NEW FOR 2009:
- Redesigned, all-new models with new direct-injection engines, improved braking ability, exterior and interior styling, and redesigned Porsche Communication Management system with larger screen, Bluetooth and external music player input
- Optional seven-speed double-clutch PDK transmission replaces Tiptronic S
- All-wheel drive models use improved Porsche Traction Management system from the 911 Turbo
- Standard bi-xenon headlamps and LED rear lighting
- Available ventilated front seats
- GT2 and 911 Turbo add standard Porsche Communication Management system
For 2009, the Porsche 911 series receives major updates. New direct injection improves engine performance: the 3.6-litre increases from 325 to 345 horsepower, and from 273 to 287 lb-ft of torque, while the 3.8-litre rises from 355 to 385 horsepower, and from 295 to 310 lb-ft of torque. The 911 Turbo receives variable turbine geometry on its turbocharger for efficient control throughout the engine speed range. The optional automatic transmission is now the company's seven-speed Doppelkupplungsgetriebe (PDK), or double-clutch, which replaces the Tiptronic S on all but the Turbo models.
Other changes include styling updates, an improved Porsche Communication Management system, standard bi-xenon headlamps and new LED rear lights, and available ventilated seats.
The wide-ranging 911 family encompasses 14 models: the Carrera and Carrera S, in coupe or convertible; the all-wheel drive Carrera 4 and Carrera 4 S, in coupe or convertible; Targa 4 and Targa 4 S; Turbo and Turbo Cabriolet; and GT2 and GT3. All engines are six-cylinder and horizontally-opposed. A 3.6-litre, 345-horsepower engine is used in the Carrera, Carrera 4, and Targa 4, while a 3.8-litre, 385-horsepower version is used in the Carrera S, 4 S and Targa 4 S. The Turbo uses a turbocharged 3.6-litre, producing 480 horsepower. The GT3 uses a naturally-aspirated 3.6-litre making 415 horsepower, while the GT2's version is turbocharged and makes 530 horsepower; it's a race-ready but street-legal machine. The "4" designation indicates all-wheel drive.
All models use a six-speed manual transmission that can be optioned to the new, seven-speed PDK double-clutch transmission in everything but the GT3 and GT2 models, which are strictly stick-shift, and the Turbo models, which option to the five-speed Tiptronic S as before.
Features on the Carrera include 18-inch alloy wheels, automatic climate control, four-piston calipers with ventilated brake discs, hydraulic power-assist steering, head and thorax side airbags, anti-theft system with interior sensor, keyless entry, heated mirrors, bi-xenon headlamps, Porsche Stability Management system, rain-sensing wipers with heated washer nozzles, tire pressure monitoring system, three-spoke leather-wrapped wheel, on-board computer, heated seats with power-adjustable backrest, storage shelf, lockable glovebox and storage compartment, Porsche Communication Management with 5.8-inch colour display, Bose Surround Sound CD stereo, garage door opener, cruise control, illuminated vanity mirrors, black instrument dials, power windows, Alcantara headliner, and automatic extending rear spoiler. The Coupe includes a power-operated sliding steel sunroof, while the Cabriolet adds a power top and safety bars.
The all-wheel drive Carrera 4 and Carrera 4S models have corresponding features (S models use 19-inch wheels), while the Targa models include a glass roof made from two large panels running from the windshield to the engine cover. The transparent glass absorbs almost all ultraviolet radiation and does not transit heat into the vehicle; the front portion can be opened electrically, and the roof includes an integrated power shade.
The Turbo models add 19-inch alloy wheels, all-wheel drive, red six-piston calipers, enhanced Porsche Stability Management system, self-levelling bi-xenon headlamps with washers, auto-dimming side and rearview mirrors, Sport Chrono package, electrically-adjustable seats with driver's side memory, full leather interior, navigation system, and aluminum-colour instrument dials.
The GT3 includes 19-inch alloy wheels, climate control, limited-slip differential, six-piston front and four-piston rear red brake calipers, three-spoke GT3 wheel with Alcantara rim, bi-Xenon headlamps, on-board computer, sports seats with Alcantara inserts and electric backrest adjustment, cruise control, CD stereo, power windows, exterior Aerodynamic package with fixed biplane wing, and sports exhaust system with central dual tailpipes.
The GT2 includes 19-inch wheels, automatic climate control, Porsche Active Suspension Management, limited-slip differential, ceramic composite brakes with yellow calipers, three-spoke GT2 wheel with Alcantara rim, keyless entry, tire pressure monitoring system, on-board computer, sports seats with Alcantara inserts and electric backrest adjustment, CD stereo, cruise control, power windows, Aerodynamic package with fixed biplane wing, titanium sports exhaust system, and power-operated sliding steel sunroof.
Benefitting from even more powerful engines, the 911 line-up has enough models to suit almost every buyer, from high-performance to highest-performance, and with a choice of fixed roof, drop-top, or a glass surface that lets the sun shine in but retains all-weather ability. While all 911 models take to the track quite well, the GT2 is aimed at those who take lapping days seriously, but who still want to be able to drive the car home when they're done.
