Iconic 911 is better than ever

Evening Chronicle (Newcastle, England), June 27, 2008

Byline: By BILL McCARTHY

CITIUS, Altius, Fortius, and faster, higher, stronger, are the Latin and English words to describe the noble tradition of the Olympic Games.

They could be paraphrased to describe the latest version of one of the most distinctive and desirable cars in the world, the Porsche 911, as faster, greener and better.

To preserve its iconic status, Porsche is anxious that changes, particularly to the exterior, are evolutionary rather than revolutionary.

So upgrades to the four new models, two coupes and two cabriolets, are fairly minor and include new bi-Xenon headlights with LED daylight running lights, revised rear light clusters and stunning alloy wheels.

But it's the mechanics and the engineering that see major changes with two new engines and, for the first time, a new a seven-speed automatic gearbox. This sports the virtually unpronounceable name of Doppelkupplungsgetriebe, or PDK for short, and it features a double wet clutch and lightning quick gear changes. Quicker than the manual box in fact.

It is similar to VW's DSG box and involves the second clutch preparing to select the next gear while the first is being engaged. You are required to hold your foot on the brake while giving the throttle full revs before finally releasing the footbrake.

The car literally rockets away, seamlessly hunting through the gears and up to its top speed of 188mph in the case of the Carrera S.

The flat-six engine gives more power - 345bhp for the Carrera, up 20bhp, and 385bhp in the Carrera S, up 30bhp - so at 4.3 seconds acceleration to the benchmark 60mph is quicker by one fifth of a second than the previous engine. Porsche have also managed to square the green circle by producing more power from lighter engines while reducing harmful CO2 emissions. The 2.6-litre engine produces 225g/km, a drop of 15% on the previous model.

It won't impress the green lobby that much, but it shows that you can have performance and still produce a cleaner engine that places it in Band F for road tax and reduces company car tax costs.

It is difficult to see how the 911 could get much better, but on the road it feels sharper than ever, particularly when pushed hard through corners.

The Porsche Stability Management (PSM) system which continues as standard. As well as the traction and stability system, PSM additionally offers Brake Pre-Filling and Brake Assistant functions which ensures faster and more powerful braking response .

Performance is thrilling, but I could not take to the awkward button or toggle transmission change on the steering and would prefer paddles. Alternatively the driver can shift gears via a new gear selector lever.

The rest of the interior is evolutionary and the centrepiece is a multi-purpose media management system with a simplified control panel - plus a larger 6.5-inch display with 'touchscreen' technology for the first time which makes inputs to the audio system or the optional satellite navigation more straightforw a rd .

Ths system is now fully compatible with audio sources, such as an iPod or a USB stick, and Bluetooth. A TV tuner is a further option and can receive both analogue and digital television signals.

The upgraded Porsche 911 goes on sale in Great Britain and Ireland on July 5. The Carrera 3.6-litre is priced from pounds 63,070 and the Carrera S 3.8-litre is priced from pounds 70,360. The 911 Carrera Cabriolet is priced from pounds 70,360, the Cabriolet Carrera S from pounds 77,650.

The PDK option costs pounds 2,338, and the Sport Chrono Package Plus, which includes launch control, costs pounds 729.

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WELCOME EVOLUTION - the latest Porsche 911 is faster, greener and better