The Porsche 991 is the seventh generation of the Porsche 911 sports car, which was unveiled at the 2011 Frankfurt Motor Show on 15 September as the replacement for the 997. The 991 was an entirely new platform, only the third since the original 911 launched in 1963 (the 996 of 1999 was the second new platform). Production of the 991 generation ended on 20 December 2019, with 233,540 units produced.[1]
Design
Compared to the 997, the 991 is slightly larger, with the wheelbase increased by 100 mm to 96.5 in, and the overall length up by 70 mm to 176.8 in.[2] A new transaxle was developed so that the rear wheels could be moved 3 in backward in relation to the position of the engine, which significantly improves the weight distribution and cornering performance of the car.[3][4]
Due to the use of high-strength steel, aluminium and some composites, the weight was reduced to 1380 kg for the manual Carrera, rising to 1605 kg for the all wheel drive Turbo model if equipped with the PDK transmission (Porsche Doppelkupplung). PDK is available as an option for all 911 Carrera and 911 Turbo (991.1 Non S) models as a 7-speed transmission, featuring manual and automatic modes. Gears 1 to 6 have a sports ratio and top speed is reached in 6th gear. 7th gear has a long ratio and helps to reduce fuel consumption by keeping engine revs low. The PDK is essentially two gearboxes merged into a single unit and thus requires two clutches. For all 991 models, the PDK is produced by ZF Friedrichshafen. The auto start/stop function is standard on all variants of the 911 Carrera.
First phase (991.1; 2011–2016)
911 Carrera and Carrera S (2011–2015)
Introduced at the 2011 Geneva Motor Show, the Carrera is equipped with a 3.4-litre boxer engine with direct fuel injection generating a maximum power output of 350 PS at 7,400 rpm and 390 Nm of torque at 5,600 rpm. The Carrera S has a 3.8-litre engine generating a maximum power output of 400 PS at 7,400 rpm and 440 Nm of torque at 5,600 rpm.
The convertible variant of the 991 was announced in both Carrera and Carrera S versions at the LA Motor Show in November 2011.[5]
In September 2012, at the Paris Motor Show, the all-wheel-drive variants, the Carrera 4 and 4S, were added to the 991 lineup.
In May 2012, Porsche revealed the Carrera S Club Coupe. The main difference was a power increase (from 400 to 430 hp) and a ducktail spoiler. It was only offered in Brewster Green, had 5-spoke silver over dark green rims, yellow PCCB brakes, chrome window trim and Club Coupe lettering on sides. Thirteen cars were made worldwide.[6]
Also in 2013, Porsche showed the Carrera 4S Exclusive Edition.
Second phase (991.2; 2015–2019)
Following an introduction at the 2015 Frankfurt Motor Show, the 991 received a mid-cycle facelift for the 2016 model year. The updated Porsche 911 (at Porsche internally referred to as 991.2 or 991 II) introduced new styling including updated front and rear bumpers, new dual exhaust pipes along with new head and tail lights and options, along with all new, 3.0-litre twin-turbocharged flat-six engines across the range. This marked the first time the base 911 models had turbocharged engines.
911 Carrera and Carrera S (2015–2019)
Initially from October 2015, available models were the coupé and cabriolet versions of Carrera and Carrera S.
The all-wheel drive versions Carrera 4 and 4S were unveiled in December 2015.
In 2016, Porsche unveiled 911 Carrera S Endurance Racing Edition to celebrate manufacturer's 18th win in Le Mans.[42] The body could be done in White or Red, with black decals on sides, hood, roof and rear spoiler. Also car gets Sport exhaust system as standard. 235 cars were built.[43][44]
Awards
The Porsche 991 was titled World Performance Car 2012 shortly after famed Porsche designer Ferdinand Alexander Porsche died.[72][73] The GT3 was awarded the title of World Performance Car Of The Year in 2014.[74][75]
External links
References
- Last Porsche 911 of the 991 generation comes off the production line Porsche Newsroom, retrieved 21 December 2019^
- Dan Neil. Porsche's Magnificent First Stab at the New 911 The Wall Street Journal, 11 February 2012^
- Tim Pollard. Porsche 911: 2011's new 991 generation scooped Car Magazine, 4 November 2010, retrieved 3 August 2011