The new Porsche 911 is filled with a host of new technologies that make this everyday sports car even better.
FEATURE 911 TECHNOLOGY
STORY TONY TAN LOCATION HOCKENHEIMRING, GERMANY
SHORTLY before the international media drive of the new Porsche 911 (992), the German carmaker gave a select group of journalists a detailed rundown of its new features, as well as rides in the 911 Carrera S and 4S to demonstrate the car’s new capabilities at the famous Hockenheimring race circuit. Here are some of the features that grabbed our attention.
MORE POWERFUL ENGINES
The new turbocharged flat-6 engines are not only compliant with the latest emissions standards, they pack more power and torque, too.
The increased outputs are thanks to new, bigger turbochargers with electronically controlled wastegate valves, a redesigned charge air cooling system and piezo injectors, which are used for the first time.
The end result is 30PS and 30Nm more than its predecessor.
ONE MORE GEAR
The all-new PDK now features eight forward gears – a first for Porsche sports cars.
All gears have new ratios with the first gear being longer and the eighth gear longer than before. The longer finaldrive ratio results in lower engine speeds in the higher gears, which potentially means lower fuel consumption.
911 TECHNOLOGY
WHEN IT’S WET
The new 911 is the world’s first sports car with a system that recognises significant wetness on the road.
Using acoustic sensors housed in the front wheels housings to detect splashed water, the system informs the driver of the detected wetness and recommends manually switching to Wet mode.
When this mode is selected, PSM (Porsche Stability Management), PTM (Porsche Traction Management), aerodynamics, the optional PTV Plus (Porsche Torque Vectoring) and drive responsiveness are adapted to guarantee optimum stability.
MIXING THE TYRES UP
The all-new mixed tyre configuration – 20-inch wheels on the front axle and 21-inch wheels on the rear axle, and significantly wider rear tyres – have resulted in a track that’s wider by 46mm at the front for both models and by 39mm at the rear for the 911 Carrera S.
This combination enables the rear axle to build-up higher lateral stability and further improve traction of the rear-wheel-drive 911. The car’s handling is even more neutral and controllable.
BIGGER BRAKES
MORE ALUMINIUM, LESS STEEL BODY
The body structure is only 30 percent steel as compared to 63 percent in its predecessor. Apart from the front and rear aprons, the outer skin is made fully of aluminium.
The new door design is also manufactured using aluminium sheet. There is also an increased use of extruded aluminium for the bodyshell and more die-cast aluminium has been used for parts.
DYNAMIC AERODYNAMICS
The new adaptive rear spoiler is larger and wider. With its 45-percent bigger aerodynamically effective area, it offers greater balance between drag and reduced lift.
The additional Eco intermediate position is completely new and creates the lowest resistance thus minimising fuel consumption.
The rear spoiler can be adjusted to three positions – retracted at speeds of up to 90km/h, Eco up to 150km/h and Performance position above 150km/h.
"Night Vision Assist is able to detect persons and animals in darkness."
SEEING IN THE DARK
Using a smart thermal imaging camera, the new Night Vision Assist detects persons and animals in darkness and shows them to the driver.
With a range of 300m, the system is able to distinguish between an animal and a parked motorcycle with a warm engine, for example.
It is deactivated in urban area in order to prevent false warnings such as a dog on a leash on the pavement. In combination with the optional LED matrix headlights, the detected person or animal will be marked by brief flashing.
SIMPLIFIED YET SMARTER PCM
Numerous vehicle functions that were previously operated via the instrument cluster or centre console can now be configured in a graphically eye-catching way via the 10.9-inch touchscreen display of the new Porsche Communication Management (PCM) system.
Utilising predefined tiles, drivers can customise their home screens with preferred functions such as radio stations, sat-nav destinations, telephone numbers and even the sports exhaust activation function.
