The eighth generation 2020 Porsche 911 looks like the outgoing Porsche 911 but is a whole lot faster
Amidst much fanfare yesterday evening, Porsche unveiled the eighth generation Porsche 911, codenamed the 992 at the Porsche Experience Center in Los Angeles. While on the exterior, it retains its Porsche design DNA, albeit with a more muscular look and a completely new interior. Mechanically, it is an improvement over the previous generation it replaces.
Technical highlights
The new 911 features a new flat-six turbocharged engine that delivers 443 horsepower in the S models, an improvement of 23 horsepower over the previous generation.
Specific highlights include an improved injection process and a new layout for the turbochargers and intercoolers, resulting in improved efficiency. The drivetrain is further optimized with a new eight-speed, dual-clutch transmission as standard. The result is that the rear-wheel drive 911 Carrera S needs just 3.5 seconds to accelerate from 0 to 60 miles per hour in a blistering 3.5 seconds.
The 911 Carrera 4S Coupe needs just 3.4 seconds to launch from 0 to 60 miles per hour. This makes both cars 0.4 seconds faster than the outgoing model of the Porsche 911.
Acceleration is further increased by 0.2 seconds with the optional Sports Chrono package with acceleration for the 911 Carrera S at 3.3 seconds and the 4S at 3.2 seconds.
Top speed in the 911 Carrera S is 191 miles per hour and 190 miles per hour in the 4S. A manual transmission will be offered at a later date.
Exterior changes
Exterior design changes consist of a significantly wider wheel housing arch over 20 inch wheels up front and 21 inch wheels in back. Up front, the body width has been increased 45 millimeters making room for a much wider front track. The result is better handling over the previous generation. In back, the track is also increased but to much smaller degree.
The wheelbase of the new 911 is also increased over the previous generation resulting in a much more stable high-speed cruising experience.
Additional highlights include new flush electric door handles that extend outward when needed. The rear is dominated by a significantly wider spoiler and rear light bar similar to the new Panamera. Additionally, with the exception of the front and rear fascia, the entire exterior skin is made of aluminum.
Interior changes
The 992 has a completely new interior that is highlighted by a new dashboard inspired by the first generation 911. The center mounted radio and navigation control screen has been increased in size from 7.9 inches to 10.7 inches for better access to the driver. A key switch panel has been relocated to the center console as well for better driver access.
Safety features
New for 2020 is a ‘wet’ mode for driving in wet weather. Related to this new development are moisture sensors located in the front wheel well that preconditions the stability control and anti-lock braking systems accordingly.
A camera based warning system is also standard that detects the risk of collision with a moving object and initiates emergency braking, if necessary.
Night vision assist with thermal imaging is also available as an option.
Pricing
The 2020 Porsche 911 Carrera S and 4S are scheduled to go on sale in the Summer of 2019. MSRP for the Carrera S is $113,200 and $120,600 for the Carrera 4S.
Personally, I don’t know how I feel about the 2020 Porsche 911 Carrera S at this point. However, I am going to the Los Angeles Auto Show and will see it in the flesh. I will update this post with my impressions.
