Porsche 911 (991) (2011 – 2015) Review

August 2011

Porsche revealed the all-new 911

It goes on sale in the UK in December 2011 priced from £71,449 for the Carrera and £81,242 for the Carrera S.

The rear-mounted, flat six cylinder engine is an equally symbolic component of the 911 identity; and behind the rear axle of the new car lies an uprated range of powerful, efficient and evocative ‘boxer’ engines. The 911 Carrera is powered by a new 3.4-litre engine developing 350 hp, and the Carrera S features a 400 hp version of the familiar 3.8-litre. These new engines offer performance improvements for both models. The 3.4-litre Carrera with PDK accelerates from 0-62mph in 4.6 sec, 0.1 sec quicker than the prior model. Pressing the Sport Plus button on the optional Sport Chrono Pack cuts that to 4.4 sec. The 3.8-litre Carrera S with PDK can accelerate from 0- 62 mph in 4.3 sec (Sport Plus 4.1 sec), 0.2sec quicker than its predecessor.

Depending on the model, there are other standard or optional active control systems available as well that further enhance the driving dynamics. 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 system reduces body roll when cornering, with the result that the tyres are always in the optimal position relative to the road surface and thus able to transmit higher lateral forces. Consequently, maximum cornering speeds are increased, and even faster lap times on racing circuits are possible.

To complement the modern exterior, the Porsche designers created an interior style which takes its cue from that of the Porsche Carrera GT. The driver is now even more closely integrated with the cockpit thanks to the centre console rising up to the front with the high-mounted shift lever - or PDK gear selector - located close to the steering wheel in typical motorsport fashion. Classic Porsche style elements are also to be found inside, just as they are on the outside. For example, the instrument cluster with five round instruments, with the central dial naturally the rev counter. On the right is a new, high resolution multi-function screen, just one of the comfort features added to meet evolving customer demands.

Setting the standard in its class, as it has for generations, the new 911 Carrera and Carrera S raise the performance and efficiency standard to new levels. Fuel consumption and emissions of all versions are up to 16 per cent lower compared with its predecessors. Among other things, this is achieved by systems and functions such as auto start/stop, thermal management, electrical system recuperation, the world’s first seven-speed manual transmission and – in conjunction with the Porsche-Doppelkupplungsgetriebe (PDK) – a ‘coasting’ function that decouples the engine for enhanced fuel efficiency when the throttle is closed.

The new electro-mechanical power steering system offers not only the typical precision and feedback expected of a Porsche, but also helps to increase efficiency and reduce fuel consumption. For example, the 911 Carrera with the new 350 hp (257 kW) 3.4-litre direct injection engine and optional PDK returns 34.4mpg Combined based on the New European Driving Cycle (NEDC) - 6mpg less than its predecessor. Also, at 194 g/km CO2, it is the first Porsche sports car to sit below 200 g/km CO2. In the case of the Carrera S, with its 400 hp 3.8-litre direct injection engine, economy when paired with the optional PDK is increased by 14 per cent, or 5mpg, to 32.4mpg Combined despite 15hp more power. That equates to CO2 emissions of 205g/km.

Evidently, it has therefore been possible in the new 911 Carrera to extend yet further the span of apparently contradictory attributes such as performance and efficiency, sportiness and everyday usability that has always typified the Porsche 911. It could be said that the new 911 Carrera is thus more of a 911 than ever.

The 911 Carrera is priced from £71,449 and the 911 Carrera S is priced from £81,242. Standard equipment on all models is leather interior, sports seats, automatic climate control, xenon headlights, 7-inch colour touch-screen Porsche Communication Management with satellite navigation, a universal audio interface offering MP3 connectivity, Porsche Stability Management (PSM) and a three year warranty.

The Carrera S adds 20-inch alloy wheels, Porsche Active Suspension Management (PASM) and Porsche Torque Vectoring (PTV) with rear limited slip differential, in addition to the power advantage of the larger 3.8-litre engine.

August 2012

Porsche 911 Carrera 4 and 4S models introduced

While retaining the traditional rear-wheel drive emphasis of the 911, the all-wheel drive chassis of the Carrera 4 and 4S delivers increased traction, road-holding and dynamic performance over a wide variety of road surfaces and in all weather conditions.

A distinctive identifying feature of the 911 Carrera 4 and 4S remains the wider rear wheel arches: compared to the two-wheel drive 911 Carrera models, the rear wheel arches each extend further outwards by 22 mm, and house rear tyres that are ten millimetres wider. The signature red light band that connects the two taillights has also taken on a new form.

The new all-wheel drive 911 is available in four versions; the 911 Carrera 4 and 911 Carrera 4S, and as a Coupé and Cabriolet. Each model shares identical characteristics to the rear-wheel drive versions, including lightweight body design, suspension, engine choices and gearbox options; the only exceptions are modifications related to the all-wheel drive. The innovative aluminium-steel composite body construction of the 911 helps deliver a weight saving of up to 65kg versus the prior model; consequently, despite the higher level of performance, the new 911 Carrera 4 models also offer up to 16 per cent lower fuel consumption.

All models have a seven-speed manual gearbox as standard, and the seven-speed Porsche Doppelkupplung (PDK) twin-clutch automatic transmission is available as an option. The 911 Carrera 4 features a rear-mounted 3.4-litre flat-six engine developing 350 hp (257 kW), and can sprint from 0-62mph in as little as 4.5 seconds (Cabriolet 4.7 sec) and reach a top speed of up to 177 mph (Cabriolet 175 mph), depending on specification. Fuel consumption with PDK is 32.8 mpg (203 g/km CO2) for the Coupé and 32.5 mpg (205 g/km CO2) for the Cabriolet.

The 911 Carrera 4 S is powered by a 3.8-litre flat-six engine that produces 400 hp (294 kW) and delivers acceleration from 0-62mph in 4.1 seconds (Cabriolet 4.3 seconds) and a top speed of 186 mph (Cabriolet 184 mph). Fuel consumption with PDK is 31.0mpg (215 g/km CO2) for the Coupé and 30.7 mpg (217 g/km CO2) for the Cabriolet.

In the 911 Carrera 4 and 4S, a new menu in the instrument cluster informs the driver how the PTM all-wheel drive is currently distributing engine torque between the front and rear axles. In addition, coincident with the launch of the 911 Carrera 4 models, Porsche is introducing the option of Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) - which controls distance to traffic ahead and vehicle speed - across the 911 model range. When ordered with PDK, the ACC system adds the safety function Porsche Active Safe (PAS), which can help prevent front-end collisions.

In addition, a new sliding glass sunroof is now available as an optional feature for all 911 Coupé models; and driving a 911 with a manual gearbox in combination with the optional Sport Chrono pack now has added responsiveness. In Sport Plus mode, the system automatically double-declutches during downshifts.

The Carrera 4 Coupe is priced from £77,924, and the Carrera 4S Coupe priced from £87,959. The 911 Carrera 4 Cabriolet is priced from £86,583.00, and the Carrera 4S Cabriolet from £96,619.

July 2014

Porsche launches 911 Turbo S GB Edition

As the name suggests the new 911 Turbo S Exclusive GB Edition is unique to the UK market and will be offered in a limited edition of 40, priced from £150,237. Each car will be delivered together with a personal photo book documenting the production process, a bespoke Exclusive GB Edition indoor car cover and unique design sketches.

It gets all-wheel drive chassis with active rear axle steering, adaptive aerodynamics, full-LED headlights and a 560PS flat six-cylinder twin-turbocharged engine emphatically underline the sporting character of the 911 Turbo S, on which the Exclusive GB Edition is based.

The Porsche Dynamic Chassis Control (PDCC) active anti-roll system further increases the handling capability. Aided by the Sport Chrono Package Plus incorporating dynamic engine mounts, and Porsche Ceramic Composite Brakes (PCCB), the 911 Turbo S can sprint from 0 to 62 mph in just 3.1 seconds and on to a top speed of 197 mph. The benchmark lap time around the Nürburgring-Nordschleife is 7 min 27 secs.

In profile, the 911 Turbo S Exclusive GB Edition shows a clear link to the first 911 Turbo – the black rear upper spoiler, Sport Classic wheels in black, black finished exterior door handles, and the black ‘Porsche’ script along the sills pay homage to its illustrious forebear. Inside, the black leather upholstery features Guards Red contrasting stitching and unique highlights include an embossed Union flag on the centre storage compartment lid.

Special features of the 911 Turbo S Exclusive GB Edition include a choice of three exterior colours: GT Silver metallic, White, Guards Red, contrasting exterior features in high gloss black such as 20-inch Sport Classic alloy wheels, upper part of rear spoiler, SportDesign wing mirrors, exterior door handles and the Porsche logo script in black along door sills.

Other extras include a storage compartment lid with embossed Union flag, SportDesign steering wheel with centre marking in Guards Red and rim with Guards Red stitching, black leather interior with Guards Red stitching, seat belts in Guards Red, personalised carbon door sill guards with ‘911 Turbo S – Exclusive GB Edition’ in illuminated lettering and carbon interior trim, including PDK gear lever, with chrome logo on dash insert.

October 2014

Porsche 911 Carrera GTS launched

Each of the four new 911 Carrera GTS models – a Coupe and a Cabriolet, available with either rear-wheel or all-wheel drive – build on the established core values of the iconic rear-engined 911 by adding further technical features to generate even higher levels of dynamic performance and driving enjoyment.

Under the rear engine lid lies an evocative flat-six power unit, tuned to develop 430PS, an increase of 30PS over the Carrera S. This is combined with the Sport Chrono package offering dynamic engine mounts, and Porsche Active Suspension Management (PASM) damper system which lowers the car's ride height by ten millimetres.

Improved efficiency has also led to quicker acceleration and higher top speeds, and Combined fuel consumption figures remain unchanged from the favourable level of the S models. For example, when combined with the Porsche Doppelkupplungsgetriebe (PDK) double-clutch gearbox, the 911 Carrera GTS can return 32.5mpg and also sprint from zero to 62mph in 4.0 seconds (Cabriolet: 4.2 seconds). With the standard seven-speed manual transmission and rear-wheel drive, a top speed of 198 mph is possible.

The exteriors of the new 911 Carrera GTS – like other GTS models – differ significantly from the other Carrera models. All versions feature the 911 Carrera 4 body with wide-flared rear wheel arches and a wider track. Also standard are 20-inch diameter alloy wheels with centre-lock mechanism, painted in an exclusive matt black finish. Accentuating the nose styling are special trim elements and smoked xenon headlights with the addition of the Porsche Dynamic Lighting System (PDLS). The air intake grille on the rear engine lid features bespoke GTS black trim strips and black chrome-plated exhaust tailpipes.

March 2015

2015 Porsche 911 991 GT3 RS unveiled

Powered by 4.0 litre flat six with 500PS and 521Nm torque. 0-60mph in 3.1, 0-120mph in 10.5, top speed 200mph, 7-speed PDK transmission. Very much a track day car that can be driven on the road, with features like a pit lane speed restrictor button, launch control, huge ducts on front wings to emit hot air from the brakes. UK price £131,296. On sale in UK from May 2015.

May 2015

Porsche launched 911 Carerra Black Edition

The combination of black paintwork and black interior emphasises the timeless yet purposeful elegance of the iconic coupe that has been acclaimed as one of the world’s benchmark sports cars since its launch in 1963.

Standard equipment on the 911 Carrera Black Edition model includes distinctive 20-inch diameter alloy wheels, automatically dimming rear-view mirrors, rain sensing windscreen wipers, cruise control and Sport Design steering wheel.

A rear-mounted, flat-six cylinder engine is a symbolic component of the 911 identity. The 911 Carrera Black Edition is powered by a charismatic 3.4-litre power plant developing 350 hp (257 kW). It is offered as coupé and convertible versions, and with rear-wheel drive or Porsche Traction Management (PTM) all-wheel drive.

The special model rides on eye-catching 20-inch diameter ‘911 Turbo’ style alloy wheels and further graphic differentiation is provided by LED headlights including the Porsche Dynamic Light System Plus (PDLS+). The black interior simply looks sophisticated. The driver and passenger sit on heated seats - with the Porsche crest embossed on the head restraints - and the standard Bose® Surround Sound System provides excellent sound quality.

In addition, the mobile telephone module, front and rear Park Assist, which includes a reversing camera, and ‘911’ rear badge add to the effortless style of this 911.

October 2015

Revised 911 Carrera 4 and Targa 4 go on sale

The all-wheel drive models not only include the numerous visual refinements of the new 911 Carrera generation but also have their own individual distinguishing characteristics. For instance, the light strip between the rear lights now produces an especially distinctive effect thanks to its new three-dimensional design.

The new 911 Carrera models impress with top values in terms of performance, driving fun and efficiency. Thanks to bi-turbocharging, the three-litre, six-cylinder engines in the 911 Carrera 4 and 911 Targa 4 achieve an output of 370PS and torque of 450Nm, while output in the S models increases to 420PS and torque to 500Nm.

This gives the driver an added bonus of 20PS to convert into driving fun. The greater power of the Carrera S models comes from turbochargers with modified compressors, a specific exhaust system and tuned engine management.

In combination with the now electro-hydraulically controlled all-wheel drive, the 911 Carrera 4 for the first time even achieves better acceleration values than its rear-wheel-drive counterparts. Equipped with the options of PDK and Sport Chrono package, the 911 Carrera 4 sprints from zero to 62 mph in 4.1 seconds (0.4 seconds less than its predecessor model), with the S model registering 3.8 seconds (0.3 seconds less). The cabriolet S and the 911 Targa 4 with comparable equipment need just 0.2 seconds longer – the time it takes to blink. Top speeds vary according to model and equipment between 178 mph and 189 mph.

Traditionally, every new generation of engines from Porsche combines more output with less consumption. Consequently, fuel consumption in the 911 Carrera 4 Cabriolet with PDK rises to a combined 36 mpg (previously 32.5 mpg). The models with the most significant improvements are the 911 Carrera S Cabriolet and 911 Targa 4S, each with PDK, in which average consumption rises to a combined 35 mpg (previously 30.7 mpg).

Carrera 4 - £81,398 RRP
Carrera 4 Cabriolet - £90,240 RRP
Carrera 4S - £90,843 RRP
Carrera 4S Cabriolet - £99,684 RRP
Targa 4 - £90,240 RRP
Targa 4S - £99,684 RRP