Return of the Carrera

Twenty years after the Porsche 911 made its debut at the Frankfurt Show (then as the type 901), the fastest normally aspirated version yet made has been announced with the Carrera badge. Engine capacity is increased as standard from 2,994 cc to 3,164 cc, and power increased from 204 to 231 bhp. The maximum speed of the 911 Carrera goes up to 152 mph, while the 0-60 mph time is reduced to 6.1 seconds.

Traditionally the Carrera name is given to Porsches which the factory intends for competitions, the last 911 bearing the Carrera name being the 2.7 RS announced 11 years ago and destined for a three-year reign in the Grand Touring race category. The new model, available in Coupe, Targa and Cabriolet forms, is identified by its 928S-style cast alloy wheels and front foglights which are built into the spoiler.

Along with the capacity and power increase, the 911 Carrera has a number of other modifications. As the stroke has been increased to 74.4 mm new pistons have been adopted, and the roof of the combustion chamber has been lowered, increasing the compression ratio to 10.3:1. The cylinder heads of the air-cooled flat-six fit directly onto the block without gaskets, as the Turbo model, and the latest in Bosch Motronic engine management actually makes the Carrera more economical than its predecessor. Improved braking and interior heating are part of the new specification, which we will return to in greater detail next month in a Porsche anniversary feature.

The 928S appears in series 2 form with an extra 10 bhp (now 310 bhp) and a four-speed automatic gearbox as an alternative to the 5-speed manual transmission, and ABS anti-lock braking.