Share

WATCH: Porsche's stunning 911 in SA, more powerful, faster than ever

More powerful, faster, digital – the Porsche 911 is now entering its eighth generation. Unmistakably committed to the Porsche design DNA, with a much more muscular look and an interior featuring a 10.9" touchscreen monitor, the new 911 is timeless – and also modern.

Intelligent control and chassis elements as well as innovative assistance systems combine the masterfully uncompromising dynamism that the classic rear-engine sports car is famed for, with the demands of the digital world.

Oliver Blume, CEO of Porsche AG, says: "The eighth generation of the 911 is even more powerful, even more emotional, and even more efficient than its predecessor – and also offers extensive digital features.

And in spite of all the innovations, the 911 is still just what it has always been - a puristic sports car and the pulsing heart of Porsche – our icon.

Porsche 911



The next generation of flat-six turbocharged engines has been further developed and is more powerful than ever before, with 331kW in the S models. The drive efficiency has been further optimised, and emissions reduced by way of an improved injection process and a new layout for the turbochargers and charge air cooling system. Power is delivered by a newly developed eight-speed dual-clutch transmission.



The top speeds are now 308km/h (Carrera S) and 306km/h for the Carrera 4S all-wheel-drive version. Both 911 models beat the four-second mark for acceleration from zero to 100 km/h: the rear-wheel-drive Coupé needs 3.7 seconds and the 911 Carrera 4S with all-wheel drive just 3.6 seconds.

This makes both cars 0.4 seconds faster than the previous model in each case. This advantage is increased by a further 0.2 seconds with the optional SportChrono Package.

Pricing for the new 911 Carrera S range starts from R1 708 000.



The 911 is setting new fastest lap times even on the toughest circuits around the world. A 911 Carrera S has completed the Nordschleife of the Nürburgring in just 7min25s – five seconds faster than the previous model.

Additional highlights include Porsche Wet Mode to make driving on wet roads even safer, Night Vision Assist with thermal imaging camera, as well as comprehensive connectivity that uses swarm intelligence.

The package is completed by three exclusive digital services that were unveiled with the new 911 in Los Angeles on 27 November 2018: the Porsche Road Trip app for those long-distance journeys, the Porsche 360+ personal assistant, and the web-based Porsche Impact emissions calculator to neutralise your individual carbon footprint.

Porsche 911



The next generation of flat-six engines 

The turbocharged flat-six engines also enter the next generation with the new 911. In addition to compliance with the latest emissions standards by way of a gasoline particulate filter, the primary focus of advanced development here was on further enhancing performance. 

New, larger turbochargers with symmetrical layout and electrically controlled wastegate valves, a completely redesigned charge air cooling system, and use for the first time of piezo injectors combine to attain engine improvements in all relevant areas: responsiveness, power, torque characteristic, endurance, revving ability. 

In addition to performance enhancement of 22kW, achieving 331kW, the 911 Carrera S engine achieves an extra 30Nm - 530Nm in total. This is available within a wide range of speeds, from 2300 to 5000rpm.



An exterior design that draws on earlier generations of the 911

The exterior design is familiar and yet undoubtedly new. The eighth-generation 911 is wider, more assertive, and more advanced. Wider wings arch over the large 20" wheels at the front and 21" wheels at the rear.

The rear-wheel-drive models now match the bodywork width of the existing all-wheel models.

The rear axle is 44mm larger here. The front end – generally 45mm wider – revives a traditional feature of earlier 911 generations - a forward-extended bonnet with a distinctive recess in front of the windscreen.

Porsche 911



Both elements lengthen the front of the vehicle and give it a dynamic look. At the same time, the newly developed LED headlights illustrate how technology has advanced in the 911.

These headlights are integrated into the wings almost seamlessly, taking the typically-911 round and upright form. Flush integration of the electrical pop-out handles in the doors emphasises the tapered and smooth side contour. The exterior mirrors have also been redesigned, and are now optimised to minimise wind noise. It is also possible to fold the mirrors in electronically.



Redesigned interior with clear lines The interior is distinctive, with clear, straight lines and recessed instruments defining the dashboard.

Now 10.9" in size, the centre screen of the Porsche Communication Management (PCM)can be operated quickly and without causing distraction. Below it, a docked-on control panel of five buttons – styled to look like classic toggle switches – creates the transition to the centre console with touchpad. The seats have also been completely revamped.

The new design reduces the vehicle weight by around 3kg, while the adapted geometry offers significantly better later a support in the shoulder area.



Although the seat is now positioned five millimetres lower and has a minimally thinner seat cushion, seating comfort has been improved overall.

In terms of digitalisation, the 911 takes the next step into the future with permanent connectivity as well as new functions and services. The standard PCM features include online navigation based on swarm data as well as Porsche Connect Plus.

We live in a world where facts and fiction get blurred
Who we choose to trust can have a profound impact on our lives. Join thousands of devoted South Africans who look to News24 to bring them news they can trust every day. As we celebrate 25 years, become a News24 subscriber as we strive to keep you informed, inspired and empowered.
Join News24 today
heading
description
username
Show Comments ()
Editorial feedback and complaints

Contact the public editor with feedback for our journalists, complaints, queries or suggestions about articles on News24.

LEARN MORE