Porsche promises more driving pleasure, greater performance and higher efficiency with this new force-fed range of 911s

Photos by Joel Tam

In an exclusive launch event held at the Marina Bay Sands Expo and Convention Centre, the latest range of 911s were unveiled. Six high-performance variants were launched, namely the 911 Carrera, 911 Carrera S, 911 Carrera S Cabriolet, 911 Carrera 4S, 911 Targa 4S and range-topping 911 Turbo. Porsche spared no expenses, treating members of the media to a stunning multimedia launch sequence.

The new 911 is now fitted with an all-new 3.0-litre twin turbocharged flat-six engine, meaning the new base model of the range boasts a respectable 370 hp; this is 20 more than the naturally-aspirated engine. Acceleration has improved too, with smoother gear shifting to enhance the overall performance even further. One step up from the Carrera, the Carrera S delivers 420 hp and has a top speed of 308 km/h; with Sport Chrono Package, it does the 0-100 km/h sprint in only 3.9 seconds. This is the first 911 in the Carrera family to do it in under 4 seconds.

While most may find it hard-pressed to tell the difference between the 911 991 and 991.2, a good illustration of the most striking exterior change with the 911 is the redesigned rear deck lid with vertical grilles. And this is more than just an aesthetic transformation: The grilles were modified as such to increase air intake to cool the engines, which in turn improves fuel economy. The air vents on the front bumper have also been reshaped to feature active flaps that automatically open and close while the car is in motion, to reduce drag and achieve maximum aerodynamic performance.

Also, Porsche Active Stability Management (PASM) comes standard, along with reduced rolling resistance tyres. Ride height is lowered by 10 mm at the same time, further enhancing the car\'s handling characteristic particularly along fast corners.

In conjunction with the optional Sport Chrono Package, the 911 Carrera now has a mode switch on the steering wheel for the first time. The mode switch consists of a rotary ring with four positions for the driving modes 'Normal', 'Sport', 'Sport Plus' and 'Individual'. Even the PDK transmission has an additional button, the 'Sport Response Button'; when this button is pressed, the drivetrain is pre-conditioned for maximum acceleration, for 20 seconds.

The range-topper, the 911 Turbo and Turbo S now boasts 20 hp more power. The 3.8-litre bi-turbo six-cylinder whips out 540 hp (Turbo) and 580 hp (Turbo S), thanks to new turbochargers with large compressors. 0-100 km/h is dispatched in 2.9 seconds with top speed rated at 330 km/h for the Turbo S with Sports Chrono Package, while for the Turbo, it takes 3 seconds with top speed 320 km/h. Turbo S also gets PDCC roll compensation and PCCB ceramic brake system as standard.

Base prices are as follow: S$446,088 for the 911 Carrera, S$508,888 for the 911 Carrera S, S$572,288 for the 911 Carrera S Cabriolet, S$544,088 for the 911 Carrera 4S, S$607,488 for the 911 Targa 4S and S$743,688 for the Turbo. All prices exclude COE and insurance.