As expected, the next-generation of Porsche's evergreen 911 Carrera continues its gentle design evolution. At first glance the front looks little different, though the rear end is much sharper thanks to extremely slim lights. Overall the new car is lower than before, while the front track has been widened and the wheelbase lengthened by 100mm.
The new Carrera model is powered by a 3.4-litre direct injection flat-six, putting out 345bhp. It's quicker than its predecessor, with 0-62mph taking as little as 4.4 seconds depending on options. Despite that it's more efficient, returning 34.4mpg and emitting just 194g/km.
Porsche has released figures for the Carrera S too, powered by a 394bhp 3.8-litre boxer engine. It can cover the benchmark 0-62mph sprint in as little as 4.1 seconds, returns 32.4mpg on the combined cycle and emits 205g/km.
While the fastest acceleration times are for cars equipped with the Porsche-Doppelkupplungsgetriebe (PDK) dual-clutch gearbox, the new 911 will, intriguingly, be available with a seven-speed manual. It's a world first. Another option will be the Porsche Dynamic Chassis Control (PDCC) active roll stabilisation system. Although no data has been released on the new 911's weight, Porsche claims that its new model is lighter than before - which should benefit dynamics as much as it does efficiency.
The new 911 goes on sale in the UK on December 17 this year with the Carrera priced from £71,449 and the Carrera S at £81,242. Standard equipment on the Carrera includes leather, climate control, Bi-Xenon headlights and satnav. The Carrera S adds 20-inch alloys, Porsche Active Suspension Management (PASM) and Porsche Torque Vectoring (PTV) with rear limited slip differential.
Porsche will display the new 911 at the
Frankfurt Motor Show next month.
Shane O' Donoghue - 23 Aug 2011