Engines

Developed completely from scratch, the six-cylinder twin-turbo engines of the 911 Carrera models with a displacement of 3.0 litres embrace this principle and perfect it in a forwardlooking way. High compression and a high engine speed combined with good modulation of power output and surprisingly low fuel consumption, thanks to the reduced overall displacement.

Expressed in figures, this means an extra 20 hp of power, an extra 43 lb.-ft. of torque and engine speeds of up to 7,500 rpm. And a reduced fuel consumption.

The engine of the 911 Carrera models develops 370 hp. The maximum torque of 325 lb.-ft. is available from as low as 1,700 rpm. With Porsche Doppelkupplung (PDK), the 911 Carrera can accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h in only 4.4 seconds and reach a top speed of 293 km/h.

The propulsive potential of the engine in the S models, featuring upsized turbochargers and independent exhaust system, is even more impressive. It generates a power output of 420 hp and the maximum torque is a mighty 368 lb.-ft., available from as low as 1,700 rpm. With Porsche Doppelkupplung (PDK) and Launch Control, the 911 Carrera S models sprint to 100 km/h in a mere 3.9 seconds. Top speed isn't reached until 306 km/h.

Rear-wheel and all-wheel drive

Those who recognise the rear-driven variant as being the one true 911 should consider that the all-wheel drive setup goes back to the legendary Paris–Dakar Rally of 1984, when the Porsche 953 based on the 911 wrote its own chapter in sport – and engineering – history. Fun in the corners, by the way, is guaranteed by both drive layouts.

Two irreconcilable philosophies? Let's discuss a third: the design. The all-wheel drive 911 models have a 44 mm wider body, letting it rest more firmly on the road. An impression underlined by the new light strip, especially after dark.

Another hallmark of the all-wheel drive models: sheer supremacy. In every corner and at any time of year. Porsche Traction Management (PTM), the active all-wheel drive system, varies the drive force transmitted to all four wheels as the situation demands. This helps to ensure solid roadholding and even better performance. Simultaneously, of course. In winter. Day in, day out. At the limits of dynamic driving performance.

Turbo chargers

The displacement of the new 911 models has been considerably reduced with the aim of cutting fuel consumption. That's because we more than most as a sports car manufacturer bear huge responsibility. Nevertheless, the power output of the new engines has been significantly increased. Responsible for that are the turbochargers developed for the 911 completely from scratch.

The drive system is a twin-turbo configuration. It has two turbochargers with one charge-air cooling for each cylinder bank. Both turbos are particularly compact and have been optimally adapted to the displacement and power output of the engine. This construction minimises the inertia of the drivetrain and improves responsiveness. The new turbochargers leave the sceptics in their wake and find a new destination: unexplored levels of torque.

What looks technical on paper has an unmistakably resonant sound. The sound of a 911. And a performance that hits the driver in an instant. In the form of direct acceleration and visceral forward thrust. Rather like a 'thump' in the back the moment the engine unleashes its unadulterated power.

Transmission

7-speed manual transmission
Pure, direct, precise. Short shift movements and an optimum transition from one gear to the next. The 7-speed manual transmission combines a high level of sporty performance with fast gear changes. In conjunction with the optional Sport Chrono Package, selecting SPORT or SPORT PLUS mode activates the dynamic throttle-blip function, which ensures the optimum engine speed for every downshift, a more emotional driving experience and an impressive sound.

A gear indicator in the rev counter reminds you which gear has been selected. The upshift indicator in the instrument cluster helps you actively to conserve fuel.

Porsche Doppelkupplung (PDK)
The optimised 7-speed PDK, featuring both a manual and an automatic mode, is available as an option and offers extremely fast gear changes with no interruption in the flow of power. And that's with even faster acceleration performance and a further reduction in fuel consumption.

Gears one to six have a sports ratio, with top speed being reached in sixth gear. Seventh gear is ratioed primarily for fuel economy.

Efficiency-enhancing technologies

Auto start/stop switches off the engine when the driving speed falls below 7 km/h under moderate deceleration, such as when you are approaching a red light. As soon as you release the clutch or, with PDK, depress the accelerator pedal, the engine restarts – swiftly and smoothly.

In conjunction with Porsche Doppelkupplung (PDK), a coasting function becomes available where the situation allows. The engine is decoupled from the transmission to avoid deceleration caused by engine braking. In this way, optimum use is made of the vehicle's momentum, enabling it to coast for longer distances.

Suspension

Porsche Active Suspension Management (PASM)
PASM is fitted as standard in all 911 models for the first time. This electronic damping control system continuously adjusts the damping force on each wheel, based on current road conditions and driving style.

PASM has two modes, which can be selected using a separate button on the centre console: 'Normal', which is a blend of performance and comfort, and 'Sport' where the setup is much firmer.

Porsche Stability Management (PSM)
All 911 models are equipped with enhanced Porsche Stability Management (PSM) as standard. PSM maintains stability even at the limits of dynamic driving performance. Sensors continuously monitor the direction, speed, yaw velocity and lateral acceleration of the car.

Sport Chrono Package

What's new is the mode switch on the steering wheel, you can choose any of four settings: Normal, SPORT, SPORT PLUS and Custom.

In combination with PDK, the Sport Chrono Package has three additional functions. The first is 'Launch Control', which can be used to achieve the best possible standing start – a racing start. The second function is the motorsportderived gearshift strategy. PDK is geared up for extremely short shift times and optimum shift points for the maximum acceleration available.

The third function – SPORT Response – is brand new to the 911. Pressing the button in the center of the mode switch primes the engine and transmission for the fastest possible unleashing of power. In other words, maximum responsiveness – for a period of approximately 20 seconds.

Porsche Torque Vectoring (PTV) and Porsche Torque Vectoring Plus (PTV Plus)

PTV (with manual transmission) or PTV Plus (with PDK) is available as standard in the S models and as an option for the 911 Carrera 4 models. Both systems actively enhance vehicle dynamics and stability. Operating in conjunction with a rear differential lock, they work by intelligently braking the rear wheels as the situation demands.

With PTV, the rear differential lock is regulated mechanically, while PTV Plus is equipped with electronic control offering fully variable torque distribution. In interaction with Porsche Stability Management (PSM), the system improves driving stability not least on road surfaces with varying grip as well as in the wet and snow.