New Porsche 911 Carrera - In Depth

Press Release

Page 1 - Highlights
Page 2 - Partners in Performance
Page 3 - Active Sports Car
Page 4 - Design
Page 5 - Aerodynamics
Page 6 - Engine & Transmission
Page 7 - Chassis & Brakes
Page 8 - Wheels & Tires
Page 9 - Body
Page 10 - Interior
Page 11 - Cost of Ownership
Page 12 - Specifications

Highlights

For the first time since 1977, the Porsche 911 Carrera now comes in two power versions with engines varying in size: the "basic" 911 Carrera displacing 3.6 litres and developing maximum output of 239 kW (325 bhp) at 6800 rpm, and the 911 Carrera S displacing 3.8 litres and with maximum output of 261 kW (355 bhp) at 6600 rpm. The new 3.8-litre flat-six develops its maximum torque of 400 Newton-metres (295 lb-ft) at 4600 rpm, accelerating the Carrera S in 4.8 seconds from 0 - 100 km/h and ensuring a top speed of 293 km/h or 182 mph.

S designates special Porsche models

An "S" designation has a very special meaning at Porsche, signifying a unique model, not a mere trim upgrade or option package.

The first Porsche to wear an "S" badge was the 1952 356 equipped with the 1.5-liter "Super" engine. Perhaps the most famous "S" model in the company's history was the 911 S launched in 1967, though modern Porsche enthusiasts might tell you their favorite is the 911 Carrera 4S. In recent years, Porsche has offered higher-performance models of the Boxster roadster and Cayenne sport utility vehicle designated as the Boxster S and Cayenne S.

The larger and more powerful new 3.8-liter engine is only one of several features that distinguish the 2005 Porsche 911 Carrera S, which also comes with, as standard equipment, the new Porsche Active Suspension Management technology, larger brakes with red-painted calipers, larger wheels, standard Bi-Xenon headlights, a sports steering wheel, aluminum-look interior trim and a silver-colored rear deck lid logo.

New six-speed gearbox

To cope with the extra power and performance of the new Carrera S, both 911 Coupés now come with a new six-speed manual gearbox able to convey even higher torque while reducing weight and shortening gearshift travel. Tiptronic S with an optimised gearshift program and even better shift quality is available as an alternative to this new six-speed manual gearbox.

Rack-and-pinion steering with variable transmission ratio

The new 911 Carrera comes for the first time with rack-and-pinion steering featuring a variable transmission ratio responding even more smoothly and precisely to the driver's commands and thus enhancing the car's agility particularly on winding roads and in sharp bends. Handling in town is improved above all in parking manoeuvres and when turning, thanks to the far more spontaneous response of the steering particularly in such a situation.

Another first-time achievement: active PASM suspension

Resting on the updated chassis and suspension, the Porsche 911 comes for the first time with an active damper system: PASM (Porsche Active Suspension Management) featured as standard on the 911 Carrera S combines two suspension systems in one: a sporting and comfortable suspension for long distances and a very sporting set-up for performance driving and comparable requirements.

Outstanding brakes - available as an option with ceramic

components Reinforced four-piston fixed callipers operating in conjunction with crossdrilled, inner-vented brake discs measuring 318 millimetres (12.51 ") in diameter at the front and 299 millimetres (11.77") at the rear on the Carrera, and 330 millimetres (13.00") on all four wheels on the Carrera S, guarantee supreme brake performance even when driving to the extreme. PCCB Porsche Ceramic Composite Brakes now enhanced to an even higher standard are available as an option, the re-designed composite ceramic discs raising the benchmark once again in terms of response, fading-free stability, low weight, and long service life.

For the sporting driver: Sports Chrono Package Plus

Both the 911 Carrera and the 911 Carrera S come as an option with Porsche's Sports Chrono Package Plus allowing the driver, at the touch of a button, to choose various control maps and strategies for a particularly sporting style of motoring. Combining a stopwatch, lap meter, and an appropriate evaluation and control system, this gives the driver a unique, all-round sports program for performance driving and similar requirements.

Yet another world-first achievement: head airbag beneath the side window

The new 911 Carrera naturally meets all demands in terms of passive safety and offers exemplary safety particularly in a collision from the side: Hidden in the side window sill, a new head airbag interacting with the thorax airbag in the front-seat backrest ensures superior safety in an impact from the side. In conjunction with the driver and front passenger airbags, this increases the total range of airbags in the new 911 to no less than six.

Sporting and comfortable all in one

Porsche's designers have given the cockpit of the new 911 Carrera a unique touch of sporting style: The circular dials in the instrument cluster stand out even more clearly than before and the three steering wheels including a special sports and a multifunction steering wheel are adjustable for both reach and height. The new seats, in turn, offer even greater stability at the sides, a quality enhanced to an even higher standard by the sports seats available as an option. Indeed, the new 911 Carrera comes for the first time with adaptive sports seats featuring individual adjustment of the side supports and backrest to meet the needs and requirements of the respective driver.