2005 Porsche 911 Carrera (997)

Engine

The base Carrera has essentially the same 3.6 L flat-6 engine that its predecessor, the Type 996 Carrera used, producing 325 HP. The Carrera S uses a new 3.8 L flat-6 engine producing 355 PS. The X51 powerkit with a 381 hp power output is available as an option for the Carrera S and Carrera 4S models.

Style

While the exterior styling is changed and especially the 997 Carrera S and Carrera 4S models don’t share any parts with its predecessor, the 996, it is again more evolution than revolution, typical of Porsche and the Carrera. The most notable difference between 997 and outgoing 996 is the return to circular headlights, like those of pre-996 Carreras, with separate indicator units. The interior has been almost entirely re-invented and all the controls are new.

Performance

According to testing carried out by several American automotive publications the Carrera S model is capable going 0 to 60 in as little as 3.9 seconds, and carries a top speed of 180 mph, while the standard model is slightly slower, with the capability to run 0 to 60 in 4.4 seconds with a top speed of 175 mph.

The Carrera 4 and Carrera 4S will use the same engines as the Carrera and Carrera S, respectively. Visually, the rear bodywork is nearly 2 in (50.8 mm) wider over larger tires. The all wheel drive system sends between 5% and 40% of engine torque to the front wheels as needed.