Porsche 911 (997/2) (2008 – 2011) Review

June 2008

Revamped 911 launched

There are all-new flat-six power units with 3.6-litres and 3.8-litres featuring Direct Fuel Injection and the option of the Porsche Doppelkupplungsgetriebe (PDK) double-clutch transmission.

The four 911 models - two Coupes and two Cabriolets - offer increased performance and efficiency. With either a six-speed manual gearbox or the PDK transmission, the Carrera Coupe offers fuel economy of 29.4mpg combined. Furthermore, CO2 emissions of the 3.6-litre engine are down by up to 15 per cent to 225g/km.

Porsche has moved over to Direct Fuel Injection (DFI) for the flat-six engines in the 911 series. Forming exactly the right mixture of fuel and air directly in the combustion chamber, this technology serves to develop more horsepower and torque from less fuel. As well as offering lower running costs, the direct fuel injection engines fitted in the 911 are also more powerful than the previous generation power units.

The maximum output of the 911 Carrera 3.6-litre is up by 20bhp to 345bhp while output of the 911 Carrera S 3.8-litre power unit is up by 30bhp to 385bhp. With this extra power, the Carrera S Coupe now offers a top speed of slightly over 188 mph.

The engines respond more directly and spontaneously to even the slightest movement of the driver's right foot. This is not only the case when accelerating, but also when lifting off the throttle, for engine speed drops more quickly and smoothly since there is no residual fuel left in the intake manifold which might otherwise prolong the combustion process.

The 911 is available for the first time with the new Porsche Doppelkupplungsgetriebe (PDK), literally Porsche double-clutch gearbox. Offering seven forward gears, the new gearbox combines the driving comfort of a torque converter-equipped automatic transmission with the dynamic manual gearshift functionality of a sequential racing gearbox.

PDK also boasts an entirely automatic gearshift function, and replaces the Porsche Tiptronic S automatic transmission previously offered on the Carrera and Carrera S. Through its optimised and adaptive gearshift programmes, PDK improves the acceleration of the 911 and reduces fuel consumption to a level even lower than before.

The big advantage is an even faster gearshift than with a conventional manual gearbox or torque converter automatic transmission. The gears are already 'in mesh' when shifting and the power of the engine need not be interrupted in the process.

PDK also reduces to a minimum transmission power losses courtesy of the high standard of mechanical efficiency in the double-clutch, and this manifests itself in fuel economy improvements of approximately 13 per cent compared with a conventional Tiptronic S transmission. PDK also offers an advantage in terms of weight - despite two additional gears, it weighs 10kg less than Tiptronic S.

The seven-speed PDK shifts gears up to 60 per cent faster than a conventional automatic transmission, and naturally, gives the new 911 Carrera models even better performance: when equipped with PDK, the Carrera S Coupe accelerates in 4.5 seconds from 0-62mph, another 0.2 seconds faster than with a manual six-speed gearbox - and 0.8 seconds quicker than its predecessor with Tiptronic S.

And those customers in search of optimum driving dynamics have the option to combine PDK with Sport Chrono Package Plus, now featuring Launch Control. The result is high speed acceleration from rest free of wheel slip, combined with race-style gear shifting, enabling the car to accelerate to 62mph in a truly outstanding 4.3 seconds.

To use the various functions of the double-clutch transmission, the driver can either shift gears by means of toggles on the spokes of the new steering wheel, or via the new gear selector lever. The driver can press forwards to shift the gears up, and press them from behind to shift downwards. Alternatively, pushing the gear selector lever forwards shifts up a gear, and pulling it back shifts down.

The Porsche Stability Management (PSM) system which continues to be standard on the new 911, now also comprises the Brake Pre-Filling and Brake Assistant functions which ensures faster and more powerful braking response when required. These aspects were previously available only on the Carrera 4 and Turbo models. The 911 Carrera now also features larger 330mm diameter brake discs front and rear.

At first sight, the new generation of the 911 can be identified through innovations in design both front and rear. These include larger rear view mirrors, newly-designed 18-inch and 19-inch wheels and new lights featuring LED technology. With LED day-time driving lights and xenon headlights now standard on all new models in the Carrera range, the distinctive style of the 911 silhouette has continued to evolve, and its classic look is further emphasised by striking, new LED rear lights. As a further driving safety option, Porsche now also offers Dynamic Cornering Lights on all models.

The sophisticated interior of the 911 has evolved similarly. Most obviously, the Porsche Communication Management (PCM) control system features a simplified control panel - plus a larger 6.5-inch display with 'touchscreen' technology for the first time - which makes inputs to the audio system or the optional satellite navigation more straightforward. PCM can now be fully compatible with external audio sources, such as an iPod or a USB stick, and Bluetooth. A TV tuner is a further option, which can receive both analogue and digital television signals.

The second generation Porsche 911 went on sale in Great Britain on July 5 2008.

Fitted to every 911 is a Porsche Vehicle Tracking System (VTS), a sophisticated vehicle security package approved to Thatcham Category 5 standard, and customers will also be able to explore the potential of their new car on a Porsche Driving Experience course.

In the new generation 911 Carrera 4 and Carrera 4S, the all-wheel drive is now provided via electronically-controlled Porsche Traction Management (PTM), which replaces the former all-wheel drive with its viscous multiple-plate clutch. The superior PTM system was first developed for the 911 Turbo and has been modified for the Carrera models.

The transmission delivers an even higher level of driving stability, traction and agility, further enhanced by the mechanical limited slip differential now fitted as standard to the rear axle. PTM provides a faster and more precise transmission of power in all driving situations, and this offers not only excellent stability at high speeds, but also increases further the level of responsiveness of the car to the driver.

The 911 Carrera 4 models share their all-new flat-six engines with Direct Fuel Injection (DFI) with the two-wheel drive Carrera 2 and Carrera 2S. Output of the 3.6-litre power unit is up by 20bhp to 345bhp. At the same time, a Carrera 4 Coupe with PDK transmission, to take just one example, offers fuel consumption of 28.0mpg.

The improvements on the 911 Carrera 4S with its 3.8-litre power unit are equally significant, with maximum output up by 30bhp to 385bhp and overall fuel consumption down in the case of the Carrera 4S Cabriolet with PDK to 26.4mpg.

September 2010

New member of 911 family, the GTS combines powerful 408 hp 3.8-litre flat six engine with rear-wheel drive to create an exceptionally sporting Carrera. Widened rear body styling emphasises the classic rear engine configuration of the 911 and wider rear track further enhances the chassis dynamics. Debut at Paris Salon 2-10-2010. On sale December 2010 priced from £76,758

Powered by a 3.8-litre direct injection flat six engine that has been tuned to produce an additional 23 hp more than the 911 Carrera S, the new GTS combines the traditional 911 virtues of exceptional sporting performance, distinctive styling and day to day versatility.

Special attention was paid to the cylinder charge in the 3.8-litre flat engine fitted to the Carrera GTS in order to deliver 408 hp. A special resonance intake manifold features six vacuum-controlled tuning flaps that switch between power- and torque-optimised geometry, whereas in a Carrera S power unit there is only one tuning flap. Consequently, the maximum torque of 420 Nm is available at 4,200 rpm, 200 rpm earlier than with the Carrera S for increased low rev response. Added to this is a sports exhaust system with two dual tailpipes producing a unique sound. The outer shells of the exhaust pipes are painted in black and their inner tubes are polished on the outside and nano-coated.

As standard, the Carrera GTS has a six-speed manual gearbox and the seven-speed Porsche Doppelkupplungsgetriebe (PDK) as an option. Top speed 190 mph. GTS Coupé with PDK and a Sport Chrono Package Plus in Sport Plus does 0-60 in 4 seconds. 911 Carrera GTS consumes no more fuel than the Carrera S in the New European Driving Cycle (NEDC). Fuel consumption of a Carrera GTS with PDK in the NEDC is 27.7 mpg (10.2 litres/100 km) and CO 2 emissions are 240 g/km.

GTS combines the 44 millimetre wider body of the all-wheel drive Carrera 4 models - including widened rear track - with a classic rear-wheel drive configuration. Sits on 19-inch centre-locking RS Spyder alloy wheels, painted in black with high-gloss finished rims, with 235/35 ZR 19 tyres on the front axle and 305/30 ZR 19 tyres on the rear. SportDesign front apron with spoiler edge painted in black, special side skirts also in black, and the Carrera GTS logotype on doors and rear lid, in black or silver depending on the body colour. The area between the two tailpipes on the rear apron is also finished in black.

Centre sections of the driver and passenger sport seats are covered with black Alcantara. The sporty interior ambience is further emphasised by use of Alcantara wherever driver and passenger come into direct contact with the car; such as on the rim of the new three-spoke SportDesign steering wheel and on the gear lever and handbrake. £76,758 for the Coupe and £83,493 for the Cabriolet.

Fitted to every 911 Carrera GTS is a Porsche Vehicle Tracking System (VTS), a sophisticated vehicle security package approved to Thatcham Category 5 standard, and customers will also be able to explore the potential of their new car by participating in a complimentary course at the Porsche Experience Centre, Silverstone.

January 2011

Porsche introduced the 911 Black Edition. Available in just 1,911 examples worldwide, the Porsche 911 Black Edition is painted in plain black as standard, with Basalt Black metallic available as an option. The electric-folding hood of the Cabriolet model is trimmed in black cloth. Exterior highlights are provided by the 19-inch 911 Turbo II forged alloy wheels, the glossy metallic appearance of which perfectly complements the discreet elegance of these 911 models. In addition, the wheel rims provide an unobstructed view of the brake discs which are naturally paired with black-finished, four-piston aluminium monobloc fixed callipers. Rear-mounted 345 hp flat-six 3.6-litre engine. Priced from £67,270 for the Coupé and £74,958 for the Cabriolet – on sale April 2011

Black lettering on the stainless steel door entry guards identifies each ‘Black Edition’, and provides a first hint of the high-quality interior design with its focus on pure sports car values. Inside, the colour theme of the exterior continues with a black leather interior, and facing the driver is a thick-rimmed SportDesign steering wheel. The instrument cluster naturally remains in black. On the glove compartment lid, a badge testifies to the limited production run of the 911 Black Edition. By way of contrast, the decorative fascia strip, gear lever and air vents are finished in aluminium-look paint. The rear centre console is painted in the exterior colour.

Together with the characteristic exhaust note of the flat-six 3.6-litre engine, a further acoustic highlight of the 911 Black Edition is the BOSE® Surround Sound-System that is fitted as standard. This was specially coordinated with the interior of the 911 Carrera and comprises 13 loudspeakers (twelve in the Cabriolet) including an active subwoofer and central speaker as well as a seven channel digital amplifier. Combined, this delivers a total output of 385 W for an immersive sound experience.

Also standard on the Black Edition models is satellite navigation, and a universal audio interface in the central console storage compartment that enables an MP3 player to be connected to the audio. Every 911 Black Edition also features rear ParkAssist, cruise control, automatic dimming anti-dazzle interior and exterior mirrors, and rain-sensing windscreen wipers.

The technology of the 911 Black Edition conforms to the Carrera standard: Under the rear lid is to be found the typical Carrera flat-six cylinder engine, producing 345 hp (245 kW) at 6,500 rpm from 3,614cc. Coupled with the six-speed gearbox, this output delivers a top speed of 180 mph (289 km/h) in both body versions. At its maximum acceleration, the Coupé reaches 62 mph (100 km/h) in 4.9 seconds, the Cabriolet in 5.1 seconds. Combined with such impressive performance figures are remarkably moderate running costs; the 911 Black Series Coupé, for example, returns 27.4mpg Combined (NEDC).

911 Black Edition enjoys the same technical special equipment options that are offered for all Carrera models. First and foremost is the Porsche-Doppelkupplungsgetriebe (PDK) double-clutch gearbox. A 911 Carrera with PDK turns in record performances thanks to the seven ratios and quick gear changes achieved with no interruption to the power flow. On the one hand fuel consumption: at 29.4 mpg (9.6 l/100 km) and 28.5 mpg (9.9 l/100 km) for the closed and open-top 911 respectively, the Carreras dip under the 10 l/100km threshold. On the other hand dynamics: with PDK, the Coupé accomplishes the sprint in only 4.7 seconds, the Cabrio in 4.9 seconds. Responsiveness can also be further enhanced by the optional Sport Chrono Plus package. It features the additional "Launch Control" function for the fastest possible acceleration from a standing start allied with a gearshift strategy for extremely sporty driving that enables very fast gearshifts. Launch Control shaves a further 0.2 seconds off the acceleration times of vehicles equipped with PDK.

The sportiness and comfort of the 911 Black Edition can be enhanced further if so desired. For example, the Porsche Active Suspension Management (PASM) and as an additional option for the Coupé, the PASM with sports chassis lowered by 20 millimetres and mechanical rear limited slip differential. To further optimisebraking performance, Porsche Ceramic Composite Brakes (PCCB) are also available at extra cost.

The 911 Black Edition goes on sale in the UK and Ireland from April 2011 and is priced from £67,270 for the Coupé and £74,958 for the Cabriolet – the same price as the standard 911 Carrera models.

Included in the purchase price is the invitation for customers to explore the dynamic attributes of their 911 and develop their own skills behind the wheel, courtesy of a Driving Experience Programme at the Porsche Experience Centre at Silverstone.