All-new Porsche 911 breaks cover

After an extended teaser campaign and spy pictures, the all-new eighth generation Porsche 911 was revealed in its full undisguised glory on the eve of this week’s Los Angeles Auto Show.

Known internally as the 992, the latest incarnation of the rear-engined sports car icon was revealed in rear-wheel drive Carrera S and all-wheel drive 4S Coupé models.

Though its evolutionary shape unmistakably continues long-held 911 styling tradition, the new 992 generation sports a more muscular look. Significantly wider wheel housings arch over the 20-inch front wheels and 21-inch rear wheels. The rear end is now the same width across all models, unlike before where only the higher-performance versions had flared rear arches.

At the front the body is 45 mm wider, and there are new flush-integrated door handles that pop-out electrically. Between the new LED headlights, a bonnet with a pronounced recess evokes the design of the first 911 generations.

The rear has a significantly wider, variable-position rear spoiler and a light bar connecting the tail lights. Apart from the front and rear sections, the entire outer skin is now made from aluminium.

A completely revamped interior features clear and straight dashboard lines with recessed instruments, as inspired by 911 models from the 1970s. The time-honoured central analogue rev counter remains, and is flanked by two digital displays.

The centre touchscreen has grown to 10.9 inches and there are still physical buttons to quick-access important vehicle functions. In terms of digitalisation, the 911 takes the next step into the future with permanent connectivity as well as new functions and services. The standard PCM features include online navigation based on swarm data as well as Porsche Connect Plus.

In a world first, Porsche has developed Wet mode, included as standard. This function detects water on the road, preconditions the control systems accordingly and warns the driver, who can then set up the vehicle for a particular emphasis on safety, by simply pushing a button or using the mode switch on the steering wheel.

The warning and brake assist system, also standard, detects the risk of collisions with moving objects and initiates emergency braking if necessary. Night Vision Assist with a thermal imaging camera is optionally available for the 911 for the first time. The adaptive cruise control option includes automatic distance control, stop-and-go function, reversible occupant protection and an innovative autonomous Emergency Assist function.

The 3.0-litre flat-six turbocharged engine has been tweaked with extra power by means of an improved injection process and a new layout for the turbochargers and charge air cooling system, increasing maximum outputs from 309kW to 331 kW. Porsche says this has cut 0.4 seconds off the 0-100km/h sprint with the rear-wheel drive Carrera S managing the feat in 3.7 seconds and the all-wheel drive 4S in 3.6 seconds. This advantage is increased by a further 0.2 seconds with the optional Sport Chrono Package.

The top speeds are now 308 km/h (911 Carrera S) and 306 km/h for the all-wheel-drive version.  The power is delivered by a newly developed eight-speed dual-clutch transmission.

The new Porsche 911 is expected in South Africa by mid 2019 priced at R1,708,000 for the Carrera S and R1,797,000 for the 4S including a three-year/100,000km Driveplan.