Totally New Porsche 911 Carrera Makes North American Debut
6 January 1998
Totally New Porsche 911 Carrera Makes North American Debut
RENO, Nev., Jan. 6 -- Porsche is paving the road for 21st
century sports cars as it unveils a new look for its legendary icon -- the 911
Carrera -- to North America this week at auto shows in Los Angeles and
Detroit.
The 1999 Porsche 911 Carrera is the first completely new car in the 35-
year history of the 911 model line. As such, it represents the largest step
into the future Porsche has ever taken in terms of technology and design.
While it is a totally new car, it incorporates innovations Porsche has
perfected over the years.
At first glance, the new model is clearly a 911. The classic aerodynamic
silhouette and rear-engine layout are unmistakably 911. On closer
examination, the new 911 is much sleeker (0.30 coefficient of drag) than its
predecessor. All of the bodywork, as well as the roof line and windshield,
are totally new.
Its longer wheelbase allows for more storage room and interior comfort.
At the same time, it greatly enhances the car's handling and stability.
Improved performance was one of the primary goals in the creation of the
new 911. Its new 3.4-liter, flat-six cylinder, liquid-cooled engine produces
more horsepower (296) and torque (258 ft. lbs.) than any non-turbocharged 911
production power plant ever built. It propels the 911 to a faster top track
speed (174 mph) and quicker acceleration times (0 to 62 mph in 5.2 seconds)
than ever before.
The fact this is the first 911 production engine to be liquid rather than
air cooled is equally significant. Liquid cooling makes it possible to
incorporate the performance benefits of four-valves-per-cylinder technology.
At the same time, it allows Porsche to more effectively meet government fuel
efficiency, noise and exhaust emission standards of both today and the decades
to come.
Accident avoidance and occupant safety are two other elements Porsche
deems necessary in a high-performance car. The new 911's brake system,
derived from the latest Porsche race cars, sets new standards for stopping
effectiveness. The 1999 911 is also equipped with Porsche's new Side Impact
Protection System. This innovation incorporates both energy-absorbing door
linings and door-mounted air bags which cover the entire side areas regardless
of driver and passenger seating positions.
In summary, compared with its predecessor, the new 911 accelerates even
faster, brakes even better, offers more interior and storage space, ensures
even better handling, provides a considerable improvement in aerodynamics, and
excels through its even more elegant design.
Because of its enhanced comfort, reduced driver workload, and superb
design concept, inside and out, the new 911 gives Porsche the opportunity to
expand its market to the larger world of high-performance luxury cars.
Porsche anticipates the new 911 will make the brand more approachable to those
who purchase performance luxury cars.
By incorporating such production efficiencies as substantial parts sharing
with its entry level Boxster model, Porsche has been able to maintain
competitive pricing in the performance luxury car market. With all its
enhancements, the 1999 911 Carrera is priced about 2 percent higher ($65,030
U.S. and $95,200 CDN) than the car it replaces.
The new 911 will begin appearing in North American Porsche dealerships
this coming April.
More information about Porsche can be found on the World Wide Web at
http://www.porsche.com.
SOURCE Porsche Cars North America
