The new Carrera era

The hot new Porsche 911 Carreras adopt styling cues from their classic predecessors, writes DAVID LINKLATER


What goes around comes around for the Porsche 911: the next generation of the world's most famous sports car (known as the Type 997) will return to the distinctive circular headlight design of models past.

Two new 911 models will be launched simultaneously towards the end of the year: the Carrera with a 239kW 3.6-litre six-cylinder "boxer" engine and the Carrera S, powered by a larger-capacity 3.8-litre version that delivers 261kW.

With torque of 400Nm, the S accelerates to 100km/h in 4.8 seconds. The Carrera achieves the same in five seconds neat. Top speeds are 285km/h and 293km/h respectively.

The car will make its world motor show debut in Paris in September. Expect New Zealand deliveries to start by November.

Both 911 models have a newly developed six-speed manual gearbox and revised chassis dynamics, which includes active suspension, called Porsche Active Suspension Management (PASM).

In the "normal" position, PASM provides a balanced suspension set-up for everyday driving; engaging the "sport" function, however, makes the suspension firmer.

PASM is fitted as standard on the S model and available as an option on the Carrera. A further option for both models is a sports suspension package which lowers the body by 20mm, offered in combination with a mechanical limited-slip differential.

The Carrera has 18-inch wheels with 235/40 ZR18 tyres at the front and 265/40s at the rear.

For the first time, 19-inch wheels are also available on the 911. The Carrera S runs on 235/35 ZR19 tyres (front) and 295/30s rear.

The exterior styling package is completely new - but still a careful evolution of the classic 911 look.

Among the changes are more sheet-metal emphasis on the waist and a wider track, while the new lights are underscored by more prominent bumpers. There is also a more aerodynamic rear spoiler.

The 997-generation Porsche 911 is being introduced only as a two-wheel-drive Carrera model.

The present line-up of wide-bodied all-wheel drive models (Carrera 4, Carrera 4S, Turbo) plus GT2, GT3 and GT3 RS, will continue in production until replacement models are developed. It's expected the first of the wide-body cars will appear at the start of 2006.

The 997 is the 15th series in the history of the 911. In 2003, Porsche celebrated the 40th anniversary of the model.