Loosely translated from the original German

Contents

• Design and body
• Engine and power transmission
• Chassis
• Equipment
• Technical data

Design and bodywork - form follows function

The Porsche 911 has been characterized by its unique, striking shape for more than 30 years. The silhouette of the new Carrera has also remained fundamentally the same and immediately signals Porsche 911. To this end, every detail that influences the shape was carefully examined for its function and design and redefined where necessary, without losing sight of the Porsche design philosophy. The interplay of concave and convex shapes is just as much a part of the specifics of the Porsche 911 as the exciting lines, which - without appearing aggressive - convey the impression of high dynamism. Despite fundamental formal measures, the new Porsche 911 is unmistakably recognizable as a Porsche 911 from every angle.

The changes to the front section of the 911 Carrera are striking. The newly developed ellipsoid headlights are deliberately designed as a large, round functional unit. The soft curve of the front fenders continues with their low position. The contour of the bumper with its light units consisting of indicators and additional headlights as well as the air intake opening on the underside of the front forms the unmistakable face of the 911 Carrera. The air outlets visible in the bumper in front of the front wheels, together with the flowing front section, significantly improve air resistance.

The extendable rear spoiler is fitted almost flush into the engine compartment lid. Its black air grille, the continuous light strip between the rear lights and the exhaust pipes arranged on the right and left make the vehicle appear wide and low.

In addition to optimizing the rear spoiler, whose area has been slightly increased compared to the previous model, the cladding of the vehicle floor has a positive effect on the desired targets. The floor cladding makes it possible to use the suction effect of the air flowing between the road and the vehicle floor. This phenomenon, known in racing as the "ground effect", reduces the lift and at the same time reduces the vehicle's drag.

Stiffer body and door guard rails increase safety

The hot-dip galvanized steel sheets used by Porsche as the first series manufacturer in the world also ensure a long service life in the new model. A ten-year guarantee on body rust damage documents this to the customer. From pre-treatment to the application of top coat, the bodies go through around 30 main work steps. The use of environmentally friendly water-based paints is a matter of course at Porsche.

The body shell of the Porsche 911 Carrera consists of a self-supporting sheet steel body with a welded box shell and bolted-on fenders. With the same weight, a further 20 percent higher torsional rigidity was achieved compared to the previous model, which was already considered to be very torsionally rigid. The total weight of the body shell remained unchanged. A "guard rail" in the door as side impact protection has been fitted as standard in the Porsche 911 since the mid-1980s. It has been made significantly more stable for the new generation. Higher quality steel with a yield strength of 420 N/mm2 ensures the best possible occupant protection.

For the drive of the 911 Carrera, Porsche is relying on a further development of the air-cooled six-cylinder boxer engine known from the previous model. The new 3.6-liter engine with an output of 200 kW (272 hp) at 6100 rpm and a torque of 330 Nm at 5000 rpm has improved specific fuel consumption and longer maintenance intervals.

The latest version of the 3.6-liter engine contains, in addition to proven elements such as an aluminum engine block and cylinder head, two-stage resonance intake system and dual ignition, a number of important technical innovations:

• optimized pistons and connecting rods, resulting in a lighter crankshaft;
• hydraulic valve clearance compensation;
• modern electronic engine management (Bosch M 2.10);
• air mass measurement using a hot-film sensor;
• Two-pipe exhaust system with two independent metal carrier catalyst elements.

Hydraulic valve clearance compensation

The hydraulic valve clearance compensation in the new 911 Carrera has a positive effect, especially for the vehicle user. Whereas the service manuals previously required the valve clearance to be adjusted every 20,000 km, this work is no longer required with the new engine during the inspection. In addition to the lower maintenance requirements, the hydraulic valve clearance compensation also helps to reduce exhaust emissions during the engine's warm-up phase.

The cylinder head has a hemispherical combustion chamber. The two spark plugs are located opposite each other on the sides of the two valves. The double ignition shortens the maximum flame path in the cylinder, combustion takes place in a shorter time and is more stable, i.e. with only minor deviations between the individual working cycles. In practical terms, this results in increased performance, optimized fuel consumption and better idling quality compared to single ignition.

Two catalytic converters and two silencers

The new Carrera is extremely advanced in its exhaust system. The burned gas mixture from both cylinder banks flows into a mixing chamber via the exhaust manifolds, which are designed as heating heat exchangers. This is also where the lambda probe for measuring the mixture composition is located. The exhaust gas flow then splits again and flows through a metal carrier catalytic converter and a silencer. Two exhaust pipes instead of one are the external sign of this new exhaust system. By separating the exhaust gas flows, it has been possible to reduce the pressure loss in the exhaust system and optimize noise reduction without unduly increasing the volume of the exhaust system.

Oil change only after 20,000 kilometers

The proven dry sump lubrication, which is widely used in motorsport, is used to lubricate the Carrera engine. The oil supply is not collected in an oil pan, but in a separate oil tank. The oil pump, which is driven by the engine, supplies all bearings, the chain tensioners, the cam surfaces, the hydraulic valve clearance compensation elements and the spray nozzles installed to cool the pistons with oil from this tank.

The return oil pump transports the lubricant from the crankcase back into the oil tank. An oil cooler that is connected to the circuit and is additionally cooled by a fan at higher lubricant temperatures sets the oil temperature to the optimum level. The two filters within the circuit have a change interval of 40,000 kilometers, the oil itself (nine liters capacity) only needs to be changed every 20,000 kilometers.

Typical 911 sound

In all developments, it was a high priority to maintain the typical "sound" of the Porsche 911. Above all, the acoustics group created specifically for this purpose in the Porsche Research and Development Center in Weissach carried out important analysis and coordination work here. The engineers and scientists were able to rely on innovative measuring methods and calculation systems, some of which had been developed by Porsche itself.

Motor vehicles are becoming increasingly quieter in terms of their external noise. The new Porsche 911 is also following this trend and, compared to its predecessor, presents itself with significantly reduced internal and external noise. It therefore already meets future legal noise emission limits. The most important measures for reducing noise in the 911 Carrera are:

• reducing mechanical engine noise through lighter connecting rods and pistons, hydraulic valve clearance compensation, a stiffer crankshaft and, as a secondary measure, optimizing the underbody paneling;
• an elaborately designed intake silencer, which is designed as a reflection system and which even incorporates the intake snorkel and air filter into the noise-reducing construction;
• the new exhaust system with mixing chamber, two metal carrier catalyst monoliths and two rear silencers, each with a tailpipe.

Weight-optimized six-speed manual transmission

The new 911 Carrera has a completely new six-speed manual transmission, the sixth gear of which is on the same level as the fifth gear in the shift pattern. The sixth gear is introduced in order to be able to cover the wide speed range of up to 270 km/h. Otherwise, increasingly longer gears in the five-speed transmission would have consumed the engine's additional power and caused disadvantages in the elasticity values that are important for active driving safety.

The six-speed manual transmission was developed with the aim of achieving the highest level of gear shifting precision and safety.

Friction during gear shifting has been significantly reduced through a series of individual measures, and the shifting forces are 30 to 40 percent lower than those of the five-speed transmission used previously.

Despite the numerous improvements and the additional gear, it was possible to keep the weight of the new manual transmission at the same level as the previous model. This was made possible by using a range of weight-reduced parts and manufacturing methods, some of which are being used for the first time in series production.

Dynamic driving control system prevents wheels from spinning

A dynamic driving control system is available as a special option for the Porsche 911. It prevents one of the two drive wheels from spinning when starting off on road surfaces with different levels of grip on the right and left. This system consists of two elements, the automatic brake differential (ABD) and a mechanical rear axle differential lock. If a drive wheel spins when accelerating, the control unit detects this via the ABS sensors. The spinning wheel is braked via the brake valve, which can be selectively controlled and is optimized for quick response. This allows the wheel that is not spinning to transmit a higher drive torque.

This makes it possible to start off without any problems even under difficult conditions. The activation of the ABD control is indicated to the driver by a control lamp in the instrument cluster. At a speed of about 70 km/h the ABD control range ends.

The chassis of the Porsche 911 in the new Carrera has undergone the most fundamental redesign in the 30-year model lifespan. While the front axle has been revised in many respects, a completely redesigned rear axle is used in the rear of the vehicle. Instead of the previously used semi-trailing arm axle with spring strut, the new 911 Carrera now has a multi-link axle with LSA system (stands for lightweight construction, stability and agility). In addition, the entire vehicle with chassis, steering and the respective tire combinations has been completely re-tuned, which leads to significantly improved driving comfort. The rolling noise is considerably lower and the vibrations of the vehicle are minimized even on bad roads.

For the rear axle of the new Porsche 911 Carera, the double wishbone principle known from racing has been further developed into the multi-link rear axle with subframe that is now used. In keeping with the characteristics of the rear axle - lightweight construction, more stability and increased agility - Porsche calls the technical solution found the "LSA system".

The LSA axle is guided by four links, which are arranged in two horizontal planes. These links are designed in a rod construction, and in conjunction with the appropriate choice of material (cast aluminum), weight could be saved.

The subframe is a frame made of two parts using die-cast aluminum technology, the two elements of which are connected to one another via three cross members. The subframe is connected to the body at four points via rubber bearings. This form of suspension offers a number of advantages in terms of comfort and maneuverability. Another benefit is on the production side. The entire rear axle can be pre-assembled in production and then installed in this way.

Revised front axle enables better straight-line stability

The front axle design is based on the tried-and-tested McPherson strut axle of the previous Porsche 911. However, the properties of this axle have been significantly improved through a whole series of detailed measures. An increased caster, the negative steering roll radius and the redesign of numerous front axle components enabled noticeable advantages in the handling of the entire vehicle. Finally, the use of new materials made it possible to save a total of three kilograms of weight on the front axle.

The effects of these measures are improved straight-line stability that is less disrupted by road surface properties, a reduction in the influence of the road surface on the steering and increased vehicle stability when braking on road surfaces with different levels of grip on the left and right.

A sports chassis is available as a special request for the 911 Carrera, which differs considerably from the standard chassis. It was adjusted in extensive driving tests and is deliberately designed for the sporty driver. It differs from the standard chassis primarily in terms of shorter and harder springs, stronger anti-roll bars, dampers tailored to sporty requirements and adapted wheel positions. Comfort remains within acceptable limits, and the maximum permissible payload does not change.

Steering provides contact with the road

When designing the steering, the focus was on the requirement for high active and passive safety. The steering in the new 911 Carrera responds sensitively, manages with small steering angles, but at the same time requires only little force when parking. The fact that the steering gives the driver feedback on the road conditions, reacts precisely to steering movements and yet remains good-natured and easy to control is one of the usual characteristics of the Porsche 911. The positive characteristics of the steering could be further improved by completely redesigned, elastic tie rods.

Braking at the highest level

Porsche sets the highest standards for the design and stability of the braking system. Thanks to the experience gained in racing and the uncompromising development of the knowledge gained in sports car construction, a number of improvements have also been incorporated into the new 911 Carrera, which raises the almost unmatched level of Porsche braking systems even further.

The new ABS 5 anti-lock braking system is being used for the first time in the 911 Carrera. It has newly coordinated control algorithms. This has a particular effect on road surfaces that are difficult to calculate because they are inhomogeneous. On partially dry, uneven or dirty roads, situations can arise that are difficult to control, and in these cases an optimally functioning anti-lock braking system is particularly important. In conjunction with the brake force control valves, which have been improved to reduce response times, the standard ABS 5 system can, under certain circumstances, significantly shorten braking distances compared to conventional ABS systems.

In addition, the perforation of the front and rear brake discs increases heat dissipation and reduces the response time during wet braking. The targeted supply of fresh air via air ducts in the front of the vehicle and the heat dissipation via the light alloy wheels increase the stability of the brakes under extreme loads.

A new headlight technology for low and high beam guarantees the 911 Carrera driver a significantly improved light output. A polyellipsoid headlight (PES) with H1 lamp is used for the low beam. The high beam is enhanced by a reflector with variable focus (VF technology). Both are housed in a large, elliptically shaped light unit.

The VF technology is based on a design in which the focal length of the reflector was calculated for each point on the reflector surface. The reflector itself, and not just the lens, creates the desired light distribution. This in turn gave new freedom for the design of the headlight glass. A high-pressure nozzle, through which cleaning fluid is sprayed onto the slanted headlight glass at a pressure of two bar, ensures that the lenses are cleaned as standard.

A new design that sets the trend is Porsche presenting a headlight unit that can be considered particularly easy to service. By simply moving a lever in the front luggage compartment, the lock of the entire headlight system is released. The headlight unit can then be easily pulled out to the front. When installing and then locking it, all electrical connections are connected at the same time. Changing the bulb or replacing the light unit - like adjusting the headlights - can be done in a very short time.

Field of vision increased

The two windshield wiper arms are now attached in the middle. The new arrangement not only results in a significantly larger wiping field, but also an 80 percent coverage of the field covered by the two wiper arms. This high proportion of the windshield surface wiped twice improves visibility in rain and also prevents snow from building up on the windshield when it snows.

Larger luggage compartment

The design changes made to the 911 Carrera have increased the luggage compartment volume by around 20 percent to 123 liters. The spare wheel, which is located below the plastic fuel tank at the front, absorbs a significant amount of the deformation energy in the event of an accident. The tank holds 74.5 liters; a tank with a capacity of 92 liters can also be ordered on request, although this reduces the luggage compartment volume. Fundamental design changes were necessary in the rear of the car due to the use of the new rear axle. These were used to increase the rigidity of the body and at the same time to simplify production.

Two airbags as standard

The driver and passenger airbags are standard in the Porsche 911 Carrera. Just as this safety element on the driver's side takes up very little space in the steering wheel with its new design, the lockable glove compartment installed below the airbag on the passenger side also offers considerable storage space.

Highly effective heating system with particle filter

The electronically controlled air/air-controlled heating system of the Porsche 911, which is unique in the world, is characterized by its unrivaled rapid heating of the interior after a cold start compared to water/air-controlled systems. In the new model, this system has undergone a number of further detailed improvements, with the standard particle filter for improving the interior climate being particularly noteworthy. The system on offer retains particles as small as five thousandths of a millimeter, including most flower pollen, for example.

Seat as a comfort and safety element

The front seats in the 911 Carrera have been visually modified with a new seam and also received improved thigh support. The seat height adjustment is already carried out electrically in the standard model, and fully electric seats, also with seat heating, are available as an option. The high quality and stability of the seats as well as the integrated headrests guarantee the highest level of seating comfort and the greatest possible safety.

The newly designed door panels and side panels in the rear underline the modern design of the interior. At the same time, these modifications create the conditions for the installation of a new audio sound package.

New immobilizer

Porsche equips the 911 Carrera with the electronic immobilizer as standard, which meets the stricter requirements profile of the Allianz that has been in force since January 1995.

The additional immobilizer supplements the existing alarm system. An electronically coded intervention in the engine management makes it impossible to start the engine when the immobilizer is activated. The new system is automatically armed both when the vehicle is locked and after 90 seconds. The immobilizer is designed in such a way that it is impossible to bypass it by short-circuiting or cutting individual cables and lines. Even if the vehicle's power supply is interrupted, the status of the new immobilizer remains unchanged. The anti-theft protection can only be deactivated using a rolling code radio remote control.

Every time a button on the hand-held transmitter is pressed, a random code selected from more than 68 billion possibilities is sent out. If the immobilizer in the vehicle detects a valid code signal, this is indicated by the alarm readiness lights on the upper edges of the doors flashing.

The most important innovations compared to the previous immobilizer are that an electronically coded intervention is carried out from the immobilizer control unit to the DME control unit via a data line and the status of the immobilizer is displayed by a lamp. In addition to the hand-held transmitter, there is also the option of deactivating the immobilizer by entering a vehicle-specific code number and thus being able to start the vehicle if the hand-held transmitter is not working. The immobilizer consists of a control unit and two hand-held transmitters with the adapted DME control unit. Up to two additional hand-held transmitters can be ordered via the spare parts procurement department.