2012 Porsche 911 Carrera hits North American dealerships

February 12, 2012February 12, 2012 Omar Rana 911, 911 Carrera, Convertibles, Coupes, Porsche 911, Porsche 911 Carrera, Porsche 911 Carrera Cabriolet, Porsche 911 Carrera S, Porsche 911 Carrera S Cabriolet, Sports Cars, Supercars

The latest Porsche 911 Carrera and Carrera S generations have just hit dealerships with Porsche backing the models as being “the most invigorating ownership experience yet.”

Both variants have been made over, while still maintaining Porsche’s distinct lines. The overhaul modified or replaced 90 percent of the car’s components, and includes a 100lb weight drop, and a lower, longer and wider body.

Performance enhancements such as engine and transmission thermal management, Automatic Start/Stop, electrical system recuperation, and electro-mechanical power steering all help with fuel efficiency. What stands out the most in this upgrade, however, is the world’s first seven speed manual transmission both the Carrera and Carrera S come equipped with.

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Coupled to the seven-speed manual gearbox on the Carrera is a new 3.4-liter boxer engine that produces 5 additional horsepower over the previous 3.6-liter. Total output for the new Carrera hits 350hp, with a 0-60 mph time of 4.4 seconds. The Carrera S gets 15 extra horses with an engine larger in displacement at 3.8-liters, kicking out 400hp, and shaving .3 seconds off the Carrera’s 0-60 mph time. The 911 Carrera has a top speed of 179mph, while the Carrera S hits 188mph. An available Sports Chrono Package Plus puts the 0-60mph time down to 3.9 seconds.

Pricing for the new generation starts at $82,100 for the 911 Carrera Coupe, and $96,400 for the 911 Carrera S Coupe.

Refresher: Power for the 2012 Porsche 911 Carrera comes from a new 3.4 liter boxer 6-cylinder making 350-hp. The 2012 Porsche 911 Carrera S is powered by a 3.8 liter boxer making 400-hp. Mated to a Porsche’s PDK 7-speed dual-clutch transmission, the 911 Carrera runs from 0 to 60 mph in 4.4 seconds and 4.2 seconds with the optional Sport Chrono Package’s Launch Control function. The 2012 Porsche 911 Carrera S with a PDK goes from 0 to 60 mph in 4.1 seconds and 3.9 seconds with the Launch Control function of the optional Sport Chrono Package. Top speed for the 911 Carrera S and 911 Carrera comes in at 188 mph and 179 mph, respectively. Prices start $82,100 for the 2012 Porsche 911 Carrera and $96,400 for the 2012 911 Carrera S.

– By: Alexandra Koken