Friday, June 6, 2008

2009 Porsche 911 Facelift: More Power & Double-Clutch Gearbox

Following last night’s leak, Porsche has officially revealed the updated 2009 911 Carrera and Carrera S models that benefit from subtle design changes, more powerful engines with direct injection but most importantly, a new twin-clutch semi-automatic gearbox.

But let’s take things from the start. The new 997 can be identified by the new LED tail-lamps that bring to mind the Maserati Granturismo, the restyled air intakes up front, larger mirrors, LED day time driving lights and the newly-designed 18-inch and 19-inch wheels. Inside, minimal changes include the revised Porsche Communication Management (PCM) control system that features a simplified control panel and a larger 6.5-inch display with ‘touchscreen’ technology.

Now to the important changes. The 2009 Carrera and Carrera S models feature new engines that have been enhanced with direct injection that not only helps increase power, but it also reduces CO2 emissions by up to 15%. Maximum output of the 911 Carrera 3.6-litre is up by 20 Hp to 345 Hp while output of the Carrera S 3.8-litre power unit is up by 30 Hp to 385 Hp. Both versions of the 911 can be equipped for the first time with the Porsche’s all-new 7-speed double-clutch gearbox dubbed PDK that replaces the Porsche Tiptronic S automatic transmission. –Continued

According to Porsche, the Carrera goes from 0 to 100 km/h (62mph) in 4.7 sec and on to a top speed of 289 km/h (180 mph) while the Carrera S needs 4.5 sec for the 0 to 100 km/h sprint featuring a top speed of 302 km/h (188 mph).

Equipped with the seven-speed PDK, the Carrera accelerates in 4.5 sec from 0-100 km/h, another 0.2 sec faster than with a manual six-speed gearbox. Moreover, if you combine the PDK with Porsche’s optional Sport Chrono Plus package that includes launch Control, the 911 Carrera can accelerating from 0 to 100 km/h in just 4.3 second. With the PDK, the Carrera also features a better average fuel economy of 9.8 litres/100 km, equal to 28.8 mpg imp or 24 mpg US.

The German sports carmaker has also equipped the Carrera and Carrera S models with the enhanced Porsche Stability Management (PSM) system featured previously on the Carrera 4 and Turbo models. Finally, the 2009 911 Carrera also gets larger 330mm diameter brake discs front and rear.

Base prices in Europe start at 69,600 for the Carrera. The Carrera Cabriolet and Carrera S both retail at 78,000 and the Carrera S Cabriolet is entering the market at 88,000.

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