As expected, the 48-year old Carrera followed an evolutionary design path for its latest remake, but the changes might be a bit more involved than you may be thinking after a quick glance. In fact, it would be a safe bet to say that the difference in design may in fact be hidden in the 2D nature of the photographs, needing an in-person side-by-side viewing to fully appreciate the changes from front to back on the 911 between the previous and newest generation.
These subtle-yet-serious design changes can be found across the Porsche 911 lineup, from the base Coupe to the Convertibles, and from the base models to the high-end, ultra-high performance models.
For starters, the length of the wheelbase has been extended by quite a noteworthy 3.9 inches, while the roof was slightly lowered for a much sportier overall stance. Underneath, Porsche tucked aggressively sized 20-inch wheels in a variety of new styles based on the models and packages chosen.
An aerodynamically-improved adjustment to the side mirrors has been applied, moving them to the upper edge of the door for less resistance. The front fascia is likely the most familiar compared to the outgoing model, although tweaks can be found to the dimensions and lines throughout.
Step around to the back, however, and it should be quite apparent that an entirely new design scheme has been applied, with the sleek and modern tail lamps taking center stage as the most eye-grabbing feature of the tail. Of course, the bumper has been totally reshaped as well, sporting a sweeping and gentle curve at the waist line, but then forming a crisp crease along the lower half, just above the exhaust.
Of course, the changes are far more than skin deep. The body of the new 911 is made from an aluminum-steel construction, providing for as much as 99 pounds of weight reduction compared to the outgoing model. Despite being lighter, Porsche says the new body offers "significantly greater rigidity" as well.
Delving inside the Carrera’s changes – literally – will reveal a new interior that Porsche says was largely modeled from the Carrera GT supercar. The cockpit is now more driver-focused, featuring a center console that rises up towards the front with the gear shifter or selector closer to the steering wheel – intended to model after race car. Not all interior details are new, however, as Porsche stuck with a traditional five round gauge cluster arrangement, with one gauge being a high-resolution multifunction screen.
Let’s talk Porsche power
Before getting into horsepower, given the current trends in the industry it might be more appropriate to mention that although more powerful than its predecessor, the new 911 is also more fuel efficient. How much more so? Porsche says the new Carrera and Carrera S, for starters, are up to 16 percent less fuel-thirsty and produce up to the same amount fewer carbon emissions.
The fuel economy and emissions gains are attributed to the use of automatic engine start/stop technology, thermal management, electrical system recuperation, the world’s first seven-speed manual transmission as well as new electro-mechanical power steering with improved efficiency.
Ok, let’s really talk power now
The latest Carrera now features a 350 horsepower 3.4-liter Boxer engine, down in size from the previous generation's 3.6-liter engine, but up in power. When paired with the optional PDK transmission and tested on the New European Driving Cycle achieves 6 mpg (imperial gallon) better fuel economy. Opting for the Carrera S will see a 3.8-liter Boxer engine join the party, packing a powerful 400 horsepower.
What do these new engines translate to on the road or track? The 911 Carrera S with PDK transmission accelerates from nought to 62 mph in just 4.3 seconds. Pressing the Sport Plus button on the optional Sport Chrono package cuts that to 4.1 seconds. The base 911 Carrera with PDK takes 4.6 seconds (Sport Plus 4.4 seconds) to sprint from a standing start to 62 mph.
Other performance improvements include, depending on the model, many standard or optional active control systems. That is especially true for the Porsche Dynamic Chassis Control (PDCC) active roll stabilisation system, available for the first time on the 911 Carrera S. The PDCC system reduces lateral inclination when cornering by allowing the tires to always be in the optimal position relative to the road surface, allowing the Carrera to sustain higher lateral forces.
Key Competitors
The iconic 911 Carrera faces compeition from a range of diverse rivals, including performance machines like the Chevrolet Corvette and Audi R8 as well as luxury coupes such as the BMW 6-Series and Jaguar XK.