2005 Porsche 911: Did They Make It Even Better?

Motor, Nov 2004 by Nash, Tom

Porsches venerable 911 model has been the stuff of dreams for most red-blooded males for four decades. The unique driving machine has been considered the ultimate in performance by many. Now, the 911 for 2005 has been improved!

The new Porsche 911 Carrera and Carrera S models look similar to their predecessors, but there are many significant changes beneath the classic silhouette, including innovative technology, more powerful engines, enhanced aerodynamics and updated interiors.

For the first time in nearly three decades, Porsche offers 911 buyers their choice of two engines. The Carrera makes use of the 325 hp provided by the well-established 3.6L "boxer" engine. The Carrera S carries the punch of 355 horses from its 3.8L power plant.

Both cars are capable of very high speeds, yet are just as comfortable on city streets and as competent on narrow, twisting mountain roads as they are on the open expanse of the German autobahn or American interstates. One reason for this is Porsche Active Suspension Management (FASM), a new system that combines a sporting yet comfortable configuration of the springs and dampers for long-distance road driving with a genuine race setup suitable for the track. At the touch of a button, the driver has a choice of Normal or Sport mode. Each mode incorporates five different control maps that are chosen automatically by the system as a function of the respective road conditions.

The 2005 models are packed with other new features, including a new sixspeed manual transmission, variableratio rack & pinion steering, new seating options in a redesigned passenger compartment and head-protecting air bags at the side window sills.

An optional Sport Chrono Package Plus system records and displays lap times on the standard Porsche Communication Management screen. The system also activates a wide range of electronics, including the gas pedal control lines, the engine speed limiter, Porsche Stability Management and, when installed, Tiptronic S and Porsche Active Suspension Management.