Porsche 997 Facelift Details leaked

We received an email this afternoon from a loyal WCF reader with a very official looking PDF file attached. In its contents were details for all of the Carrera, Carrera S, Carrera 4 and Targa variants of the facelifted 2009 Porsche 911 except for the GT2, GT3 and Turbo models. With a little due diligence, we soon discovered the document had already been circulating around Porsche enthusiasts forums. Nonetheless, we're happy to pass on the info.

First and foremost, Porsche has upgraded the 3.6 and 3.8-liter engines to direct injection making 345 hp (+20 hp), 390 Nm torque (+20 Nm) and 385 hp (+30 hp), 420 Nm torque (+20 Nm) respectively. All-wheel-drive models get a limited slip differential as standard and for the first time a 7-speed dual clutch transmission called Porsche Double Clutch (PDK) with flappy paddles on a new three spoke steering wheel is introduced.

The chassis gets an enhanced Porsche Stability Management (PSM) while bigger front and rear brakes disks fill the new style 18-inch standard Carrera wheels and 19-inch wheels for the Carrera S.

In the lighting department LED daytime running lights and side lights plus redesigned LED rear lamps are added, and bi-xenon headlamps become standard on 3.6-liter models.

As seen in previous spy photo stories, the exterior gets restyled front and rear bumpers, semi-integrated stainless steel exhaust tailpipes, larger exterior mirrors, and for the first time, all-wheel-drive models receive further differentiation such as a rear light-strip (red in color), black trim at base of rear bumper and titanium paint finish on front air intake surrounds and horizontal grilles. The new colour range includes:

• Porsche Racing Green Metallic (metallic colour) replaces Forest Green Metallic
• Aqua Blue Metallic (metallic colour) replaces Cobalt Blue Metallic
• Nordic Gold Metallic (special colour) replaces Dark Olive Metallic
• Cream White (special colour) replaces Slate Grey Metallic

For the interior, the center console is restyled in black finish with modified air-conditioning controls and fewer switches. Navigation data is accessed via hard drive and the TFT display screen increase in size from 5.8 to 6.5 inches as well as touchscreen functionality. Sport Chrono Package Plus in conjunction with the PDK transmission gets new functions:

• launch control
• race-track gearshift strategy
• additional ‘Sport Plus’ button

Audio and communication upgrades will see voice control with whole-word input and universal audio interface for connecting external audio devices, such as Apple iPod or USB stick in center console storage compartment.

Production for the European 2009 Carrera started four days ago with point of sales starting July 5. However, North America and the rest of the world have to wait until September 20. Worldwide sales for the Carrera 4 and Targa will start October 25.