2017 Porsche 911 Carrera in Riverside

Increasing the spread between compliant ride comfort and agile handling, Porsche Active Suspension Management (PASM) with adaptive dampers is now standard on all 911 Carrera models. This includes a 0.39 inch (10 mm) drop in ride height compared to the previous 911 Carrera without PASM. For the first time, the 911 Carrera S can now be ordered with rear-axle steering. A multi-collision brake system is standard.

The uniqueness of the 911 Carrera stems from its ability to blend refined everyday comfort with exceptional handling. On the new generation, Porsche has increased the spread between these two seemingly opposites even further than before. The revised PASM chassis (Porsche Active Suspension Management), which lowers the ride height by 0.39 inches (ten millimeters) compared to the previous 911 Carrera without PASM, is a standard feature. It improves stability during fast cornering. The agility and stability benefits realized by active rear axle steering – now being offered as an option for the first time on the 911 Carrera S – are significant. At the same time, it improves handling by reducing the turning radius from 36.7 to 35.1 feet. This innovative technology has already proven itself in the current 911 Turbo and 911 GT3 and GT3 RS models, where it is standard. Additionally, the standard automatic post-collision braking system enhances the safety of the new 911 models.

Despite being considerably more comfortable than the previous model, the handling of the new 911 Carrera has reached an even higher level. Thanks to a new generation of active PASM dampers offering a broader spread between ride comfort and agile handling, body roll is reduced further during spirited driving, while the responsiveness on uneven road surfaces is improved. Rebound buffer springs at all four wheel corners not only reduce the tendency to roll and pitch, but also improve rebound response. The new chassis tuning also encompasses modified coil springs and anti-roll bars. The width of the rear wheels has been increased by half an inch to 11.5 inches. Working together with its tire suppliers, Porsche has developed a new generation of tires for the 911 Carrera that offer improved dry handling and braking as well as optimized wet handling characteristics and reduced rolling resistance.

Optionally available on the S models is PASM Sport Suspension; it lowers the ride height by another 0.39 inches (ten millimeters) compared to the new standard PASM suspension, but also offers significantly better comfort than before due to its new calibration. As before, Porsche Dynamic Chassis Control (PDCC) is also available as option on the 911 Carrera S. The PDCC system minimizes body roll of the vehicle when cornering. The system is especially adept at reducing lateral instability on uneven surfaces or sudden lane changes, promoting particularly neutral and agile handling.

When equipped with the optional active rear axle steering, the 911 Carrera S exhibits excellent cornering dynamics similar to those of the 911 Turbo and the 911 GT3, which are equipped with this feature as standard. The system significantly improves agility in tight corners, stability during high-speed lane changes and the maneuverability of the car in city traffic. If the driver enters a corner at speeds below 31 miles per hour, the front and rear wheels turn in opposite directions. Effectively, this is similar to shortening the car’s wheelbase. As a result, the car can be guided through corners with reduced steering input. Additionally, the turning radius is reduced by 1.6 feet to 35.1 feet. At higher speeds, the operating principle of the active rear wheel steering is reversed; above 50 miles per hour, the front and rear wheels are turned in the same direction, which has a similar effect to lengthening the wheelbase. The result: greater stability and more spontaneous and harmonious lane changes due to the faster build-up of lateral forces at the rear axle. Between 31 and 50 miles per hour, the wheels steer in the opposite or same direction, depending on what the particular driving situation requires.

The active rear-wheel steering is operated by two electro-mechanical actuators on the left and right sides of the rear axle instead of conventional toe control arms. These allow the steering angle of the rear wheels to be varied by up to approximately two degrees, depending on vehicle speed. By comparison, a steering angle of two degrees at the front wheels is comparable to turning the steering wheel 32 degrees from the center position. The high lateral force potential of the steered rear axle made it possible to make the steering ratio 10 percent more direct on-center, further enhancing agility.

Two new steering wheels whose design is based on that of the 918 Spyder are available on the 911 Carrera models. The standard steering wheel has a diameter of 375 millimeters (14.8 inches); the optional GT Sport steering wheel measures 360 millimeters (14.1 inches) in diameter. To ease entering or exiting parking structures or steep driveways, Porsche offers an optional hydraulic lift system with integrated lifting cylinders in the front axle struts. At the push of a button, this increases ground clearance at the front spoiler lip by 40 millimeters (1.5 inches) within five seconds. If the driver does not manually drop the ride height, the system automatically lowers it to the normal position when the vehicle reaches a speed of approximately 37 miles per hour.

On the 911 Carrera S, a Sport Package consisting of rear-axle steering, Sport Exhaust system, Sport Chrono Package, GT Sport steering wheel and SportDesign exterior mirrors is available.

Whenever the performance of a model is enhanced, Porsche also upgrades the brakes to match. The front brakes of the 911 Carrera have new, larger four-piston brake calipers as well as brake rotors that are six millimeters or 0.24 inches thicker (13.0 x 1.34 inches) than before. At the same time, the pad surface has been enlarged by 17 percent. On the S model, 16 percent larger pads from the 911 Turbo are used in combination with brake rotors that are 0.43 inches (10 millimeters) larger in diameter than before (13.8 x 1.34 inches). They are joined by pins to a new aluminum rotor hub, which reduces unsprung masses and contributes to better driving dynamics.

On the previous generation 911 Carrera models, 13.8 inch rotors were used when equipped with PCCB. The optional ceramic brake system (PCCB) is now adopted entirely from the 911 Turbo S, including larger rotors (front: 16.1 x 1.42 inches, rear: 15.4 x 1.26 inches) and larger brake calipers to match. The composite brake rotor material represents the third generation of PCCB, just like on the 918 Spyder, 911 Turbo, and 911 GT3 and GT3 RS models, offering increased brake performance and longevity compared to the previous generation. Ceramic brakes are available in conjunction with 20-inch wheels.

The enhanced performance of the 911 Carrera extends to the Porsche Stability Management (PSM) system. When equipped with the optional Sport Chrono Package, the stability control system offers a new mode known as “PSM Sport” that is activated via the PSM button on the center console. Its functionality differs significantly from the normal “PSM On” mode. To inform the driver, a warning light in the instrument cluster lights up when PSM Sport mode is activated, and the yellow “PSM Off” symbol up when PSM is switched off. The new PSM Sport mode lets spirited drivers approach the performance limits of the 911 – such as on an enclosed race track. Compared to PSM On, the new function allows much larger yaw movements and more wheelspin. This lets drivers experience the sports car's dynamic performance to a fuller extent and makes it unnecessary to fully deactivate PSM. Of course, the PSM Off mode is still available, and it is activated by pressing and holding down the PSM button, staying true to the Porsche philosophy that a driver should be able to fully deactivate stability control systems if they wish. As a safety feature, hard braking which triggers ABS will activate the full range of stability control systems in any mode until the brakes are disengaged again.

The new 911 Carrera is the first Porsche production sports car to adopt the concept of active cooling air flaps from the 918 Spyder. They enable better control of the sports car's aerodynamics and heat management for even greater driving dynamics and efficiency. When the car is at a standstill, three flaps are opened in each front-end air intake by an actuator. If there is no need for additional cooling air, they close at speeds above 9 miles per hour. The flaps open over several stages starting at 100 miles per hour, or starting at 75 miles per hour when the convertible roof is retracted or the sliding sunroof is open. When the flaps are closed, airflow around the front end is improved, reducing drag and lift at the front axle. In Sport mode, Sport Plus mode or when PSM is in Sport mode or fully deactivated, the flaps are automatically opened.

The active aerodynamic system adjusts the angle of attack of the rear spoiler according to the flap position, to assure finely balanced aerodynamic control at the front and rear axles in every situation. The variable spoiler performs another task with the introduction of turbocharged engines: by adjusting the angle of attack, the air stream is redirected so that more air enters the intake ports for intercooling. When outside temperatures are high, the spoiler can even be extended starting at 37 miles per hour to increase the throughput of intercooling air.

As before, the 911 Carrera Cabriolet and 911 Carrera S Cabriolet employ a retractable roof with a lightweight magnesium frame. This innovative technology enables a Coupe-like arch to the roof to be preserved when the top is closed. This arch, which offers advantages in terms of aerodynamics, is not feasible using conventional construction techniques. The roof opens and closes in around 13 seconds, at speeds of up to 31 mph.

The front fascia of the new 911 has a striking new form with a much stronger profile. This makes the front look wider and more modern. This effect is underscored by the narrowed front lights positioned above the cooling air intakes. These redesigned lights contain the park/positioning lights and the direction indicators. The newly designed Bi-Xenon™ headlights with integrated 4-point LED daytime running lights make the 911 instantly recognizable as a Porsche, even from a distance. The center part of the new front fascia features two horizontal vanes that underscore the width of the 911. In the top part of the front fascia, design elements that form the lines of the V-shaped profile stand out. The airblades and the active cooling air vanes optimize utilization of cooling air while also improving aerodynamics. The three-dimensional form of the front spoiler lip stands for even sportier aerodynamics. As before, vehicles equipped with the optional PASM Sport Suspension are fitted with a larger front spoiler lip, which improves downforce in conjunction with a rear-spoiler that operates with adjustable angles of attack.

When glancing at the new 911 models from the side, the unmistakable flyline is complemented by redesigned wheels. The 911 Carrera has newly designed 19-inch Carrera wheels, while the 911 Carrera S is fitted with new 20-inch Carrera S wheels. The door handles now do without grip shells, giving the door a cleaner, more defined and harmonious appearance.

The new Porsche Communication Management system with online navigation and a state-of-the-art touchscreen offers new connectivity and is as easy to operate as a smartphone. It includes traffic information in real time, Google Earth and Google Street View. It is very easy to network with a smartphone. Numerous apps are available.

The new 2017 911 Carrera is the first 2-door Porsche sports car to come standard with a multi-collision brake system. Studies have shown that in nearly a quarter of all rear-impact collisions, the first collision is followed immediately by a second, such as with the car driving ahead or with other obstacles. This is precisely where the multi-collision brake system comes in. It brakes the vehicle automatically after the airbag control unit detects a collision of a specific intensity. Then the system autonomously initiates braking at a maximum deceleration rate of 0.6 g to reduce impact energy as much as possible. The assistance system generally applies the brakes until a residual vehicle speed of 6 miles per hour is reached. The driver can override the system at any time by braking even harder or by accelerating.

A standard feature on the new 2017 911 Carrera models is the newly developed Porsche Communication Management (PCM) system, including an online navigation module. The PCM can be operated with multi-touch gestures on the seven inch display, similar to a smartphone. Handwritten user inputs are recognized. Mobile phones and smartphones can now also be connected via Wi-Fi. Also new is the option of connecting an iPhone® to the PCM to utilize Apple CarPlay™.Real-time traffic information is available for significantly improved navigation. It gives the driver a quick overview of the traffic situation and guarantees dynamic adaptation of the route. Google™ Earth and Google™ StreetView are also being integrated for the first time to offer better orientation. Porsche Car Connect and the Connect Plus module can be used to remotely control vehicle functions, transferring destinations to the PCM for navigation and streaming music using third-party service providers via the PCM.

The core of the new PCM is the glass-covered touchscreen with multi-touch operation. In addition to short, long and multiple finger taps, it also recognizes swiping and sliding as well as two-finger scaling and rotating. The touchscreen reacts to a hand in close proximity, switching from the active overview mode to the operating mode. When playing music or other audio files, it shows buttons for pause, skip, play and reverse. The driver and passenger can choose to control the PCM with the new on-screen buttons, but don‘t have to. As an alternative, there are still eight operating buttons beneath the display as well as two rotary/pushbutton controls.

For the new 911 Carrera, Porsche is expanding its lineup of optional assistance systems by adding the lane change assistant, which enhances safety on the highway. The system uses radar sensors to monitor the blind spots as well as the area to the sides and the rear of the vehicle. Operational over a speed range from approximately 19 miles per hour to 155 miles per hour, the assistant informs the driver of any vehicles in these areas. If the system detects another vehicle in the adjacent lane, it informs the driver of this with a visible signal in the mirror attachment point finisher. The system can be activated or deactivated via the onboard computer in the instrument cluster.

The standard cruise control can now brake and maintain a constant speed even on steep descents. The control range of the cruise control system is from 19 miles per hour to 150 miles per hour. Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) in conjunction with Porsche Doppelkupplung (PDK) can now also perform the typical Porsche coasting functionality. At the appropriate speed, both clutches disengage, the engine idles, and the vehicle coasts in the queue of vehicles, saving fuel.