbase has been extended about 3.9 inches (100 mm), and the entire car is two inches longer. The front overhang shrinks by a few inches and the ride height is also reduced; all attributes that focus on improving the driving dynamics and form a smooth figure.
The front fascia of the new Porsche 991 is more modern and wider compared to the 997-generation. The front track is broader, the headlights are more level, and the three front air intakes are larger and wear sharper fins. Unlike the 997, the side mirrors of the new 911 have been repositioned on the upper edge of the door and have a triangle-shaped aerodynamic design. The exterior of the 911 is made from a lightweight combination of aluminum and steel, reducing weight by 100 lbs. The rear axle is wider and flaunts a curvy figure that is emphasized by thin LED taillights. One of the main goals for the design and shape of the new was aerodynamic efficiency. While the overall figure of the Porsche 991 retains a low coefficient of drag, engineers have integrated a variably extending rear spoiler to generate downforce without increasing drag. Other notable features for the new generation include the engine being moved forward in relation to the rear axle (it’s still rear-engined, don’t worry) and fresh 20-inch wheels.
Automakers today are striving to achieve greater efficiency while gaining performance. For quite some time Porsche has been at the forefront of efficient performance with the 911. The new Porsche 991 Carrera progresses even further achieving approximately 34 mpg imp. on the European cycle with the Carrera (PDK) and approximately 32 mpg imp. for the Carrera S. Porsche also cut down on emissions, coming in under 200 g/km for the first time with the 911 Carrera. The fuel economy and emissions improvements were accomplished thanks to a number of new standard functions. The new 911 comes with automatic start/stop, thermal management, electrical system recuperation, and a driver-oriented electro-mechanical power steering system.
Both flat-six engines for the 2012 Porsche 911 Carrera and Carrera S models are new. In the 2012 911 Carrera, the displacement shrinks by 0.2 liters compared to the 997 down to 3.4 liters. Power however, is up and increased to 350 horsepower. The 3.8-liter displacement in the Carrera S remains the same and power also increases, this time to the 400 horsepower mark. Power can be sent to the rear wheels through an optional seven-speed dual-clutch PDK or the world’s first seven-speed manual transmission. Performance is still extraordinary, with the Carrera S (PDK) setting a 0-62 mph time of just 4.3 seconds, and 4.1 seconds with the Sport Chrono package. The base Carrera can reach the same mark in 4.6 seconds with PDK or 4.4 seconds with the Sport Chrono function.
The new Porsche 991 is every bit a driver’s car as the previous generations. The longer wheelbase, wider tracks, lower ride height, and engine placement make it ideal for handling. Porsche offers a number of standard and optional features that help extract the most performance out of both 911 Carrera models. For the first time ever on the Carrera S model, the Porsche Dynamic Chassis Control (PDCC) is available. The system adjusts the position of the wheels and tires so that they are at the optimum position with the road surface, allowing for greater lateral G-forces.
In the new 911, Porsche has focused on creating a driver-oriented interior. The design and architecture takes after the legendary Carrera GT. The center console sits higher, with the gearshifter for the manual transmission or PDK selector positioned closer to the steering wheel as in racing. Facing the driver are five different gauges with the classic tachometer at the center flanked by the speedometer and a new high-res multifunction display. Much of the interior space is an evolution of the 997. The ignition is still to the left of the steering wheel and the design is clean and concise, with subtle updates to the center console, display, door handles, and dashboard.
The new Porsche 991 911 continues to build on the success of the iconic model. The 2012 911 Carrera and Carrera S will make their debuts at the 2011 IAA Frankfurt Motor Show in September. New cars can be ordered starting September 1st, 2011, with the official launch beginning December 3rd, 2011. Prices will begin at $82,100 for the base 911 Carrera Coupe and $96,400 for the Carrera S Coupe.
Porsche 991 911 Carrera and Carrera S Specifications
Engine:
Carrera
Displacement: 3.4 liters
Number of Cylinders: Flat-six
Aspiration: Naturally aspirated
Maximum Horsepower: 350 (approx. 257 kW)
Fuel Economy: Approx. 34 mpg imp. (Euro cycle)
Emissions: 194 g/km
Carrera S
Displacement: 3.8 liters
Number of Cylinders: Flat-six
Aspiration: Naturally aspirated
Maximum Horsepower: 400 (approx. 294 kW)
Fuel Economy: Approx. 32 mpg imp. (Euro cycle)
Emissions: 205 g/km
Transmission:
Type: Seven-speed manual (std.) or Seven-speed dual-clutch PDK (optional)
Drive: Rear-wheel
Performance:
Carrera S
Acceleration 0-62 mph: 4.3 seconds (PDK)
Acceleration 0-62 mph w/ Sport Chrono Pkg: 4.1 seconds (PDK)
Carrera
Acceleration 0-62 mph: 4.6 seconds (PDK)
Acceleration 0-62 w/ Sport Chrono Pkg: 4.4 seconds (PDK)
Porsche 991 911 Carrera and Carrera S Gallery
[Source: Porsche]
What do you think of the new Porsche 991 911? Is it an improvement over the 997?
