The Frankfurt Motor Show is just around the corner and Porsche has now officially unveiled the 2012 911 ahead of its world debut at the show.
The Porsche 911 is now 48 years old and continues to retain the same basic shape. The all-new 911, which is now in its seventh-generation has a 3.9 inch longer wheelbase, but the overall height has been reduced. The new body employs the use of steel and aluminum making it 100 pounds lighter than the outgoing 911 and thanks to improved aerodynamics the body retains the Cd value of 0.29.
Inside designers created an interior that draws cues from the Panamera and Carrera GT models. The rising center console and high-mounted shift lever or gear selector more closely integrate the driver within the cockpit.
The base 911 Carrera is powered by a new 350 horsepower 3.4L boxer engine, while the 911 Carrera S is powered by a 400 horsepower 3.8L boxer engine. The 911’s engines can be mated to either the PDK dual-clutch transmission or a new seven-speed manual. The 911 Carrera S with the optional PDK gearbox reaches 0-60 mph in 4.1 seconds, while the 911 Carrera with PDK takes 4.4 seconds. Top-track speed for the 911 Carrera S and 911 Carrera is 188 mph and 179 mph, respectively.
The 2012 911 will hit U.S. dealerships in February 2012. The 911 Carrera Coupe will have a base MSRP of $82,100, while the 911 Carrera S Coupe’s base MSRP will be $96,400.