All-new Porsche 911 to debut at Frankfurt

The latest generation of Porsche’s iconic 911 will make its grand entrance soon, and the chosen venue is none other than the upcoming 2011 IAA Frankfurt Motor Show. Code-named 991 internally at Stuttgart, this is sixth generation model of the 911 lineage, and it debuts with two variants – Carrera and Carrera S.

While the silhouette and proportions are unmistakably 911, the body is all-new, featuring aluminium-steel construction, an approach that Porsche claims to shave up to 45kg off the car’s weight from its predecessor. In terms of body measurements, the 991 sits slightly lower than the outgoing 997 and its wheelbase is stretched by 100mm.

Porsche 911 Carrera

Continuing with tradition, both launch variants of the 911 are powered by flat-six engines, displacing 3.4 and 3.8 litres in the Carrera and Carrera S respectively. The base Carrera’s motor is good for 350hp, but is still able to return a rated fuel consumption of 8.2 l/100km in the NEDC test cycle if equipped with the 7-speed PDK dual clutch transmission. Carbon dioxide emission is measured at 194 g/km, making it the first Porsche to dip below 200 g/km. Meanwhile, the Carrera S is rated at 400hp with fuel consumption quoted at 8.7 l/100km and CO₂emissions at 205 g/km if equipped with PDK.

Although PDK is likely to be the transmission of choice for most 911 buyers, those opting to stick with three-pedaled motoring will have the privilege of being among the first in the world to try their hands on a 7-speed manual transmission. With economy and emissions being key talking points these days, the new 911 is naturally equipped with a range of fuel-saving measures such as auto start/stop, thermal management, electrical system recuperation, and electric power steering.

Porsche 911 Carrera S

It’s not all curtains for the old 997 though. The outgoing model will sign off with a bang – the 911 GT3 RS 4.0, which will also make its first public appearance in Frankfurt. This 600-unit limited edition model comes with a 4.0-litre flat-six engine (biggest ever in a production 911) with 500hp at its disposal. Porsche claims a Nürburgring-Nordschleife lap time of 7:27.

Farewell to the 997 – the 911 GT3 RS 4.0

Another even more exclusive limited edition model to be showcased by Porsche is the Cayman S Black Edition, limited to 500 units. Power of its 3.4-litre flat-six has been boosted by 10hp to 330hp, allowing it to complete the century sprint in 5.1 seconds with the 6-speed manual transmission and 5.0 seconds with the optional PDK.

Porsche Cayman S Black Edition

Also set to make a first appearance on Porsche’s Frankfurt stage is the Panamera Diesel, powered by a 250hp / 550Nm 3.0-litre V6 diesel engine paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission. Tested in the NEDC cycle with optional low-friction tyres to record consumption figures of 6.3 l/100km, the Panamera Diesel has a theoretical cruising range of 1,200km per tank.

Porsche Panamera Diesel