Prior to the IAA Frankfurt Motor Show 2015, the first two facelifted variants of the 2016 Porsche 911 have launched in the form of the new Carrera and Carrera S both in coupe and cabriolet guise. As previously reported, the models adopt a number of subtle styling tweaks but most importantly, feature a brand new turbocharged engine. This ushers in a new era for the 911 where all models will be turbocharged except the GTS, GT3 and GT3 RS.

That new turbocharged engine is a 3.0-litre twin-turbo six-cylinder unit delivering a total of 370 hp and 331 lb-ft of torque in the entry-level 911 Carrera. When mated with the PDK transmission and the optional Sport Chrono Package, the 2015 911 Carrera can reach 100 km/h in 4.2 seconds. Meanwhile, the facelifted Carrera S features the same engine but tweaked to pump out 20 hp and 368 lb-ft of torque resulting in a 3.9 seconds sprint to 100 km/h. Both cars pump out 420 hp and 44 lb-ft more than the outgoing models.

The key reason why Porsche has shifted towards turbocharged engine is their better fuel efficiency. Both models are about 12 per cent more frugal on fuel than their predecessors which ultimately means the 2016 911 Carrera S fitted with the PDK transmission, sips 7.7 l/100 km.

Elsewhere on a mechanical front, the facelifted 911 models released thus far can be ordered with an optional automatic speed control system which applies the brakes automatically when a pre-set speed is exceeded. Elsewhere, there is an optional Adaptive Cruise Control system with a coasting function, a lane change assistant system as an option and as standard, a pre-collision braking system. Elsewhere, the 911 Carrera now receives Porsche Active Suspension Management, an optional active rear-axle steering system like the GT3 and modified shock absorbers.

Visually, the facelifted 911 is distinguishable from the current car on a number of fronts. For starters, the headlights have been modified while slimmer LED daytime running lights are also featured. Elsewhere on the 911 Carrera models there are new taillights, modified tailpipes, different wheels, new door handles as well as a new engine cover with vertical louvers.

2016 Porsche 911 facelift duo

In the cabin, the facelifted 911 range includes a new Porsche Communication Management System with a seven-inch display with multi-touch gesture recognition. It also has Apple CarPlay compatibility as well as an improved navigation system with Google Earth and Google Streetview and providing real-time traffic information.

In models with the Sport Chrono Package, a new steering wheel is installed with a similar rotary dial as the Porsche 918 Spyder. This provides the option of four driving modes; Normal, Sport, Sport Plus and Individual.

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The sports car legend enhanced: the new Porsche 911 Carrera
New turbocharged engines, an advanced chassis, and new Porsche Communication Management

Atlanta, Georgia. Celebrating its debut at the Frankfurt International Auto Show, the new 911 Carrera is taking performance and everyday usability to new heights. Innovative flat-six engines derived from four decades of turbocharging used in racing and on road cars not only make this the fastest 911 Carrera ever, but also provide abundant torque for superior passing power. An advanced chassis offering an even more sophisticated combination of ride comfort and performance characterizes the handling of the new 911. For the first time, rear-axle steering is available as an option for the Carrera S, significantly enhancing its already superb agility. These improvements reduce the lap time on the North Loop of the Nürburgring to just 7 minutes and 30 seconds, making it 10 seconds faster than the previous Carrera S.

Many exterior features of the 911 Carrera have been visually refined from new headlights with four-point daytime running lights to integrated door handle recesses, a redesigned rear deck lid with vertical louvers, and new rear lights – including the characteristic four-point brake lights. The new standard Porsche Communication Management system with a multi-touch display offers an expanded range of functions and simplified usability.

New turbocharged engines: 20 horsepower increase, reduced fuel consumption
The completely new engine generation featuring twin-turbo technology enhances the driving pleasure of the 911 Carrera and provides a 20 hp increase compared to the previous models. The 3.0 liter engine in the standard Carrera now develops 370 hp. Using turbochargers with modified compressor wheels, a model-specific exhaust system, and a different tune for the engine management system, the 911 Carrera S delivers 420 hp from the same displacement.

The new Porsche 911 Carrera and Carrera S engines are characterized by significantly increased torque. Offering up to 331 lb.-ft. and 368 lb.-ft., respectively, from 1,700 rpm up to 5,000 rpm, both powertrains supply generous torque over a broad powerband. Reaching up to 7,500 rpm, the new engine generation also maintains relatively high engine speeds for a turbocharged powertrain – accompanied by the familiar Porsche sound.

Traditionally, a new 911 offers enhanced performance and efficiency compared to the predecessor. Depending on the model variant, the new engines are almost twelve percent more efficient compared to the previous generation according to the New European Drive Cycle (NEDC). EPA ratings will be available at a later date.

The new 911 models also boast impressive performance: the 911 Carrera Coupé with Porsche-Doppelkupplung (PDK) and Sport Chrono Package sprints from zero to 60 miles per hour in 4.0 seconds – making it two tenths of a second faster than its predecessor. The 911 Carrera S with PDK and Sport Chrono Package needs just 3.7 seconds (also 0.2 s faster). Both models reach higher top track speeds: the 911 Carrera is now able to reach 183 miles per hour, while the 911 Carrera S can achieve up to 191 miles per hour. All new Carrera variants are offered with a manual seven-speed transmission as standard.

When equipped with the optional Sport Chrono Package, the 911 Carrera now comes with a mode switch on the steering wheel, derived from the hybrid map switch in the 918 Spyder. The mode switch consists of a rotary dial with four positions for the driving modes Normal, Sport, Sport Plus, and Individual. Depending on the optional equipment installed in the car, the Individual setting allows drivers to configure their own specific vehicle set-up for the chassis, Auto Start/Stop system, PDK shifting strategy, and Sport Exhaust System. On models equipped with the PDK transmission, the mode switch has a “Sport Response” button, which pre-conditions the drivetrain for maximum acceleration.

A standard feature: reengineered PASM with chassis lowered by ten millimeters
The uniqueness of the 911 Carrera stems from its ability to blend refined everyday comfort with exceptional performance. On the new generation, Porsche has increased the dynamic capability even further than before. The revised PASM chassis (Porsche Active Suspension Management), which lowers the ride height by ten millimeters, is a standard feature. It helps improve driver control during fast cornering. New shock absorbers enhance comfort thanks to an even more precise response characteristic and improved body control during spirited driving. New standard wheels with five twin spokes are equipped with tires that offer reduced rolling resistance and enhanced grip. Furthermore, the width of the rear rims has been increased by 0.5 to 11.5 inches on all variants. The rear tires of the 911 Carrera S now measure 305 instead of 295 millimeters in width.

Rear-axle steering is available as an option for the 911 Carrera S, adopted from the current 911 Turbo and 911 GT3. It further enhances the turn-in behavior of the 911. Additionally, it increases driving precision when changing lanes at higher speeds. At the same time, it ensures greater maneuverability in city traffic thanks to a turning radius that is 1.6 feet smaller than without this option. The improved handling is transmitted to the driver via the new steering wheel generation with a design based on the steering wheel from the 918 Spyder. For enhanced everyday practicality, Porsche offers an optional electro-hydraulic lift system with lifting cylinders that are integrated into the front axle struts. At the touch of a button, the ground clearance at the front axle is increased by 40 millimeters within 5 seconds. This is particularly useful when clearing speed bumps or steep driveways.

New Porsche Communication Management including online navigation
A standard feature of the new 911 Carrera models is the newly developed Porsche Communication Management System (PCM), including an online navigation module. The PCM can be operated by multi-touch gestures on the seven-inch display, similar to a smartphone. Handwritten user inputs are recognized. Mobile phones and smartphones can now also be connected via Wi-Fi. Also new is the option of connecting an iPhone® to the PCM to utilize Apple CarPlay™.

Real-time traffic information is available for significantly enhanced navigation. It gives the driver a quick overview of the traffic situation and guarantees dynamic adaptation of the route to this information. Google® Earth and Google® Streetview are also being integrated for the first time to offer better orientation. Porsche Car Connect and the Connect Plus module can be used for remotely controlled vehicle functions, transferring destinations to the PCM for navigation and streaming music using third-party service providers via the PCM.

New and extended optional assistance systems
The 911 Carrera also offers enhanced active safety through new and improved assistance systems. Post-collision braking is a standard feature, and the cruise control now brakes moderately when the pre-set speed is exceeded, for example when driving downhill. The Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) option has been upgraded with a coasting function in conjunction with the PDK transmission. The optional Lane Change Assistant monitors traffic approaching from behind with radar and uses LED lights to the left and right of the mirror triangle to warn the driver of vehicles in the blind spot.

Market launch in March 2016
The new Porsche 911 Carrera models will be launched in the United States in March of 2016. Manufacturer’s suggested retail prices start as follows:
911 Carrera $89,400
911 Carrera S $103,400
911 Carrera Cabriolet $101,700
911 Carrera S Cabriolet $115,700

40 years’ turbo experience in motorsport and series production
At Porsche, innovations and developments that have proved themselves under extreme racing conditions benefit production models, too. Testing in motorsport ensures the performance and resilience of the new engines for production sports cars. In the development of turbocharged six-cylinder flat engines Porsche can look back on more than 40 years of experience. For example, turbocharging with a bypass valve was first used in 1972 in the 917/10 racing car before entering series production in 1974 in the first 911 Turbo. In 1974, charge air cooling was also first introduced in the 917/10. In 1977, this technology then celebrated its premiere in the 911 Turbo 3.3. Further milestones in the development of turbo engines include sequential turbocharging with two consecutive chargers (for the first time in the 959), twin-turbo charging with two parallel chargers (for the first time in the 911 Turbo, type 993) and adjustable intake valves (for the first time in the 911 Turbo, type 996).
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