The new Porsche 911—The design icon of the sports car world

It possesses the most identifiable sports car silhouette of all time. It’s almost unbelievable that in an age where “new” is more often the norm, staying true to a specific styling element can result in a truly iconic design.

And that’s precisely what Porsche has achieved with the ageless, timeless 911.

And now the wizards of Weissach have taken the wraps off the latest 911—the eighth generation of arguably the world’s most pedigreed model line.    

Porsche recently presented its latest flagship sport car in Petree Hall at the Los Angeles Auto Show. “California is the ideal place to introduce the new 911. California has been like a second home to Porsche for decades,” comments Oliver Blume, CEO of Porsche AG. “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 pure sports car and the pulsing heart of Porsche: our icon.” 

Porsche AG Chairman of the Executive Board Oliver Blume with the new Porsche 911.

Unmistakably committed to the Porsche design DNA, with a much more muscular look and an interior featuring a 10.9-inch 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 renowned for, with the demands of the digital world.

The next generation of flat-six turbocharged engines has been further developed and is more powerful than ever, with 450ps in the S models. Efficiency has been increased by an improved injection process and a new layout for the turbochargers and charge-air cooling system.

The power is delivered by Porsche’s new eight-speed dual-clutch PDK transmission. The top speeds are now 308 km/h (Carrera S) and 306 km/h for the Carrera 4S all-wheel-drive version. Additional highlights include Porsche Wet mode to make driving on wet roads even safer and, Night Vision Assist with thermal imaging camera. 

Detlev von Platen, Member of the Executive Board for Sales and Marketing at Porsche AG, emphasized the importance of the US American market for the sports car manufacturer: “More than 55,000 Porsches were delivered to the USA in 2017, and our American sales company Porsche Cars North America is on track to achieve a new record figure in 2018. Ultimately, no model better symbolizes the American love affair with Porsche than the 911. One in three Porsche 911s built in Zuffenhausen goes to the USA.”

A timeless shape

The exterior design is familiar and yet unmistakably new. The eighth-generation 911 is wider, more assertive, and more advanced. Wider wings arch over the large 20-inch wheels at the front and 21-inch wheels at the rear. The rear-wheel-drive models now match the bodywork width of the existing all-wheel models. Their rear body is 44mm wider. The front end of all models – now 45 mm wider – revives a traditional feature of earlier 911 generations: a forward-extended bonnet with a distinctive recess in front of the windshield. Both elements lengthen the front of the vehicle and give it a dynamic look.

At the same time, the new LED headlights illustrate how technology has advanced in the 911. These headlights are integrated into the fenders almost seamlessly, taking the typically-911 round and upright form. Flush integration of the electrical pop-out handles in the doors emphasizes the tapered and smooth side contour. The exterior mirrors have also been redesigned, and are now optimized to minimize wind noise.

The rear of all models is dominated by the significantly wider, variable-position spoiler and the seamless, elegant light bar. The vertically arranged louvres of the air intake echo the contours of the rear window. The centrally located third brake light has also been integrated in the intake louvres. Since this is hidden when the rear spoiler is extended, there is a second brake light in the spoiler itself.

As a distinguishing feature, the rear-wheel-drive models have black louvres, while the all-wheel-drive models have chrome elements in the rear grille. With the exception of the front and rear sections, the entire outer skin is now made from aluminum.

Redesigned interior that harks back to tradition

The interior is distinctive, with the clear, straight lines and recessed instruments defining the dashboard. The 911 models from the 1970s provided the inspiration here as well. As it does in the original 911, the new dashboard covers the entire width between two horizontal wing levels.

Alongside the centrally positioned rev counter, two thin, frameless freeform displays deliver information to the driver. Now 10.9 inches in size, the center 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 with the look of a classic toggle switch creates the transition to the center console with a touchpad.

The seats have also been fundamentally modified. The new design reduces the vehicle weight by around three kilos, while the adapted geometry offers significantly better lateral support in the shoulder area. Although the seat is now positioned five millimeters lower and has a minimally thinner seat cushion, seating comfort has been improved overall. 

Cutting-edge new assistance systems enhance safety and comfort

In a world first, Porsche has developed Wet mode, included as standard. This function detects water on the road, preconditions the control systems accordingly and warns the driver; the driver can then adjust vehicle settings for a particular emphasis on safety at the push of a button, or by means of the mode switch on the steering wheel (optional Sport Chrono Package).

The camera-based warning and brake assist system, also fitted as standard, detects the risk of collisions with moving objects and initiates emergency braking if necessary.

Night Vision Assist with a thermal imaging camera is optionally available for the 911 for the first time. The adaptive cruise control option includes automatic distance control, stop-and-go function, reversible occupant protection and an innovative autonomous Emergency Assist function.

The next generation of flat-six engines

All-new 911 Carrera S models have the new three-dimensional LED taillight strip.

The turbocharged flat-six engines also enter a new generation with the new 911. The primary focus of advanced development here was on further enhancing performance. New, larger turbochargers witwh 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 30ps, achieving 450ps at 6,500 rpm, the 911 Carrera S engine achieves an extra 30Nm of torque: 530Nm in total. This is available within a wide range of speeds, from 2,300 to 5,000 rpm.

Faster, more fuel-efficient, safer, more luxurious, and overall more capable than ever, the spectacular new 911 is—as always—poised to take on the mantle of the world’s most iconic sports car of all time. 

For more information on the new 911 and on other Porsche models, contact Porsche Philippines at 7270381 to 85 or visit any Porsche showroom in Alabang, Global City, Greenhills and SM Seaside City Cebu.