ENGINES on the iconic Porsche 911 don’t get changed very often so it’s big news that a next generation has been announced.
But company car driving Porsche aficionados can relax because the traditional flat-six cylinder layout remains albeit with much improved performance and economy potential to keep those BIK tax ratings as low as possible.
Highlights of the latest generation 911 include innovative twin-turbocharged flat-six engines, an advanced chassis with an even greater spread between performance and comfort and a new infotainment system.
There’s also the new option of rear-axle steering, available on the Carrera S models for the first time, allowing the fastest lap time around the North Loop of the Nürburgring is reduced to 7 minutes and 30 seconds – ten seconds faster than before.
Despite the performance hikes the cars are now almost 12% more efficient
At the rear of the Carrera lies a 3.0-litre flat-six engine, developing 370hp while the motor in the Carrera S now delivers 420hp. In both cases this represents a power boost of 20hp over the prior models and now can safely be revved to 7,500rpm.
The 911 Carrera Coupé with Porsche-Doppelkupplung (PDK) and Sport Chrono Package sprints from zero to 62 mph in 4.2secs while its sportier sibling The 911 Carrera S this benchmark in just 3.9secs. Top speeds of both models have also increased further with the 911 Carrera boasting 183mph while the 911 Carrera S now reaches 191mph.
Despite the performance hikes the cars are now almost 12% more efficient. The 911 Carrera with PDK transmission returns a claimed 38.2 mpg while the 911 Carrera S with PDK consumes 36.7mpg. This translates to 169 g/km CO2 for the Carrera PDK and 174 g/km CO2 for the Carrera S PDK – placing both these models in Band H for the purposes of vehicle excise duty.
Exterior changes include new headlights with four-point daytime running lights, handles inset to the door panel without recess covers, a redesigned engine lid with vertical louvres and new tail lights including the now characteristic four-point brake light Porsche motif. Inside, a new Porsche Communication Management with an enhanced multi-touch display console offers a considerably expanded range of functions and greatly simplified operation.
