Its Friday and Porsche has given us just the tonic to start our weekend off with a bang by revealing the first photos and details of the 911(997) facelift. Subtle modifications to the exterior provide a slightly updated look, but beneath this superb posterior the Porsche engineers have really gone to work.
For the 2009 model year, the Carrera and Carrera S will get a new optional seven-speed automatic double-clutch gearbox dubbed Porsche-Doppelkupplung (PDK) along with a new direct injection system– the first time we have seen this in a Porsche sportscar. The new double-clutch gearbox replaces the Tiptronic S automatic transmission and now allows the gear changes without any break or interruption to traction and pulling power.
The 3.6-liter unit in the 911 Carrera has been boosted by 20bhp bringing total output to 345 bhp. Acceleration time from 0-60mph stands at 4.7 seconds, an extra 0.2 seconds is shaved off this time with the double-clutch gearbox. Despite the rise in power the 2009 Carrera's fuel economy figure remain impressive coming in at 9.8 liters/100km whilst reducing emissions by up to 15% keeping it significantly below the Porsche's benchmark of 11 liters/100km for the Carrera range.
Not to be left out, the Carrera S' 3.8-liter unit has been tuned to power out an extra 30bhp bringing total output to 385 bhp. The sportscar can now shoot from 0-60mph in just 4.3 seconds with the double-clutch gearbox and it can now achieve a top speed of 186mph (300 km/h).
As we already mentioned the exterior modifications are kept to a minimum with the incorporation of front and rear LED lights along with slightly redesigned bumpers. Pricing for the 2009 Porsche Carrera will start at €69,600 for the Coupe and €78,000 for for Cabrio whilst the Carrerra S will start at €78,000 for the Coupe and €88,000 for the Cabrio.
