Porsche took the wraps off the newest (eighth-generation) iteration of its iconic sportscar, the 911, late last year. And now, Porsche will launch the new 992 series 911 in India on April 11, 2019. India will most likely get the Carrera S and the Carrera 4S models in coupe and cabriolet body styles and prices are expected to start at around Rs 1.5 crore (ex-showroom) for the standard model, sans any options. We’ve got exclusive images of the first batch of new Porsche 911s to have arrived in India, though we’ve edited the pictures to protect the identity of the sender.
The new Porsche 911 is more powerful and larger than its predecessor. And, of course, the iconic Porsche design language and silhouette has been carried on to this new-generation 911 and features the swooping roofline, wide rear-wheel arches and bulging front fenders.
The 992 series Porsche 911 also has a more powerful 3.0-litre, flat-six turbo-petrol engine. The Carrera S (two-wheel drive) and the Carrera 4S (all-wheel drive) now get an engine that makes 450hp of peak power, which is 30hp more than before. 0-100kph times claimed by Porsche for the new 911 now stands at 3.7sec for the Carrera S and 3.6sec for the Carrera 4S. The Sport Chrono package further reduces the 0-100kph times by 0.2sec for both the cars, thanks to the addition of launch control and updated mapping that allows for quicker shifts from the 8-speed automatic gearbox. Top speed of the Carrera S is rated at 307kph, while for the Carrera 4S it stands at 305kph.
In terms of the way the new 911 looks, even though the overall shape has remained pretty much unchanged, the new car gets a significant update around the rear end, with a set of new tail-lamps that are now interconnected like those on the new Panamera, Cayenne and Macan. The new 911 is also wider as compared to wide-bodied (Turbo/GT2/GT3) versions of the previous-generation model. The new 911 also gets an electronic rear spoiler that can be raised or lowered via a button on the centre console or can be triggered automatically at certain speeds. Expect the car in India to get a set of staggered 20- or 21-inch wheels.
On the inside, the new 911 features a whole new design language, similar to that found on other models in the Porsche range. That said, in typical 911 fashion, Porsche has retained the centrally mounted analogue tachometer in the instrument cluster. All other dials on the instrument cluster are digital and can be customised according to the user. The new Porsche 911 also gets a new 10.9-inch touchscreen infotainment system, along with a set of touch-based controls for other functions.
Competition for the new Porsche 911 includes the Audi R8, the Mercedes-AMG GT series and the Jaguar F-Type, along with the likes of the soon-to-be-discontinued Maserati GranTurismo.
Uday Singh
Lenny D'sa
Dipan Sur
Glenn Noronha
