Fresh Face For 911

There aren't many ways to improve on a classic - and it looks as though Porsche has learned that lesson the hard way! These are the first official pictures of the new Porsche 911, codenamed 997, which goes on sale in September.

Auto Express Car Reviews

By Craig Cheetham

12th May 2004

The photographs show how the firm has gone back to the old-style round headlights, replacing the much-maligned 'fried-egg' lamps fitted on the current model. But in true 911 tradition, the styling changes aren't massive. As well as the new nose, the newcomer gets more bulbous rear wings to cover the wider track, dual arm door mirrors and a more aerodynamic pop-up spoiler.

Inside, however, it's all change, with a new cabin and revised instruments. The car also gets a funky analogue clock mounted in its own pod in the centre of the dashboard, while the steering wheel, centre console and glovebox handle are trimmed in brushed alloy. The latest 911 will initially be rear-wheel drive only, with two versions available from launch: the Carrera and Carrera S. Current GT and wide-bodied, 4WD variants - including the Turbo - will continue unchanged.

A Porsche spokesman told us: "Only Carrera 2 models will be available at first. The other versions will be developed and launched individually, once demand has been satisfied for them in their current guise. In some cases, the replacements are still over two years away."

Porsche won't be revealing the new 911 at this month's British Motor Show, though. Instead the car will make its debut at the Paris expo, which coincides with the UK launch in September.

The entry-level Carrera comes with a 3.6-litre, 325bhp flat-six engine, while the S will get a punchier 3.8-litre unit, developing 355bhp. The Carrera will accelerate from 0-60mph in five seconds exactly and go on to a top speed of 177mph, while the Carrera S will be even quicker, dispatching the 0-60mph sprint in only 4.8 seconds, and boasting a maximum speed of 182mph.

Both models will come with a newly developed six-speed manual gearbox and revised chassis dynamics. They also feature a suspension set-up called Porsche Active Suspension Management (PASM).

This system comprises two settings - Normal and Sport. In Normal mode, PASM concentrates on delivering optimum ride comfort and balance, while the Sport set-up automatically stiffens the dampers, giving the car a sharper feel for enthusiastic drivers.

The new models will also be offered with an additional sports suspension option, which lowers the ride height by 20mm and incorporates a limited-slip differential. The Carrera comes fitted with 18-inch alloy wheels as standard, while the Carrera S is available with 19-inch rims all-round - a first for the Porsche.

The 997 is the 15th generation of the 911, which can trace its roots back to the original model of 1963. Over the past 41 years, the supercar's profile has changed little, and the latest incarnation is still recognisably an evolution of the original shape, while the round headlamps will be a welcome return to tradition for many 911 enthusiasts.

Porsche has already revealed prices for the new model, and confirmed that it will go on sale in the UK on 18 September. The Carrera costs ΂£58,380 - up ΂£1,930 on the existing car - while the new Carrera S will be ΂£65,000.