As expected, the next-generation of Porsche's evergreen 911 Carrera continues its gentle design evolution. At first glance the front looks little different, though the rear end is much sharper thanks to extremely slim lights. Overall the new car is lower than before, while the front track has been widened and the wheelbase lengthened by 100mm.
The new Carrera model is powered by a 3.4-litre direct injection flat-six, putting out 350hp. It's quicker than its predecessor, with 0-100km/h taking as little as 4.4 seconds depending on options. Despite that it's more efficient, uses 8.2 litres/100km (34.4mpg) and emits just 194g/km.
Porsche has released figures for the Carrera S too, powered by a 400hp 3.8-litre boxer engine. It can cover the benchmark 0-100km/h sprint in as little as 4.1 seconds, uses 8.7 litres/100km (32.4mpg) on the combined cycle and emits 205g/km.
While the fastest acceleration times are for cars equipped with the Porsche-Doppelkupplungsgetriebe (PDK) dual-clutch gearbox, the new 911 will, intriguingly, be available with a seven-speed manual. It's a world first. Another option will be the Porsche Dynamic Chassis Control (PDCC) active roll stabilisation system. Although no data has been released on the new 911's weight, Porsche claims that its new model is lighter than before - which should benefit dynamics as much as it does efficiency.
Standard equipment on the Carrera includes leather, climate control, Bi-Xenon headlights and satnav. The Carrera S adds 20-inch alloys, Porsche Active Suspension Management (PASM) and Porsche Torque Vectoring (PTV) with rear limited slip differential. Irish prices are not yet available.
Porsche will display the new 911 at the Frankfurt Motor Show next month.