Wider, faster, more emotional – the Porsche 911 is entering the new generation with a host of new developments. The design and interior combine classic styling with completely new solutions. The new PASM chassis with wider track widths features wheels with different diameters on the front and rear axles for the first time. The turbocharged flat-six engine of the Porsche 911 Carrera S and 911 Carrera 4S produces 331 kW (450 PS) thanks to optimisations both within and outside the engine. This corresponds to an increase of 22 kW (30 PS). The power is delivered by a completely newly developed eight-speed dual-clutch transmission. The steering is even more direct and the brakes are also more responsive. The 911 is setting new records: a 911 Carrera S has completed the Nordschleife of the Nürburgring in just 7:25 minutes – five seconds faster than the previous model. Both new 911s come in below the four-second mark for acceleration from zero to 100 km/h, with the Porsche 911 Carrera S taking 3.7 seconds, and the Porsche 911 Carrera 4S with all-wheel drive 3.6 seconds; each model is 0.4 seconds quicker than its predecessor. Both models are a further 0.2 seconds faster with the optional Sport Chrono Package. The fuel consumption (NEDC-correlated) of the 911 Carrera S is 8.9 l/100 km, while the 911 Carrera 4S records this figure as 9.0 l/100 km.
The exterior design is completely new and emphasises the leap in performance for this generation of 911. In future, the rear-wheel-drive Porsche 911 Carrera S will also have the all-wheel-drive model body that is 44 mm wider at the rear. Both models are 45 mm wider at the front axle. Between the new LED headlights, a bonnet with a pronounced recess evokes the design of the first 911 generations. The almost flush integration of the electrical pop-out door handles emphasises the tapered and smooth side contour. The rear spoiler is dominated by a significantly wider rear wing and seamless, elegant light bar spanning the entire width of the vehicle. Apart from the front and rear sections, the entire outer skin is now made from aluminium. The completely new interior is characterised by the clear and straight lines of the dashboard with recessed instruments. Alongside the central rev counter – typical for Porsche – two thin, frameless freeform displays supply information to the driver. The now 10.9-inch centre screen of the Porsche Communication Management (PCM) can be operated quickly and intuitively thanks to the new architecture. In terms of digitalisation, the 911 takes the next step into the future with permanent connectivity as well as new functions and services. As standard, the PCM features online-navigation using swarm-based data and Porsche Connect Plus.
The turbocharged flat-six engines also enter the next generation with the new 911. In addition to compliance with the latest emissions standards with a gasoline particulate filter (GPF), the focus of further development was primarily on further enhancing performance. New, larger turbochargers with symmetrical layout and electrically controlled wastgate valves, a completely redesigned charge air cooling system, and use for the first time of piezo injectors combine to realise further engine improvements in all relevant areas: responsiveness, power, torque characteristic, efficiency and revving ability. In addition to the 22 kW (30 PS) increase in power to 331 kW (450 PS) at 6,500/min, the engine offers 30 Nm higher torque, at 530 Nm between 2,300 rpm and 5,000 rpm. The new six-cylinder engine features forced induction by an almost completely new intake system. Two symmetrical turbochargers with larger chamber volumes replace the previous identical parts. The compressor and turbine wheels therefore now rotate in opposite directions. The diameter of the turbine wheels has been increased by three millimetres to 48, while the 55-millimetre compressor wheel is now four millimetres larger. Thanks to a newly developed lightweight cast manifold and the adapted turbine housings, it was possible to improve the air flow conditions, turbine wheel outflow and responsiveness. This contributes to increasing efficiency, torque and power.
Further downstream in the intake section, the compressed air flows through the two newly positioned charge air coolers. They have exchanged position with the air cleaner compared with the previous models. Instead of being located at the sides in the rear wings, the charge air coolers are now located directly over the engine in a central position under the rear lid grille. This new position permits improved air inflow and outflow of the cooling air. In combination with the larger charge air coolers, this significantly improves cooler efficiency. The complete standard engine was the focus of further development and numerous details have been optimised. For the first time, piezo-controlled injectors perform direct fuel injection into the combustion chambers. This allows only one injection with a maximum fuel pressure of 200 bar. Piezo injectors also open and close faster than the previous solenoid-operated components. As a result, the injection quantity can be divided into up to eight partial injections per cycle. In addition, the injector opens outwards so that the fuel is distributed better and with finer droplets in the combustion chamber.
The Porsche 911 Carrera S and 911 Carrera 4S are being launched exclusively with the first eight-speed dual-clutch transmission (PDK) for Porsche sports cars. Compared with the seven-speed transmission in the previous models, the new PDK offers a host of improvements. The driver can directly feel the enhanced combination of comfort, performance and efficiency. All gears have new ratios: first gear is now shorter and eighth gear longer than before. This made it possible to realise a longer final-drive ratio, thereby further reducing the engine speeds in the upper gears. The result is harmonious ratio stepping and further potential for reducing fuel consumption. Maximum speed can still be achieved in sixth gear. The use of a controlled oil pump and advanced fuel-efficient engine oils are further measures that reduce both power losses and fuel consumption. The oil pressure required for changing gear and clutch operation is controlled based on demand, and losses in power are reduced. The new quick shift function allows the driving dynamics of the 911 to be experienced even more intensely. This function is available for upshifts both in manual mode and also in automatic mode when Sport Plus is activated. As with the 911 GT sports cars, this means much shorter response times and faster gearshifts. Quick shifts take place especially at high engine speeds and loads. They are made possible by significantly improved clutch switching during the gearshift operation. The hydraulically controlled clutch changeover takes place much faster thanks to an additional filling bypass.
With the new 911, Porsche has further developed the mixed body construction throughout the vehicle and designed a completely new body structure. The steel share of 63 percent in the previous model has now been more than halved to 30 percent, for example. Apart from the front and rear aprons, the outer skin is now made fully of aluminium. The new door design, made from aluminium sheet, reduces the bodyshell weight without negatively impacting stability or quality. In addition to high-strength steels, there is increased use of extruded aluminium profiles in the bodyshell, such as for the front and rear longitudinal members, inner and outer door sills and floor reinforcements. Their share has been increased from three to 25 percent. Porsche has also used more die-cast aluminium parts on the new 911. These components include the front spring strut mount, rear tunnel housing, rear carrier, and shock absorber mounts, for example. The body components grouped directly around the passenger cell, as well as the A and B pillars and side roof frame, are made from ultra high-strength, hot-formed steels.
The new Porsche 911 features 100% connectivity. The many different options are part of Porsche Connect Plus, which comes as standard. Using the Porsche Communication Management (PCM) system, the driver can now access Amazon Music, Smart Home functions from the service provider Nest and Radio Plus, an intelligent combination of conventional reception and web radio. Thanks to the integrated LTE-capable SIM card, the new 911 is permanently online. This function is also included in the standard equipment. Also fitted as standard: the Porsche Connect app with simplified operator guidance for the central Connect functions.Radio Plus is a further new feature. This service with integrated web radio function means that a favourite radio station has practically an unlimited range if the chosen station offers an online radio channel. If the sports car leaves the range for terrestrial reception via FM or digital radio, the system automatically switches to online streaming. The 911 features the improved “seamless” changeover function for the first time, so that it is practically impossible to hear the change in broadcasting source.
