New Porsche 911 (991)

Like the new Ferrari 458 Spider (below), the world premiere of new 911 (991) will be at the 2011 IAA Frankfurt Motor Show, September 13 -25, marking "a new generation of benchmark sports car," with "innovative chassis technology raising dynamics," and it will be "lighter, more powerful, less fuel consumption and have class-leading emissions," Porsche say. They also say it'll start from £71,449, with the Carrera S (pictured) from £81,242. Since 1963, the 911 has been the car many performance enthusiasts wish to own, and with the technological advancements on this subtly re-styled 991 version, we see no reason why this will change. Improvements include: 100mm longer wheelbase for improved stability and greater interior space, shorter front and rear overhangs "maintaining the compact footprint that has been a longstanding 911 attribute," lower roof line and a wider front track "increasing on-road presence further still while raising the renowned chassis dynamics." The rear-mounted, flat six cylinder engine is an uprated range of powerful, efficient and evocative ‘boxer’ engines. The 911 Carrera is powered by a new 3.4-litre engine developing 350bhp, and the Carrera S features a 400bhp version of the familiar 3.8-litre. The 3.4-litre Carrera with PDK accelerates from 0-62mph in 4.6 sec, 0.1 sec quicker than the prior model. And pressing the Sport Plus button on the optional Sport Chrono Pack cuts that to 4.4 sec. The 3.8-litre Carrera S with PDK can accelerate from 0- 62 mph in 4.3 sec (Sport Plus 4.1 sec), 0.2sec quicker than its predecessor. There's also a new lightweight body, featuring intelligent aluminium-steel composite construction, shaving 45Kg and delivering significantly greater rigidity, and aerodynamic optimisation – including a wider, variably extending rear spoiler, reducing lift. Depending on the model, there are other standard or optional active control systems available as well that further enhance the driving dynamics. That is especially true for the excellent Porsche Dynamic Chassis Control (PDCC) active roll stabilisation system, available for the first time on the 911 Carrera S. The 991 also gets 20-inch diameter alloy wheels and interior styling from the Carrera GT. Oh, and CO2 figures are down, while mpg figures are up, despite the power gains!  The new 911 will be in the UK from December 2011. We expect it to be popular, if not with the original air-cooled 911 fans...