New car news

23 August 2011 - 17:00

New Porsche 911; the official version

You've seen the pics, and Top Gear's been along for a ride in one, and finally Porsche has released specs and pics of the almost all-new 911 991 Carrera and Carrera S, some two weeks before its public unveiling at the Frankfurt Motor Show.

Lighter, stiffer, faster, more fuel-efficient and better equipped, the new 911's key number is 70mm. This is how far the engine has been moved inboard from the rear end, giving the traditionally tail-heavy, nose-light dynamics a swift cuff across the head.

The 911 does inherit electric steering for this generation - it's a fuel economy thing - but let's reserve judgement until we actually drive it. Also confirmed is a world-first seven-speed manual gearbox, which is essentially the existing PDK arrangement with a clutch pedal.

An all-new alloy/steel bodyshell is the key behind an average 45kg weight saving - a must in this age of ultra-low emissions targets. The car rides lower, sports a 100mm longer wheelbase and both variants can return fuel figures well south of 10l/100km.

The base Carrera jumps about $6000 over the outgoing model, but that's small change for an output of 257kW from a 3.4-litre flat six-engine (also specced in the Cayman and Boxster). Tick the PDK option box, and it'll do just 8.2 litres per hundred. That, folks, is ridiculously good.

The Carrera S jumps a fair bit more - up $10,300 to $262,100 - but gets more power from its higher-revving 3.8-litre motor; 294kW, to be exact. With the PDK box, it'll do 8.7 litres per hundred. Or if you prefer, it'll do 4.1 seconds to 100km/h (with the Sports Chrono Plus pack).

There's a lot that's gone into this car that should make it the best-handling 911 ever, including an all-new rear axle arrangement, a wider front track, that extra wheelbase, less weight... we can't wait for a go when it gets here in March.