Reviews 4 Cars

Next generation Porsche 911 powers ahead with direct fuel injection and double-clutch gearbox.

The Porsche 911 stirs emotions in sports car enthusiasts the world over. Timeless emotions that have been experienced by generations since the model series was first launched in 1963. This summer, Porsche is introducing the next generation of the 911: a car that exemplifies the core 911 principles of distinctive design with inner strength.

Acclaimed as one of the best sports cars in the world, Porsche has developed the unique rear-engined concept of the 911 continually over its 45 year evolution so that it remains relevant in changing times. The 911 is the perfect synthesis of sportiness, superior everyday versatility, all-round economy and genuine environmental compatibility. Now, by introducing a wide range of new and truly comprehensive technologies, Porsche has built on the outstanding reputation of the 911 to further optimise the car for today’s driving environment. All-new flat-six power units displacing 3.6 and 3.8-litres featuring Direct Fuel Injection (DFI), and the option of the Porsche Doppelkupplungsgetriebe (PDK) double-clutch transmission, are particular highlights marking a quantum leap in the car’s development.

The four new 911 models – two Coupés and two Cabriolets – offer increased dynamic performance and outstanding efficiency. With either a six-speed manual gearbox or the PDK transmission, the Carrera Coupé offers outstanding fuel economy of 29.4mpg combined. Furthermore, CO2 emissions of the 3.6-litre engine are down by up to 15 per cent to 225 g/km, thereby achieving VED Band F and reducing vehicle excise duty and company car taxation costs. And these engines, six kilogrammes lighter than before, also outperform EU5 emissions regulations.

Direct Fuel Injection (DFI)
Standard on the Cayenne V-engines since 2007, Porsche is now moving 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 sophisticated technology serves to develop more horsepower and torque from less fuel.

Porsche Doppelkupplungsgetriebe (PDK)
The new generation 911 is available for the first time with the new Porsche Doppelkupplungsgetriebe (PDK), literally Porsche double-clutch gearbox. Offering no less than 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.

Driving Safety Systems Further Enhanced
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.

Evolutionary Styling Development
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 bi-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.

Developments in Multi-Media
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 goes on sale in Great Britain and Ireland on July 5. The Carrera 3.6-litre is priced from £63,070 and the Carrera S 3.8-litre is priced from £70,360. The 911 Carrera Cabriolet is priced from £70,360, the Cabriolet Carrera S from £77,650.

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.

With the economy slowing down and fuel prices reaching an all time high in the U.S. and Europe, Porsche are probably left with no choice but to introduce diesel engines.

Industry experts are predicting Porsche will upgrade Audi’s V6 turbo diesel engine in its Cayenne. The diesel Cayenne is expected to achieve 23mpg, which should help improve the Porsche’s carbon footprint and allow the Cayenne to be registered in lower tax bracket in countries where registration taxes are based on emissions.

Reports claim the 240hp diesel Cayenne will be on sale by March next year. Porsche is expected to produce up to 15,000 diesel Cayenne’s annually, with prices to start at approximately £45,000 / $85,000.

According to Automotive News Europe, the diesel Cayenne was originally scheduled to be launched in January but was pushed back so it wouldn’t overlap with the introduction of the facelift model Boxster.

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Thankfully it’s not like father, like son as Lewis Hamilton’s dad ends up pranging a £330,000 Porsche Carrera GT.

Anthony Hamilton (father of Lewis Hamilton) left home with wife Linda and lost control of the 205mph supercar. The Carrera GT SPUN 180 degrees and careered rearwards through a wooden fence and a hawthorn hedge before coming to an halt in a children’s playground, thankfully an empty playground.

Neither Anthony nor Linda was hurt in the impact of the crash at Burnham Green, Herts. Mr Hamilton wouldn’t say who owned the car, but apologised profusely.

Anthony Later, added: “This is my first crash in almost 30 years and it had to happen in someone else’s car. Thankfully the only thing hurt was the car and a bush fence, for which I am extremely sorry.”

A collector’s item, The Carrera GT is 1 of 1,270 made and thought to be 1 of 50 in the UK.

Even the best take a spill once in a while; police will talk to Anthony as part of “routine inquiries”.

The Porsche Panamera takes its design elements from a 911, that’s not to say there won’t be a significant difference: while the 911’s engine is rear-mounted, the Panamera will arrive with a choice of three front-mounted engines set back to the centre as much as possible.

The upcoming Porsche Panamera four-door coupe is likely to see production in April 2009, one month after the worldwide debut at the Geneva Motor Show. The Panamera will be built at its Leipzig plant alongside its brother Cayenne. Speculation suggests the maximum production capacity is currently around 20,000 a year.