German automaker Porsche is set to roll out the latest generation of its iconic 911 Carrera sports car, which will make its worldwide debut Sept. 13 at the Frankfurt Auto Show and will go on sale next February.
The new 911 is longer, lower and wider, though still light and agile. In fact, it’s 45 kilograms lighter, thanks to aluminum-steel construction, which provides a stiffer platform as well.
Drivers will have two normally aspirated flat-six engines to choose from, a 3.4-liter, 345-horsepower powerplant or in the case of the 911 Carrera S, a 3.8-liter engine that produces 394 horses. Fuel consumption and emissions are up to 16 percent lower compared to the existing engines.
Porsche drivers can also choose between two seven-speed transmissions — the world’s first seven-speed fully manual box or the PDK double-clutch box.
With the base engine, the 911 accelerates from 0-100 kilometers (62 miles per hour) in 4.4 seconds vs. 4.1 for the Carrera S.
When the new 911 debuts in North America next year, initially it will be available only in Carrera and Carrera S trim. Later in the year, both will be available with all-wheel drive and after that, as convertibles.
Porsche promises significant handling improvements as well.
In addition to the longer wheelbase, the greater agility, precision and driving stability are the product of a wider front track, new rear axle and new electro-mechanical power steering. Depending on the model, there are other standard or optional active control systems available as well that further enhance the driving dynamics.
For the first time, the Porsche Dynamic Chassis Control (PDCC) active roll stabilization system will be available on the 911 Carrera S.
From a styling perspective, the new 911 is as distinctive and purposeful as ever and should play well with the Porsche faithful worldwide.
Tom Jensen is the Editor in Chief of SPEED.com, Senior NASCAR Editor at RACER and a contributing Editor for TruckSeries.com. You can follow him online at twitter.com/tomjensen100.