2017
Porsche 911 Carrera
The
2015 Frankfurt Auto Show is now just a week out and in the lead up Porsche has
dropped details on its updated 911 destined to appear at the show. It was in
Frankfurt four years ago that we first saw the 991-series introduced and at
this year’s show we’ll see the updated version, or the 991.2-series to Porsche
loyalists.
Porsche
has only announced updated versions of the entry-level Carrera and Carrera S
models, and as predicted the cars have adopted turbocharged power. Porsche’s
entire 911 range bar the track-focused GT-badged cars is moving towards
downsized turbocharged engines. This will help reduce emissions while at the
same time increase power—a concept referred to as Porsche Intelligent
Performance by the automaker. It will also make the cars more attractive in
countries where taxes are based on engine size.
The
newly developed engine for the updated 911 Carrera models is a
twin-turbocharged 3.0-liter flat-six that happily revs to 7,500 rpm. It
develops 370 horsepower and 331 pound-feet torque in the Carrera and 420 hp and
368 lb-ft in the Carrera S. That’s up 20 hp for both models and according to
Porsche the efficiency has been increased by up to 12 percent. EPA ratings will
be available at a later date. Differences between the two states of tune
include a model-specific exhaust system, modified compressor wheels and unique
ECU settings.
When
equipped with the Sport Chrono Package and seven-speed dual-clutch PDK
transmission, the Carrera accelerates from 0-60 mph in 4.0 seconds, which is
0.2 of a second quicker than before. A Carrera S with the same features needs
just 3.7 seconds to reach 60, which is also 0.2 of a second quicker. Top speed
has also risen, with the Carrera now topping out at 183 mph and the Carrera S at
191 mph. A seven-speed manual remains standard on both.
In
addition to the new engine, there have also been some interesting chassis mods.
The Sport Chrono Package now comes with a drive mode selector dial on the
steering wheel. It allows the driver to select between Normal, Sport, Sport
Plus, and Individual modes. And on models equipped with the PDK, there is also
a Sport Response button, which Porsche says adjust the drivetrain for maximum
acceleration.
The
suspension has also been tuned for greater performance. The Porsche Active
Suspension Management active damping system is now standard and lowers the ride
height of the car by 10 millimeters. This is joined by new shock absorbers with
improved response as well as rear wheels that are 0.5 of an inch wider and
tires that offer reduced rolling resistance together with enhanced grip.
Optional
features include a 40-millimeter front lift kit and a four-wheel-steering
system borrowed from the 911 GT3 and Turbo models. The latter aids
maneuverability at low speeds and increases accuracy and confidence at higher
speeds. Altogether, the improvements are said to reduce the lap times on the
Nürburgring to just 7:30 for the more potent Carrera S, making the car 10
seconds faster than the predecessor model.
On
the outside, the front of the updated 911 is characterized by revised daytime
running lights, a new shape for the front intakes, integrated door handle
recesses, a redesigned rear deck lid with vertical louvers, and a new graphic
in the tail-lights. There are also some new intakes at the side of the rear
bumper to accommodate the turbocharged engine.
Inside,
the steering wheel is new and now resembles the one fitted to the 918 Spyder.
There is also a new Porsche Communication Management system that includes a
7.0-inch touchscreen display that can handle handwritten-style inputs, as well
as extra connectivity options including Apple CarPlay for iPhone integration.
The final feature worth mentioning is an enhanced navigation system with
real-time traffic info and integration of Google Earth and Google Streetview.
The
cars have been confirmed for sale in the United States in March of next year,
as 2017 models, with price rises of between US$ 4,500 and US$ 5,500 coming into
effect.