After months of speculation and tons of spy shots->ke166 including camo-free, pre-production models, the facelifted 991-generation 911,->ke1920 also known as the 991.2, has been unveiled ahead of its official debut at the 2015 Frankfurt Motor Show.->ke235

At first glance, the updated 911->ke282 confirms what we already suspected: updates inside and out are rather mild, while the highlight of this facelift lurks under the hood. Rumors about Porsche's->ke1 plans to turbocharged the entire lineup (save for the GTS and GT3,->ke617 at least for now) have become official and the Carrera->ke574 gained forced induction for the first time in its five-decade career.

Tubocharging aside, the new Carrera also comes with an updated chassis, improved dynamics, upgraded in-car technology, and rear-axle steering, an option previously available only with the 2014 Porsche 911 Turbo and 2014 Porsche 911 GT3.

The 991.2 is set to arrive on U.S. soil in the first quarter of 2016 for the 2017 model year. Meanwhile, let's have a closer look at its new features and performance figures in our review below.

Updated 12/09/2015: Porsche dropped a new commercial for its latest 911. Called "Compete" the new video is based on the idea that greatness comes from within, from pitting you against you. You will get to see how Muhammad Ali, Maria Sharapova and Magnus Carlsen can compete with themselves. Hit "play" to watch the commercial!

Continue reading to find out more about the 2017 Porsche 911.

2017 Porsche 911

Specifications
  • Make: Array
  • Model: 2017 Porsche 911
  • Engine/Motor: flat-6
  • Horsepower: 370
  • Torque: 331
  • Transmission: 6-speed manual
  • [do not use] Vehicle Model: Array
Pros
Cons

Exterior

As with most 911 facelifts, exterior changes are limited to a few nips and tucks. Up front, the 991.2 received a new front bumper with revised light strips and an air intake layout similar to the 2016 Porsche Cayman GT4’s.

The headlamps also received a mild refresh under the lenses, featuring four-point daytime running lights. The profile of the 911 remained unchanged except for the revised door handles and the redesigned, five-spoke wheels.

Around back, there’s a redesigned rear deck lid with vertical louvers, revised new taillights with four-point brake lights, and a reworked bumper with added air outlets on the sides. Other modifications that are less visible but enhance the 911 Carrera's abilities include a ride height that's 0.4 inches lower than the previous model due to a reconfigured Porsche Active Suspension Management system, wider rear wheels (widened by 0.5 to 11.5 inches), and wider rear tires, now measuring 305 mm instead of 295 mm.

All told, the 991.2 remains recognizable as a 911, which is pretty much what both Porsche and its loyal fans wanted.

Exterior Dimensions

Height

50.9 Inches (1,294 MM)

Width

71.2 Inches (w/o mirrors)

Wheelbase

96.5 Inches (2,450 MM)

Length

177.1 Inches (4,499 MM)


Side-by-side comparison

Interior

Interior updates are also on the table, but they're more about technology than design, leaving the overall layout of the cabin unchanged. The first thing that catches the eye is the new Porsche Communication Management (PCM) system with an online navigation module.

The new PCM can be operated similar to a smartphone, by multi-touch gestures on the seven-inch display, while also recognizing handwritten user inputs. Mobile phones and smartphones can now also be connected via Wi-Fi. A new option adds Apple CarPlay connectivity for iPhones.

Real-time traffic information is available with the new PCM system, as well as Google Earth and Google Streetview, both integrated for the first time in the 911. The instrument cluster should also feature enhanced graphics.

The steering wheel has also been revised and when the 911 Carrera is equipped with the optional Sport Chrono Package it received a mode switch. Derived from the hybrid map switch of the 2014 Porsche 918 Spyder, it consists of a rotary dial with four position for the driving modes, including Normal, Sport, Sport Plus, and Individual.

The new Individual mode allows drivers to configure their own setup of the chassis, the PDK's shifting strategy (if the option is selected), the exhaust system, and the start/stop system. Models ordered with the PDK transmission feature a Sport Response button that sets the drivetrain for maximum acceleration.

Everything else remains the same, which is good news given the 991 is packed with Porsche's finest materials and a wide range of upholstery colors. Of course, buyers looking for a customized cockpit can take it to Porsche Exclusive for loads of special trims and colors.

Drivetrain

This is where the 991 has received its most important update, as both the Carrera and Carrera S have ditched their naturally aspirated, 3.4- and 3.8-liter engines in favor of a newly-designed turbocharged unit. Also a flat-six (what else, huh?), the new mill displaces 3.0 liters and uses turbochargers with modified compressor wheels, a specific exhaust system, and a revised engine management system.

The six-cylinder pumps out 370 horsepower and 331 pound-feet of torque in the Carrera and 420 horsepower and 368 pound-feet of twist in the Carrera S. These figures account for 20-horsepower and 43-pound-feet improvements for both models. Naturally, the extra power and torque makes the 911 Carrera two tenths of a second quicker than its predecessor.

When equipped with the standard seven-speed manual transmission, the Carrera hits 4.4 seconds from 0 to 60 and a top speed of 183 mph. The PDK transmission reduces the sprint to 4.2 seconds, while the Sport Chrono package takes it down to an impressive four seconds flat. With the PDK, the Carrera tops out at 182 mph. Moving over to the manual Carrera S, 0-to-60 comes in at 4.1 seconds and top speed at 191 mph. Customers who opt for the PDK will be able to reach 60 mph in 3.9 seconds or 3.7 ticks with Sport Chrono. For this model top speed is 190 mph.

More good news comes from the rpm department, as the new engine revs up to 7,500, a relatively high engine speed for a turbocharged powertrain. Torque kicks in from 1,700 rpm up to 5,000 rpm.

Though the previous Carrera was far from being a gas guzzler at 22 mpg combined with the manual and 23 mpg combined with the PDK, the new turbo engines will also bring significant improvements in that department. EPA ratings aren't yet available, but Porsche said the new engines "are almost twelve percent more efficient compared to the previous generation according to the New European Drive Cycle (NEDC)." This means the new 911 Carrera could return up to 30 mpg highway, 25 mpg combined, and 22 mpg city depending on configuration. Impressive!

Another important addition here is the availability of rear-axle steering as an option. Adopted from the current 911 Turbo and the track-prepped 911 GT3, the steering system makes the Carrera more precise when changing lanes at higher speeds, while also ensuring greater maneuverability in city traffic thanks to a turning radius that is 1.6 feet smaller. Rear-axle steering will also come in handy at the race track according to the Germans, who claim the new Carrera S is ten seconds faster than the previous model on the Nurburgring Nordschleife with a lap time of only seven minutes and 30 seconds.

Drivetrain Specifications

Model

911 Carrera

911 Carrera S

Cylinder layout / number of cylinders

Boxer 6

Boxer 6

Displacement

3.0 l

3.0 l

Engine layout

Rear engine

Rear engine

Max. Power

370 HP

420 HP

Max. Torque

331 LB-FT

368 LB-FT

Compression ratio

10.0 : 1

10.0 : 1

Top Track Speed

183 mph manual (182 mph PDK)

191 MPH manual (190 mph PDK)

Acceleration 0 - 60 mph

4.4 sec manual (4.2 sec PDK; 4.0 sec (PDK with Sport Chrono))

4.1 sec (3.9 sec PDK / 3.7 sec (PDK with Sport Chrono))


Chassis and Suspension

Besides the rear-axle steering, the lowered ride height, and the wider rear wheels, the new 911 Carrera also features a reconfigured Porsche Active Suspension Management system that helps improve driver control during fast cornering, new shock absorbers for enhanced comfort, and tires that offer reduced rolling resistance and better grip. There's also an optional electro-hydraulic lift system with lifting cylinders integrated into the front axle struts. These allow the front axle to be increased by 1.57 inches within five seconds at the push of a button, enabling the sports car to handle steep driveways or those pesky speed bumps.

Safety

Porsche has yet to detail the safety feature available with the facelifted 911 Carrera, but it's safe to assume they are identical to the previous model. The sports car->ke506 should come with anti-lock brakes, stability control, front-impact airbags, side-impact airbags, and overhead airbags among many others.

Prices

Pricing for the facelifted Porsche 911 Carrera starts from $89,400, not including destination, which makes the new model $5,100 more expensive than its predecessor. Adding a PDK takes the sticker of the Carrera up to $92,600. The Carrera S with the manual transmission retails from $103,400, while the same version with PDK fetches $106,600 before options. As for cabriolets, the Carrera is priced from $101,700 and the Carrera S from $115,700. U.S. models will be launched in March 2016.

Model

Price

Porsche 911 Carrera Manual

$89,400

Porsche 911 Carrera PDK

$92,600

Porsche 911 Carrera S Manual

$103,400

Porsche 911 Carrera S PDK

$106,600


Competitors

2014 Jaguar F-Type Coupe

Although not exactly a full-fledged competitor for the 911, the F-Type->ke1224 has what it takes to give Porsche's finest a run for its money. Sure, it might not have the heritage of the 911, but it's gorgeous, powerful, and exotic enough to pose a threat. In basic trim, the F-Type Coupe is offered with a supercharged, 3.0-liter V-6 engine delivering either 340 or 380 horsepower.

More power can be had with the F-Type R, which uses a supercharged, 5.0-liter V-8 with 550 horsepower and 502 pound-feet of torque. Transmission choices include the eight-speed automatic and the newer six-speed manual. There's an AWD option as well, but it can only be paired with the automatic gearbox. The F-Type can hit 60 mph as quick as 3.9 seconds with the V-8, a figure that places it well behind the 911 Turbo S. Pricing for the F-Type begins from $65,000 in the U.S.

Read more about the Jaguar F-Type Coupe in our review here.

2016 Audi R8

Redesigned for the 2016 model year, the R8->ke1440 features an array of weight-saving measures, such as carbon-fiber-reinforced body and chassis components, and an aluminum front end. With these came a new exterior design with more angular cues.

The updated 5.2-liter V-10 engine now cranks out 540 horsepower and 398 pound-feet of torque in the base model, while the uprated version generates 610 horses and 413 pound-feet in the V10 Plus version. Its 0-to-60 mph 3.2-second sprint makes it a potent competitor for the 911, although it wouldn't stand a chance against the incredibly fast Turbo S.

Find out more about the 2016 Audi R8 in our detailed review here.

Conclusion

It's been 17 years since the 911 switched from air-cooled to water-cooled engines, and the iconic sports car has received yet another major change that sets it further apart from the original concept "Butzi" Porsche conceived in the early 1960s. By discontinuing the naturally aspirated Carrera, Porsche is bound to upset quite a lot of 911 purists, but the enhanced output and the improved fuel economy are likely to draw in just enough enthusiasts to make the switch feasible in terms of sales. Fortunately for purists, the all motor 911 is not yet lost, as there's no official confirmation that the GTS will go turbo and the GT3s are likely to remain naturally aspirated for a while longer. Meanwhile, the 911 has taken a big step into the future, despite betraying some of its heritage. I guess the "The king is dead long live the king!" saying fits perfectly here.

Updated History

Updated 11/26/2015: Porsche dropped a new promo video in which it highlights the latest generation 911. According to the new video while developing the new 911, the company started from scratch with just one goal in mind: to create the next 911, one that can do more, deliver more and consume less than ever before. Hit play to watch it!

Updated 10/23/2015: Porsche dropped a new video in which it highlights the everyday usability of its new 911 Carrera. The model comes equipped with a luggage compartment at the front and Porsche describes it as "the key to good travel comfort, remarkable everyday practicality." Do you agree? Hit play and check it out!

Updated 10/20/2015: Porsche dropped two new video of its new 911 Carrera. These two new video highlight the car's new high performance systems and its new front-axle lift system - that raises the front end by approximately 40 millimeters (1.5748 inches).

Updated 10/08/2015: Porsche dropped a new video in which it highlights its latest 911 Carrera models. Enjoy!

Updated 10/06/2015: Porsche dropped a new video in which it highlights the rear-wheel steering in the new 911. Enjoy!

Updated 10/01/2015: Porsche dropped a new video showing its new 911 on the Frankfurt stage. Porsche official will tell us more about the new technical and design features of this iconic car. Enjoy!

Updated 09/22/2015: We’ve added a series of new photos we took at the 2015 Frankfurt Motor Show. Find them in the "Pictures" tab.

Updated 09/07/2015: Porsche dropped the official details on the new 911, with just a few days before its official debut in Frankfurt.

Updated 07/23/2015: German magazine AutoBild reports that the new Porsche 911 Carrera will come with a series of improvements under the hood. On both the Carrera and the Carrera S versions the current engines will be replaced by one single 3.0-liter flat-six unit with output increased to 370 and 420 horsepower, respectively.

Update 7/20/2015: A 991.2 facelift was caught wearing no camouflage on the Nurburgring.

Spy shots

July 20, 2015 - Porsche 911 caught testing camo free

May 19, 2015 - Porsche 991 drops its camouflage

March 31, 2014 - Facelift Porsche 911 caught on the road

January 24, 2014 - Revised Porsche 911 begins winter testing