There was a sensation on the West Coast of America last night with the Porsche 911 World Premiere in Los Angeles. This is the eighth generation of the iconic sports car, which was introduced to the world on the eve of the Los Angeles Auto Show.
The new model continues to provide that unique and exclusive 911 sporting performance, drawing on the unmistakable ethos that is Porsche’s design DNA. Dubbed the 992, the new Porsche features a much more muscular stance, and while the interior retains that hallmark 5-dial instrument layout, it also has a 10.9-inch touchscreen monitor. Intelligent control and chassis components, together with innovative assistance systems, have led the engineers and designers to balance the driving experience that the rear-engined 911 is well-known for, with the increasing demands of the digital world. These factors combine to ensure that the 911 is both timeless and contemporary.
The next generation flat-six turbocharged engines have been further developed and are more powerful than before, with 450 PS now standard in the S models. Efficiency has also been increased via an improved direct fuel injection process and a new arrangement for the twin turbochargers and charge air cooling system. The power is fed to the wheels by way of a new eight-speed dual-clutch PDK transmission.
Additional highlights include new assistance systems, incorporating Porsche Wet mode that helps modulate the car’s behaviour on wet roads, Night Vision Assist with thermal imaging camera, supported by comprehensive connectivity that now also uses swarm intelligence through permanent connectivity. Rear-facing video cameras have been a feature in the 911 RSR as raced in the WEC and IMSA series for the last two seasons, ensuring the transfer of technology from motorsport and road cars. In the UK, two further exclusive digital features will be offered: the Porsche Road Trip app for extraordinary tours, and the web-based Porsche Impact emissions calculator for neutralising your individual carbon footprint.
Carrera S model boasts 450 PS
The turbocharged flat-six engine of the 911 Carrera S and 911 Carrera 4S now produces 450 PS, an increase of 30 PS on the previous model. Both 911 models can accelerate from zero to 62 mph in under four seconds: the Carrera S takes 3.7 seconds and the Carrera 4S reaches this mark in just 3.6 seconds. This acceleration figure is further improved by 0.2 seconds with the optional Sport Chrono Package.
The maximum speed for the Carrera S is now 191 mph while the Carrera 4S tops out at 190 mph. The fuel consumption (NEDC-correlated) of the 911 Carrera S is 31.7 mpg combined (equivalent to 205 g/km CO2), while the 911 Carrera 4 S returns a figure of 31.4 mpg combined (equivalent to 206 g/km CO2).
Clear design language – an unmistakable 911 identity
The exterior design is completely new and emphasises the leap in performance for the 911 Type 992. Significantly wider wheel housings highlight the taught, muscular rear shoulders, and arch over the 20-inch diameter front wheels and 21-inch diameter rear wheels. The rear of the car is now the same width across all models, while flush integration of the electric pop-out door handles further emphasise the tapered and smooth side contours. The entire outer skin of the body is now made from aluminium, apart from the front and rear sections.
Across the nose the body is 45 mm wider, the lower section of which is dominated by an almost full-width aperture housing radiators and air intakes. The new 911 features new LED headlights with a rather distinctive illumination pattern. The bonnet recalls a subtle yet distinctive styling cue with its pronounced recess that is borrowed from earlier 911 generations. The rear of the new 911 is dominated on all models by the significantly wider, variable-position rear spoiler. Beneath the spoiler lip and spanning the width of the car is a seamless light bar, a now familiar element of the Porsche design language.
The completely new interior design is characterised by the clear and straight lines of the fascia which houses the recessed instruments, showing clear 1970s influence. The centre screen of the Porsche Communication Management (PCM) is now 10.9 inches, and can be operated quickly. Located beneath this there is a compact switch unit with five buttons for direct access to primary vehicle functions. In terms of digitalisation, the 911 takes the next step into the future with permanent connectivity, providing both new functions and services. Feature highlights of the PCM include online navigation based on swarm data as well as Porsche Connect Plus.
New assistance systems increase safety and comfort
In a world first, Porsche has developed Wet mode, and this is included as standard. This function detects water on the road, preconditions the control systems accordingly and warns the driver, who can then set up the vehicle for a particular emphasis on safety, by simply pushing a button or using the mode switch on the steering wheel (with Sport Chrono package only). The warning and brake assist system, also fitted as standard, detects the risk of collisions with moving objects and initiates emergency braking if necessary. Night Vision Assist with a thermal imaging camera is optionally available for the 911 for the first time. The adaptive cruise control option includes automatic distance control, stop-and-go function, reversible occupant protection and an innovative autonomous Emergency Assist function.
Digital applications: ‘Road Trip’ and ‘Impact’
‘Porsche Road Trip’ supports car enthusiasts in planning, organising and navigating special trips. The curated routes it offers include exclusive hotel and restaurant recommendations as well as points of interest and viewpoints along the route.
‘Porsche Impact’ is an emissions estimator. It estimates the financial contributions that Porsche customers can pay to offset their CO2 footprint. They themselves can choose the internationally certified climate projects in which to invest. The projects available are spread out all over the world and focus on biodiversity, hydro and solar power, as well as forest protection.
Pricing and availability
The 911 Carrera S Coupé with PDK costs from £93,110.00 RRP and the 911 Carrera 4S Coupé with PDK from £98,418.00 RRP. Both models are available to order from Porsche Centres in the UK and Ireland from today.
Written by: Glen Smale
Images by: Porsche Werkfoto
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