First Look ~ 2012 Porsche 911 Carrera

MONTEREY, Ca.: The new, seventh generation Porsche 911 had its North American debut at the recent Porsche Rennsport IV Reunion at the fabled Laguna Seca track in California.
Called the Model 991 in-house, it comes in two models as the Carrera and Carrera S priced at $93,700 and $110,000 respectively.
The 2012 911 features the traditional rear-engine, rear-drive layout with its iconic horizontally opposed, six-cylinder engine.

The 911 Carrera is powered by a new 3.4-litre gasoline direct injection developing 350 hp while the Carrera S features a 400 hp version of the familiar 3.8-litre. These engines offer performance improvements for both models.
The 3.4-litre Carrera with "PDK" seven-speed dual clutch transmission accelerates from 0-100 km/h in 4.6 sec, 0.1 second quicker than the prior model. Pressing the Sport Plus button on the optional Sport Chrono Pack cuts that to 4.4 sec.
The 3.8-litre Carrera S with PDK can accelerate from 0-100 km/h in 4.3 sec (Sport Plus 4.1 sec), 0.2 sec quicker than its predecessor.
The classic 911 shape is untouched but the car is longer and lower with a 100 mm longer wheelbase for improved stability. There is greater interior space while front and rear overhangs are shorter with the front wheels featuring a two-inch wider track for improved on-road presence.
Porsche Dynamic Chassis Control (PDCC) active roll stabilization system is available for the first time on the 911 Carrera S. The system reduces body roll when cornering with the result that the tires are always in the optimal position relative to the road surface and thus able to transmit higher lateral forces.
The interior takes design cues from the Porsche Carrera GT. The driver is made to feel more in touch with the car due to the centre console rising up to the front with the high-mounted shift lever, or PDK gear selector, located close to the steering wheel in typical motorsport fashion.
The instrument cluster has the signature five round gauges with the central dial being the rev counter. On the right is a new, high-resolution multi-function screen.
The 3.4-litre direct injection engine and optional PDK returns 34.4 mpg combined based on the New European Driving Cycle (NEDC) which is six mpg better than its predecessor.

Story and Photo's by Jim Robinson

Comments

[CGS intake]

Who wouldn't be astounded by this magnificence? After all it is a Porsche.