Issue link: http://digital.nexsitepublishing.com/i/100963
There is no mistaking the new Porsche as anything but a 911, but close inspection shows significant changes. The chassis wheelbase is 3.9 inches longer, but the front and rear overhangs are reduced so the overall length is only about 2 inches longer. The windshield now has a slightly greater slope and the body is a little lower to the ground. Most of the increase in wheelbase seems to be between the seat position and the rear wheels. The basic wheels are now 19 inches in diameter and the S models have 20 inch wheels. The sun roof is larger and has a bigger front air deflector when open. The movable roof section rises up about one or two inches higher than the normal roof height and slides back. I hope they have worked the open-roof drag and wind noise problem. The weight of the new Carrera is 100 pounds less than the equivalent 997 model. The models shown were Carrera S versions which have a 3.8 liter engine that is now rated at 400 horsepower. The base Carrera engine is downsized to 3.4 liters but has a rating of 350 hp. In answer to a question, Mr. Achleitner indicated the 991 would have the same type of ride control system (Porsche Automatic Suspension Management, PASM) that was on the 997 Carrera S. There will also be some new additional systems as described in Reference 1 on ���Stop-Start��� and ���Torque-Vectoring,��� along with using the generator to produce additional braking force and additional electrical power which is stored in the absorbent glass mat battery. 38 November 2011 We didn���t hear much about the reason for the longer wheel base. The 3.9 inch increased wheelbase distance appears to be behind the seats and certainly will improve both rear seating space and storage volume readily accessible to the driver. And it should also improve the ride qualities as it has previously when 911 wheelbase was increased. Reference 2 says the extra space will allow volume for a hybrid conversion in the 2016 versions of the model. One does not conclude that the new cars will be getting simpler. Porsche 991 Carrera Driver���s Seat.