The 911->ke282 is the most successful model in Porsche->ke1's history. It started its long history back in 1963 and since then Porsche has offered five distinct generations: 911 classic, 964 Series, 993 Series, 996 Series, and 997 Series->ke509. After a long wait and a hi-jacking of the official images, Porsche has revealed its sixth generation ahead of its official debut at the 2011 Frankfurt Motor Show->ke235.

It may be a little unorthodox for Porsche to be bringing out a new generation 911 despite the fact they just revealed a facelift version, but the requests keep changing and Porsche must answer the call of duty. Their latest target is improving both fuel consumption and CO2 emissions.

The sixth generation 911, or the 991, will be a completely new vehicle, even though everyone will recognize it as a 911 model. Shortly after the launch of the 998 911, Porsche will also be releasing the Turbo, GT2->ke1715, and GT3->ke617 in 2012.

UPDATE 02/08/2012: The new generation 911 is now officially on sale on the US market, with prices starting from $82,100 for the Carrera and $96,400 for the Carrera S (excluding destination fees). "Whether this will be a customer’s first or just their latest Porsche 911, it’s going to be the most invigorating ownership experience yet," said Detlev von Platen, President and CEO of Porsche Cars North America. "The 911 Carrera and Carrera S are the ultimate choices for drivers who want the fun and excitement of a true benchmark-setting sports car week in and week out, not just for show or play during the weekends."

UPDATE 03/19/2012: An American customer took his new Carrera S to a drag strip in the US to see how fast the car could run the quarter mile. While the result is unofficial, it still stands at an impressive 12.04 seconds. That's comparable to the current Nissan GT-R->ke1440 which has an official quarter mile time of 12.05 seconds. Hit the jump to check out the video of the 911/991 on the drag strip!

More details on the 2012 Porsche 911/991 after the jump.

2012 - 2013 Porsche 911/991

Specifications
  • Make: Array
  • Model: 2012 - 2013 Porsche 911/991
  • Segment: Array
  • Engine/Motor: direct-injected flat-six engine
  • Horsepower: 350
  • Transmission: seven speed manual
  • [do not use] Vehicle Model: Array
Pros
Cons

Unofficial Quarter Mile on US Drag Strip

Exterior

Porsche describes the new 911 as having a flat stretched silhouette, exciting contours, and precisely designed details. The vehicle's body is constructed of aluminum-steel and provides the Porsche with a weight reductions of up to 45kg (or about 99 lbs). The weight reduction is matched up with aerodynamic optimization, providing reduced lift while retaining a good coefficient of drag value. An example of the aerodynamic changes is the new wider, variably extending rear spoiler.

Compared to the car it replaces, the next generation 911's wheelbase is about 100mm longer. This, plus the reduced height of the vehicle, will provide an even more muscular stance to the new 911. The Porsche's classic wide arched wings extend to an even wider front track, giving off a visual impression of width. These wider attributes are matched up with new wheels, in sizes of up to 20". The exterior has also received remodeled exterior mirrors now located on the upper edge of the doors as opposed to the mirror triangles as seen on previous models.

Interior

The new Porsche 911/991's interior design was borrowed from the Carrera GT and provides an environment that is more driver-focused. The center console has been moved up to the front with the high mounted shift lever or gear selector. These elements are located especially close to the steering wheel as is typical in motorsport.

The classic instrument still finds its way into the 911and includes five round instruments to guide the way. The main components of the instrument cluster include a high resolution, multi-function screen, a central rev counter, and an ignition lock to the left of the steering wheel.

Check out the online configurator for the new Porsche 911!

Engine and Performance

The new 911/991 Carrera's engine has been downsized from the 3.6L flat-six to a 3.4L direct-injected flat-six engine that delivers a total of 350 HP, mated to a new, optional Porsche-Doppelkupplungsgetriebe (PDK). With no less than seven forward gears, the new gearbox combines the driving comfort of a converter automatic transmission with the dynamic gearshift of a sequential racing gearbox. This combination gives way to a 0-62 mph sprint time of 4.6 seconds, or 4.4 seconds when teamed up with the optional Sport Chrono Package.

The Porsche 911 Carrera S, on the the other hand, will continue on with its 3.8-liter flat-six with direct injection engine, but its power has been raised to 400 HP. This, plus the PDK, allows the Carrera S a 0-62 mph sprint time of 4.3 seconds (an improvement of 0.2 seconds). That improvement increases when the setup is matched up with the Sport Chrono Package, leaving a 0-62 mph time of 4.1 seconds.

Both models can also be matched up with the standard, and the world's first, seven-speed manual gearbox.

All the improvements made to the new generation 911 have helped the car to significantly improve its Nurburgring lap time. During a recent test drive, the 911/991 has scored a time of 7 min. 40 seconds, or about 13 seconds faster than the previous model.

Rumors for a hybrid variant have also been circulating, ever since a prototype was spotted with extra devices attached to the brakes. The rear hood of this vehicle was enlarged and vented, while the side vent was an illusion created by a stick-on detail. A couple of months after this prototype was seen on the streets, Autoblog reported that all the models in the next generation Porsche 911 line-up would be offered with the Kinetic Energy Recovery System, which has only been used in Formula 1 vehicles and, most recently, Ferrari models. That report was quickly shot down by Porsche Panamera Hybrid development chief, Michael Steiner, who said that the company has no plans in using any kind of hybrid technologies for the sports car: "That’s nonsense. The system is currently applied to a race car. Nothing else is planned. The new 911 will not be offered with hybrid drive for the foreseeable future. If and when it is, then it will most likely happen as a plug-in." It would make sense for Porsche to drop a hybrid variant for this model, but as of right now, there are no concrete details supporting such a scenario.

Improved Fuel Efficiency and Emissions

Porsche has raised the performance and efficiency bar by providing no less than 10 liters of fuel per 100 km (258 mpg imp or 23.3 mpg US). Thanks to auto start/stop, thermal management, electrical system recuperation, the world’s first seven-speed manual transmission and – in conjunction with the Porsche-Doppelkupplungsgetriebe (PDK) – sailing, fuel consumption and emissions have been lowered by up to 16% when compared to the previous 911 model. The Porsche 911/991 has electro mechanical power steering for precision and feedback which also helps efficiency and fuel consumption.

What this translates into for the Carrera is a reduced fuel consumption of 1.6l/100km ((~ 6 mpg imp. or 4.99 mpg US) compared to its predecessor, or 8.2l/100km (~ 34 mpg imp. or 28.3 mpg US) based on the New European Driving Cycle (NEDC). Furthermore, the new 911 Carrera is the first Porsche to make it below the 200g/km mark with 194g/km CO2 emissions.

As for the Carrera S, this model's fuel consumption, when paired with the PDK, is reduced by 14%. This translates into a drop of 1.5l/100km (~ 5 mpg imp. or 4.16 mpg US) to 8.71l/100km (~ 32 mpg imp. or 26.6 mpg US). All this and the Carrera S still managed a 15 HP boost in power. That equates to CO2 emissions of 205 g/km.

Handling and Dynamics

The new 911 doesn’t just offer better longitudinal dynamics, however, but top performance at an unprecedented level in terms of transverse dynamics as well. In addition to the longer wheelbase, the greater agility, precision and driving stability are based, among other things, on the wider front track, the new rear axle and new electro-mechanical power steering. Depending on the model, there are other standard or optional active control systems available as well that further enhance the driving dynamics. That is especially true for the Porsche Dynamic Chassis Control (PDCC) active roll stabilization system, available for the first time on the 911 Carrera S. For example, the system reduces lateral inclination when cornering, the tires always being in the optimal position relative to the road surface and able to transmit higher lateral forces. Maximum cornering speeds are increased; even faster lap times on racing circuits are possible.

Prices

Porsche 911 Carrera $82,100
Porsche 911 Carrera S $96,400

Exterior options

Metallic paint $710
Special Color $3,140
Wheel center caps with colored Porsche Crest $185
Wheels painted exterior color $1,635
Wheels painted Black $1,635
Wheel spacers, 5 mm $490

Interior options

Sports seats - leather $1,520
Sports seats Leather interior $3,690
Power sports seats - leather $3,840
Power sports seats - leather interior $6,010
Sport Seats Plus $800
Sport Seats Plus leather interior $4,490
Adaptive Sport Seats Plus (18-way) $3,825
Adaptive Sport Seats Plus (18-way) leather interior $7,515

Packages

Premium Package $2,940
Premium Package with Adaptive Sport Seats Plus $4,445
Premium Package Plus $4,650
Premium Package Plus with Adaptive Sport Seats Plus $6,155
BOSE Audio Package $2,420
Burmester Audio Package $5,010

Exterior

Deletion of Model Designation $0
Model Designation "911" $95
ParkAssist (rear) $610
ParkAssist (front and rear) $990
Rear windshield wiper $360
Electric folding exterior mirrors $320
Electric sunroof $1,490
Roof Transport System $400
Aerokit Cup $5,990
SportDesign Package $4,990
SportDesign front apron $2,990
Air intake slats painted $750
Front spoiler painted $640
Headlight cleaning system cover painted deviating exterior color $295

Performance

Porsche Doppelkupplung (PDK) $4,080
Porsche Ceramic Composite Brakes (PCCB) $8,520
Porsche Active Suspension Management (PASM) $2,090
PASM Sport Suspension $2,980
Porsche Torque Vectoring Plus (PTV Plus) $1,490
Power Steering Plus $270
Sport Chrono Package $1,850
Sport Exhaust System $2,950

Interior

Automatically dimming mirrors $420
Light Design Package $510
Seat heating (front) $690
Seat ventilation (front) $840
Steering wheel heating $270
Fire extinguisher $140
Smoking package $0
Interior Package painted $665
Dashboard trim strips painted $510
Air vents painted $1,710
Air vent slats painted $1,710
Center console trim painted $290
Vehicle key painted $335
Seat belts in Silver Grey $540
Seat belts in Luxor Beige $540
Seat belts in Guards Red $540

Interior Leather

Two-tone leather interior $0
Natural leather interior $0
Multi-function steering wheel $615
SportDesign steering wheel $250
Interior Package in leather $790
Additional Interior Package, dashboard in leather $1,710
Additional Interior Package, door panel in leather $690
Air vents in leather $1,710
Air vent slats in leather $1,190
Interior mirror in leather $675
Dashboard trim strip in leather $605
Centre console trim in leather $300
Storage compartment lid with Porsche Crest $330
Storage compartment lid with model logotype $330
Sport Seats Plus backrests shell in leather $1,870
Porsche Crest on headrests $285
Belt outlet trim in leather $510
Center tunnel rear in leather with decorative stitching $1,190
Additional interior package, rear in leather $1,535
Fuse box cover in leather $380
Inner door sill guards in leather $615

Interior Aluminum

Brushed Aluminum interior package (for leather interior) $995
Brushed Aluminum interior package (for standard interior) $840
Brushed Aluminum interior package (for leather interior and PDK) $995
Brushed Aluminum interior package (for standard interior and PDK) $840
Center console trim in brushed Aluminum $300
PDK gear selector in Aluminum $740

Interior wood

Mahogany interior package (for leather interior) $1,990
Mahogany interior package (for standard interior) $1,770
Mahogany interior package (for leather interior and PDK) $1,990
Mahogany interior package (for standard interior and PDK) $1,770
Multi-function steering wheel in Mahogany incl. steering wheel heating $1,250
Center console trim in Mahogany $630

Interior Carbon

Carbon interior package (for leather interior) $1,990
Carbon interior package (for standard interior) $1,770
Carbon interior package (for leather interior and PDK) $1,990
Carbon interior package (for standard interior and PDK) $1,770
Multi-function steering wheel in Carbon incl. steering wheel heating $1,250
Center console trim in Carbon $630

Audio and Communications

Electronic logbook $650
Voice Control $595
Telephone module $265
SiriusXM Satellite Radio Receiver incl. 3 month trial subscription $750
HD Radio Receiver $370
SiriusXM Satellite Radio Receiver incl. 3 month trial subscription and HD Radio Receiver $1,120

The Competition

The next Porsche 911 will take on models like the Lotus Evora and Nissan GT-R. One reason for the next 911 to be happy is that one of its greatest competitors, the Dodge Viper, will go out of production, and until we have the chance to see a new one, the 911 will once again gain its supremacy.

Videos

AutoCar tests the new Porsche 911/991

Is that a production ready rear end we see? It seems a couple of people were able to grab some video as they were following what looks to be a production ready 911/991 as it cruised down the street. All we can say is, we've seen better. Let's hope for a quick redo before it makes its debut. Check out the video to see what we mean.

Video Credit: MatzWanger

Here's the latest video that's making its way around the Internet of a now barely disguised Porsche 911 doing some final rounds of testing leading up to its debut at the Frankfurt Motor Show. For your enjoyment, fellas!

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