By Dave Abrahams
Stuttgart - Porsche's slimmed-down, revved-up 2016 Carrera and Carrera S models may look the same as their predecessors but that's where the resemblance ends.
The Zuffenhausen whitecoats have learned over the years that to mess with the iconic shape of the 911 is to invite disaster - but that makes their repeated re-invention of a 50-year-old design all the more interesting.
The 2016 Carreras are built around a new twin-turbo flat-six of only three litres, that still delivers a claimed 15kW more than its predecessor - up to 272kW in the Carrera and 309kW in the Carrera S, thanks to modified compressors, a less restrictive exhaust system and suitably re-mapped engine management on the S.
Each version also puts out 60Nm more torque (450Nm and 500Nm respectively) all of it available from just off idle at 1700 revs up to 5000rpm, with the redline at a screaming 7500.
The quoted results are impressive: the range-topping Carrera S Coupé with optional Sport Chrono package and PDK dual-clutch transmission is the first Carrera model to be credited with a 0-100 time of less than four seconds.
Across the board, each variant is rated at 0.2sec quicker to 100km/h than its predecessor, while top speeds are up to 295km/h for the Carrera and 309km/h for the S.
Nominal fuel-consumption in the NERC combined cycle is down by around one litre per 100km to 7.4 litres per 100km on the Carrera and 7.7 on the S, in each case presuming a PDK transmission.
ROTARY MODE SWITCH
The Sport Chrono package now includes a rotary mode switch on the steering wheel, adjustable from Normal to Sport, Sport Plus and Individual; the latter allows you to set up the car's sports exhaust system, throttle response, active suspension, adaptive engine mounts and - on cars with PDK - shift strategy to suit your driving style.
The PDK 'box also comes with a short-range booster button that sets up the drivetrain for maximum acceleration, picking the right gear and moving the shift point right up to the redline - for just 20 seconds.
Active suspension is now standard on the 911 Carrera, with uprated, more responsive damping, as are lighter, five-spoked rims, the rears 13mm wider to accommodate 305-series rubber in place of the previous 295s.
Rear-wheel steering, derived from the 911 Turbo and GT3, is now an option on the Carrera S, for improved stability during high-speed lane changes and a tighter turning circle around town.
That's transmitted to the driver via new steering wheels derived from the 918 Spyder; a standard 375mm hoop and an optional, 360mm GT sports steering wheel.
Onboard infotainment has also been upgraded, with the ability to read what the moving finger has writ, smartphone-style, on the seven inch display, as well as voice control.
AND FINALLY, THE LOOKS…
New headlights include four-point daytime running lights, there's a redesigned rear deck with vertical louvers and new taillight clusters.
There's also a huge catalogue of optional extras including one that puts hydraulic struts in the front suspension, to raise the front end by 40mm at the touch of a button and protect the splitter from steep garage exits and speed bumps.
The new 911 Carrera and Carrera S will be available in South Africa from February 2016; prices will be announced closer to the time.