New-generation Carrera sticks with traditional evolution in design and tech terms
- Hey, are these pictures for real?
Yes, they are. After pictures of the all-new Porsche 911 were leaked onto the internet this month, Porsche couldn't wait till September's Frankfurt motor show to reveal its latest sports car icon. What you see here are official handouts of the sixth-gen 911 Carrera _ just as you've seen them on the web.
- Hmm... where are the changes?
For 48 years, Porsche has refused radical changes to a winning formula. The classic shape remains, so do the front lights but distinctively new are the front air intakes and slimmer rear lamps.
The interior has also evolved mildly, with the five-dial instrument panel and three-spoke steering retained. Note how similar the centre console looks to those in the Cayenne and Panamera.
There's a 100mm increase in wheelbase length at 2,450mm to help improve cabin space, especially legroom for rear passengers which has always been horrific in previous models.
Coupled with that, the lower height and wider front tracks are said to benefit driving stability. And combine these with the new 20-inch wheels, Porsche promises a truly athletic appearance on the road.
The cabin springs no surprises; expect top-drawer quality, as ever.
- What about the engines?
Most of the improvements have been employed in the facelifted 997, so there isn't anything ground-breaking in the new 911, dubbed 991.
But to comply with stricter emission regs, the regular Carrera's engine is downsized from 3.6-litre to 3.4 yet producing a higher 350hp (up by 25hp from the 997).
Porsche happily says this is the first Porsche ever to dip below 200g/km when it comes to CO2 emissions claiming 194g/km that's equivalent to 12.1kpl. Of course, it was only possible with the use of di rigueur automatic stop-go and energy regeneration systems, new seven-speed manual gearbox whose top ratio is geared for economy, electro-mechanical steering and a 45kg lighter body thanks to more use of aluminium.
Slimmer tail lamps are among the most distinctive changes.
- What about the Carrera S?
The Carrera S _ as pictured here _ sticks to the bigger 3.8-litre flat-six now producing 400hp (20hp more than in the old S and the same as in the 997 GTS). Equipped with a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic, the new Carrera S goes from 0-100kph in 4.6sec (4.4sec with Sport Chrono package).
Whether this will be of any concern to Thai buyers remains to be seen. The Carrera S is nearly as economical as the basic model at 11.5kpl.
- And when can I get one?
The order books open in September, before deliveries of right-hand-drive cars start in March next year. The price range is around 12-14 million baht.
And please don't ask about other 911 variants. Like in the 997 series, a flurry of models will come on stream including Targa, Cabriolet, Carrera 4, GT, RS and so forth. We hear that the Turbo legend will be getting a power hike to 520hp in 991 form.
THE BLOODLINE
CLASSIC: 1963-1989
The 356 replacement got a 130hp 2.0-litre flat-six engine. The air-cooled motor, classic circular headlights and signature silhouette paved the future for the 911.
964: 1989-1993
Second 911 had tech inspired by 959 such as (optional) all-wheel-drive, anti-lock brakes and power steering. There was also the trend-setting Tiptronic automatic married to a 250hp 3.6-litre six-pot.
993: 1993-1998
Varioram camshaft and valve-timing technology comes to the Carerra to boost power to 272hp. This is the last 911 to feature an air-cooled engine.
996: 1999-2005
The 911 breaks away from tradition with "egg-running" headlights and liquid-cooled engine. Again, power has risen to 300hp in baseline form.
997: 2005-2011
Stung by criticism, the round headlights make a return. With (late) novelties like PDK dual-clutch automatic and direct-injection, the regular Carrera makes 325hp with the same 3.6-litre unit.
Credit: Bangkok Post (www.bangkokpost.com)
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