...........2011 Porsche 911 Carrera.....


For now, much of the buzz surrounding the Porsche brand has to do with the release of the automaker’s first four-door sedan, the . However, when the highly anticipated 2011 Porsche 911 Carrera debuts in the fall of this year, it is sure to steal the spotlight. In addition to small but significant changes to the powertrain and curb weight, the 2011 Carrera will also sport a redesigned back end, complete with an all-new, speed-activated spoiler. Read on for additional details on the 2011 Porsche Carrera in our initial auto review.

Specifications

Many of the details we have so far on the 2011 Carrera are only speculative, but here are the specs that are most likely for the new model year:

  • Pricing: the 911 Carrera should start at about $78,000 MSRP and around $70,000 invoice
  • Fuel economy: Porsche has not released any data on fuel economy car ratings for the new Carrera, but they will likely be similar to the current city/highway rating of 18/26 mpg
  • Engine: Porsche insiders indicate that the carmaker will enhance both the power and displacement of the 2011 911 Carrera’s engines, possibly offering an inline six-cylinder with 350-360 horsepower on the base model and a 400-horsepower inline six on the S model
  • Drivetrain: the existing options of a six-speed manual transmission and a seven-speed PDK manual/automatic transmission will probably remain the same, and Porsche will continue to offer all-wheel drive on one or more Carrera models for 2011
  • Acceleration: standard model completes 0-60 mph in 4.7 seconds; Carrera S completes 0-60 in 4.3 seconds. Times may get a bit faster in 2011 due to a lighter-weight body and stronger powertrains.
  • Model lineup: 911 Carrera (coupe or cabriolet); 911 Carrera 4S (coupe or cabriolet); 911 Carrera 4 (coupe or cabriolet); 911 Carrera S (coupe or cabriolet)
  • Car safety features: existing safety equipment, such as dual front and side airbags and stability control, will transfer to 2011 Carrera
  • Suspension: active suspension management system optional
  • Competitors: Mercedes-Benz CL; Mercedes-Benz SL; Jaguar XK; Nissan GT-R
  • Warranty: four-year/50,000-mile limited warranty