Porsche has unveiled the latest incarnation of its most famous model – the all-new Porsche 911.
The eighth-generation model carries top billing at this week’s LA motor show and features revised engines, an upgraded interior and greater efficiency – all wrapped up in a design that looks almost exactly like the old one.
Despite the predictable same-again styling, the new 911 has been extensively reworked under the skin. It features a significantly wider body, with 4cm of extra metal across the nose and rear wheel arches, which are now the same width across all models and house 21-inch rear wheels. The fronts are 20 inches, aiding the 911’s stance.
Agility and stability should be improved thanks to the use of more aluminium in the rear section, which aids weight distribution. A revised chassis also brings rear-wheel steering to even basic models.
Of course, it wouldn’t be a Porsche 911 without a rear-mounted, flat-six engine – and that’s exactly what Porsche has installed here. The latest units are more powerful than the ones they replace, with the Carrera S debut model producing 450hp – around 30hp more than its predecessor.
Combined with a revised eight-speed dual-clutch gearbox, 0-60mph times have tumbled by 0.4 seconds compared with the previous model – the Carrera S will perform the sprint in just 3.5 seconds. That’s shortened by a further 0.2 seconds with the optional Sport Chrono Package, which adds launch control, revised gearbox software and a ‘sport’ function. Top speed for the Carrera S is 191mph.
A seven-speed manual gearbox will join the range later in the year, while a standard entry-level Carrera is also likely with a lower-powered engine.
New safety kit and driving modes have been added – including the humorously-named ‘Wet’ mode, intended for damp tarmac (unsurprisingly). Front collision warning and autonomous emergency braking are standard on all models, plus adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go and, for the first time, a night-vision system with a thermal imaging camera.
The 911’s styling has clearly evolved over the previous model, with more precise and straight-edged detailing bringing a modern edge. There are new LED matrix headlights at the front, complete with four-point daytime running lights, while the lines of the ‘frunk’ are straighter, evoking models of old. There are also new retractable door handles that sit flush with the body for improved aerodynamic efficiency when not in use.
The rear sees the addition of a full-width light bar – one of Porsche’s now-signature design features and supplemented by a pair of vertically mounted high-intensity brake lights, which sit within a full-width engine grille. Wide oval exhaust pipes complete the look.
Inside, things have taken a greater leap forward. Porsche still steadfastly refuses to adopt a digital rev counter, but the 911’s other dials are now digital and configurable. The centre infotainment screen has grown to a widescreen ten-inch unit, while a new row of switches sits underneath, providing access to common functions.
There’s also what looks to be an enormous cupholder mounted just ahead of the centre armrest.
The new 911 is available to order from today, with prices kicking off from £93,110 on-road for the Carrera S model.
UK deliveries are expected to begin in the spring, and there will inevitably be about 638 different versions of the new 911 (Targa, cabriolet, Turbo, GT3, etc.) joining the family on a month-by-month basis over the next year.
Here’s a habdy infographic that Porsche has produced to summarise the key features of the new model:
