The new generation has now arrived, highlights include innovative twin-turbocharged flat-six engines, an advanced chassis with an even greater spread between performance and comfort, and a new infotainment system. With the benefit of more than four decades of experience with turbocharging – in both motor racing and production sports cars – the new engines in the new 911 Carrera set benchmarks in terms of performance, driving pleasure and efficiency.

Porsche has also added a new option of rear-axle steering, available on the Carrera S models for the first time. The fastest lap time around the North Loop of the Nürburgring is reduced to 7 minutes and 30 seconds – ten seconds faster than before.

Many exterior features of the 911 Carrera have been visually refined: these include new headlights with four-point daytime running lights, handles inset to the door panel without recess covers, a redesigned engine lid with vertical louvres and new tail lights – including the now characteristic four-point brake light Porsche motif. Inside, a new Porsche Communication Management with an enhanced multi-touch display console offers a considerably expanded range of functions and greatly simplified operation.

New turbocharged engines: 20 hp more and increased efficiency

The completely new engine generation with twin turbocharging now featured in the 911 Carrera has raised power, efficiency and also intensified the emotional driving experience. As is typical of the 911, at the rear of the Carrera lies a 3.0-litre flat-six engine, developing 370 hp (272 kW). The 3.0-litre flat-six in the Carrera S now delivers 420 hp (309 kW). In both cases this represents a power boost of 20 hp (15 kW) over the prior model. The 911 Carrera S produces more horsepower courtesy of turbochargers with modified turbine compressors, a specific exhaust system and tuned engine management.

The new Porsche engines are characterised by significantly increased torque (60 Nm in each case), and with maximum torque of 450 Nm and 500 Nm respectively delivered constantly from 1,700 rpm up to 5,000 rpm in both cases, thus ensuring responsive performance. At the same time, with a maximum engine speed of 7,500 rpm the new generation clearly exceeds the top revs of conventional turbo engines – and, of course, both are underscored by the typical sonorous Porsche flat-six engine sound.

Every new 911 generation boasts enhanced performance and efficiency compared with their predecessors. The 911 Carrera Coupé with Porsche-Doppelkupplung (PDK) and Sport Chrono Package sprints from zero to 62 mph in 4.2 seconds – making it two tenths of a second faster than its predecessor. The 911 Carrera S with PDK and Sport Chrono Package achieves this benchmark in just 3.9 seconds (also 0.2 secs swifter). This means that it is the first 911 in the Carrera family to undercut the magic four second mark. And the top speeds of both models have also increased further: the 911 Carrera now has a top speed of 183 mph (an increase of 4 mph), while the 911 Carrera S now reaches 191 mph (an increase of 3 mph).

The Porsche 911 has always balanced performance and efficiency, sportiness and everyday usability. Depending on the model, the 911 is now almost 12 per cent more efficient. The 911 Carrera with PDK transmission returns 38.2 mpg Combined (an increase of 3.8 mpg), while the 911 Carrera S with PDK consumes 36.7 mpg Combined (an increase of 4.2 mpg).

In terms of emissions, this translates to 169 g/km CO₂ for the Carrera PDK and 174 g/km CO₂ for the Carrera S PDK – placing both these models in Band H for the purposes of vehicle excise duty.

Enhanced Sport Chrono Package option with ‘mode switch’

In conjunction with the optional Sport Chrono Package, the 911 Carrera now features a ‘mode switch’ on the steering wheel, derived from the hybrid mode switch of the 918 Spyder. The mode switch consists of a rotary control with four positions for the driving settings “Normal”, “Sport”, “Sport Plus” and “Individual”. Depending on the car’s specification, the latter setting enables drivers to configure their own individual vehicle set-up; eg Porsche Active Suspension Management (PASM), PDK transmission shifting strategy and sports exhaust system.

In combination with the PDK, the mode switch has an additional “Sport Response Button”. When this is pressed, the drivetrain is pre-conditioned for maximum acceleration for 20 seconds, in anticipation of an overtaking manoeuvre, for example. For a short time, the optimum gear is engaged and the engine management adjusted to an even more spontaneous response.

A standard feature: re-engineered PASM chassis lowers ride height by 10mm

The 911 Carrera is the benchmark for driving dynamics of all-round sports cars. With every new generation, Porsche further increases the spread between everyday comfort and track driving performance. For the first time, the new PASM (Porsche Active Suspension Management) chassis, which lowers the ride height by ten millimetres, is a standard feature of every Carrera model. It further improves stability during fast cornering. At the same time, new dampers enhance comfort thanks to an even more precise response characteristic as well as improving body control during dynamic driving. The new wheel designs with five slim twin spokes carry tyres with reduced rolling resistance and enhanced performance. Furthermore, on all variants the width of the rear rims has increased by 0.5 to 11.5 inches. The rear tyres of the 911 Carrera S now measure 305 instead of 295 millimetres.

The active rear-axle steering that is available as an option for the 911 Carrera S is chassis technology adopted from the 911 Turbo and 911 GT3 (and 918 Spyder).

It further enhances the turn-in behaviour of the 911. In addition, it makes for high driving stability when changing lanes at high speeds. It also ensures greater manoeuvrability in city traffic thanks to the turning circle reduction of 0.5 metres. The improved handling is transmitted to the driver via the new steering wheel design, based on that fitted in the 918 Spyder. The basic steering wheel has a diameter of 375 millimetres; the optional ‘GT sport’ steering wheel measures 360 millimetres.

For everyday practicality, customers can choose a hydraulic lift system with integrated lifting cylinders in the struts of the front axle. Pressing a button increases the ground clearance at the nose by 40 millimetres within five seconds and thus prevents the vehicle underbody from hitting the ground, when traversing steep garage exits for example.

New Porsche Communication Management including Online navigation

The new 911 Carrera models feature a development of the Porsche Communication Management System (PCM) including Online satellite navigation and voice control. The PCM can be operated by performing multi-touch gestures on the seven-inch display, similar to operating a smartphone. User inputs by handwriting are also possible. Mobile phones and smartphones can now also be connected via Wi-Fi and Bluetooth. The smartphone tray is integrated for the first time in the centre armrest, offering battery-saving charging and optimised mobile phone reception. Also new is the option of connecting an iPhone^® to the PCM to use Apple CarPlay^®.

Real-time traffic information is available for significantly improved route navigation. It gives the driver a quick overview of the traffic situation and guarantees dynamic adaptation of the route to this information. Google Earth^® and Google Streetview^® are also being integrated for the first time to offer better orientation. Other components of the PCM are Porsche Car Connect and the Porsche Connect app, which can be used for such functions as remote control of vehicle functions, transfer of destinations to the PCM for navigation and use of music streaming services by third-party providers via the PCM.

New and extended optional assistance systems

An extended range of new and improved assistance systems are available on the new 911. The optional automatic speed control can now also brake moderately when the pre-set speed is exceeded, for example when driving downhill. Furthermore, the Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) option now has a coasting function in conjunction with the PDK transmission. When driving in a queue the clutches are disengaged, thus saving fuel with unpowered coasting. The optional Lane Change Assist monitors traffic behind with radar and uses LED lamps in the left and right of the mirror triangle to warn the driver about approaching vehicles in the blind spot. In addition, Porsche increases active safety with the multi-collision braking system as a standard feature.

Market launch in December

The new Porsche 911 Carrera models are on sale now in the UK and Ireland, and first deliveries will arrive in Porsche Centres in December.

Standard equipment on every 911 Carrera includes leather interior, sports seats, Porsche Communication Management (PCM) including satellite navigation system with seven-inch colour touchscreen, universal audio interface offering telephone module and MP3 connectivity, dual-zone automatic climate control, SPORT button, Bi-Xenon headlights, Porsche Active Suspension Management (PASM), Porsche Stability Management (PSM), tyre pressure monitoring, Porsche Vehicle Tracking anti-theft system, three year warranty and three year roadside assistance package.

Customers will also be able to explore the potential of their new car by participating in a complimentary course at the Porsche Experience Centre, Silverstone.

Christmas is now over and the New Year is finally upon us, I hope everyone had a nice break and would like to wish you all a happy new year.

Mota Car Blog has been running for a year now and we would like to thank everyone who has followed us so far.

Last year was an important one for the site, I visited a tonne of interesting car/motoring events, launched www.motacarblog.com and the site continues to gain more readers as each new week passes.
Just before the Christmas break we had up to 50,000 people engaging with our stories on social media and over 10,000 unique users visiting our new website – all of this was in just one week.

I aim to continue with this momentum going into the New Year and have plenty more exciting things planned for the year ahead in 2015.

I hope you continue to enjoy reading about and sharing in my automotive adventures and as always I welcome all constructive criticism/feedback in order to deliver the best content possible.

To help us continue to grow please like and share our content on motacarblog.com, Facebook and Twitter.
You can also search for our content using #motacarblog

Thanks.

Poddy

1. Audi Allroad Shooting Break Concept

First off is the Audi Allroad Shooting break concept, although the name may still need a little work the car itself looks to be a close to production vehicle.
The car looks to be a mash up of the entire audi production line. It’s like a sporty two door jeep with hints of a saloon car and hatchback. While I think it looks visibly appealing, I’m not sure what market this car is targeted at, perhaps a sporty off roader that Audi see as a competitor for the likes of the Range Rover Evoque?

2. 2015 BMW M3 Sedan & M4 Coupe

BMW announced their plans for the M3 Sedan & M4 Coupe, with the latter causing much controversy as it is set to place the previous M3 2 door Coupe.
Both vehicles will not only be lighter than their predecessors but both will receive a power boost in the form of a twin-turbo inline 6-cylinder engine producing 425 horsepower and 406 lb-ft of torque. A 6-speed manual or 7-speed twin-clutch automatic transmission is available.

3. 2015 Chevrolet Corvette Z06

If you’re a fan of american muscle then this car is for you, the Chevrolet Corvette Z06 is one of the more impressive cars to be unveiled at Motor City this year and it has the power to back up those menacing looks. The supercharged V8 lurking under its sculpted and vented bonnet makes at least 625 horsepower, putting up there with the last-generation ZR1. It will come with either a 7-speed manual or 8-speed automatic transmission and is set to go on sale  early next year.

4. KIA GTA Stinger Concept

One of the more interesting cars for me at the Detroit motor show this year was KIA’s GTA Stinger Concept. The Korean company have been working hard over the last decade to strengthen their brand in the marketplace and bringing a successful sports car to the game will go a long way in making a big impact in the car industry. Kia’s tagline is “The Power to Surprise and they’ve certainly done that with this car. The car was designed at the California Design Center America and for their first proper sports car I think it looks pretty impressive. The car comes equipped with turbocharged 2.0-liter engine produces an impressive 315 horsepower. Kia claims to have no plans to put this car into production though with the reception it received at Detroit, these plans may change.

5. 2015 Lexus RC-F Coupe

Although its official unveiling was at the Detroit Motor show, details of the RC-F were released prior to this and they can be found from our article on the car here…

The New Lexus F Verison ‘RC F Coupe’

6. 2015 Mercedes-Benz GLA45 AMG

The new GLA45 AMG was first debuted as a concept last Autumn at the Los Angeles Auto Show, but it was Detroit that got to see the final production model.
The impressive crossover boasts the most powerful series-production 4-cylinder engine in the world, a 2.0-liter turbo four that puts out an impressive 355 horsepower and 332 lb-ft of torque. This power is transferred to the road via a 7-speed automatic and the performance-oriented AMG 4MATIC AWD system and the GLA45  will hit 60 mph in just 4.8 seconds.

7. MINI John Cooper Works Concept

As previously mentioned by us here…http://motacarblog.wordpress.com/2013/12/18/new-mini-john-cooper-works-to-premiere-in-detroit/ the new John Cooper Works Concept was finally unveiled.

8. 2014 Porsche 911 Targa

Porsche first introduced the Targa on the 1965 911, though in this latest up to date model, the 911 Targa features an innovative folding cloth top that stores behind the rear seats, preserving the cars instantly recognizable roofline. Porsche says the new 911 Targa’s top takes just 19 seconds to open and close while the car is stationary.

9. 2015 Subaru WRX STI

The STI version of the Subaru takes an already improved WRX and adds more power and grip. The 2.5-liter turbocharged boxer 4-cylinder engine produces 305 horsepower and 290 lb-ft of torque and is teamed with an improved 6-speed manual transmission. A special Launch Edition, limited to only 1,000 units, will be available exclusively and features WRX Blue paint and comes equipped with gold BBS forged alloy wheels.

10. Toyota FT-1 Concept

Last but not least in our top ten picks from Detroit is Toyota’s unveiling of their FT-1 Concept. This awe inspiring car was probably the most talked about car that was revealed at Motor City and there has been  a wave of speculation and rumours that have followed in regards to whether or not this car will be the next Supra. Toyota say the FT stands for future Toyota so lets hope this car will go in to production. The FT-1 is a creation of Toyota’s CALTY design studio, and helps celebrate the studio’s 40th anniversary. Kevin Hunter, president of Toyota’s CALTY design studio, made this comment to journalists at the Detroit motor show: ‘We always like to see our concepts as having a purpose.’