Who could have known? Porsche 911 owners drive too fast. Even in the wet. With such knowledge at hand it only made sense for the German luxury brand to protect its most valuable assets, the thousands…

New Porsche 911 Wet mode improves control and safety over standing water

Porsche adds Wet mode to new 911
Porsche has added an exclusive “Wet mode” to its new 2020 911, said to improve control and safety over standing water. (Photo: Porsche)

Who could have known? Porsche 911 owners drive too fast. Even in the wet. With such knowledge at hand it only made sense for the German luxury brand to protect its most valuable assets, the thousands of dedicated customers that loyally come back time and time again to renew their pledge at the 911 altar. 

Along with the introduction of the completely redesigned 2020 911 at the Los Angeles auto show in November of last year, Porsche announced a new Wet Mode designed to assist would-be owners that get over their heads in standing water. 

As it turns out, the deep end that can cause a 911 or most any other sports car shod in ultra-wide 21-inch performance tires to lose grip can be merely a single millimetre (0.04 inches) in depth, and it doesn’t need to be raining either, so don’t think the optical sensors used for your car’s rain-sensing wipers can be reallocated to detect sheets of water covering the road. 

Porsche adds Wet mode to new 911
Wet mode activates special settings for the 911’s PSM and PTM systems, plus deploys the car’s active aero features. (Photo: Porsche)

Porsche’s new Wet Mode can detect standing water, however, via acoustic sensors positioned within the front wheel arches just behind the tires. Rather than see water on the road, Wet Mode sensors listen for water spray, and if decibel levels get too strong the 911’s multi-information display will suggest you turn on Wet mode via a button on the new “button bar” above the centre console, or if equipped with the available Sport Chrono Package, by twisting the steering wheel-mounted “DRIVE MODE” selector. 

Porsche adds Wet mode to new 911
To turn Wet mode on, simple press a button on the centre stack, or when equipped with the Sport Chrono Package, twist the “DRIVE MODE” dial on the steering wheel. (Photo: Porsche)

That would be the rotating dial and “Sport Response” button just below the steering wheel’s right-side spoke, which can also be used to select “Normal”, “Sport”, ‘Sport Plus’ and ‘Individual’ driving modes. For the 2020 911, and without doubt more Porsche models to come, it also includes the new Wet mode, allowing drivers to select a safer setting when traveling over water-soaked pavement that could cause aquaplaning, or hydroplaning. 

“Wet Mode was developed to provide the driver with consistent support in wet conditions,” said August Achleitner, a.k.a. “Mister 911” who headed up development of the new 911 and took part in its launch just before retiring. “It does not restrict the maximum power of the engine or limit the top speed, and should therefore also not be used as insurance for driving too fast in very wet conditions. Instead, it should be seen as an assistance system in the truest sense.” 

Porsche adds Wet mode to new 911
Along with Wet mode, this dial lets you select “Normal”, “Sport”, ‘Sport Plus’ and ‘Individual’ driving modes, plus it includes a performance enhancing “Sport Response” button. (Photo: Porsche)

Achleitner, who’s been with Porsche since 1983, earned his alternate title by being responsible for 911 model series development since 2001, and interestingly Wet mode was actually first developed back in the ‘90s. 

When put into play, Wet mode applies more sensitive preconditioned settings to all of the 911’s driver assistive systems, such as Porsche Stability Management (PSM), Porsche Traction Management (PTM), and the car’s active aerodynamics, before combining their collective capability toward wet weather management. Specifically, the active variable rear spoiler extends to its performance position at just 90 km/h (sooner than in dry conditions), adding downforce to the rear tires, while frontal cooling air flaps open to increase downward pressure over the front wheels. 

Porsche adds Wet mode to new 911
The yellow dot behind the front tire is an acoustic sensor that listens for water spray. (Photo: Porsche)

While the engine doesn’t relinquish any power, Wet mode delivers thrust more evenly in order to minimize engine torque buildup, with the end result being maximum traction at each wheel. What’s more, if piloting an all-wheel drive 4S model, additional torque gets transferred to the front axle for even more balanced distribution. 

Of course, both Sport mode and the PSM Off function can’t be activated in Wet mode, while the new eight-speed PDK transmission’s shift strategy and the electronically controlled rear differential’s locking ratios automatically adapt to a smoother, more linear power delivery too. 

Porsche claims “more confident handling” when using Wet mode in inclement conditions, and also states that Wet mode is ideal for snowy conditions as well. 

Porsche adds Wet mode to new 911
While hooping a new 911 looks like fun, Wet mode is actually designed for maximizing safety and control. (Photo: Porsche)

While driver assistive technology this effective would be welcome in any car, it’s especially important in a sports car as capable as the new 911 that, thanks to 443 horsepower and 390 lb-ft of torque behind the rear axle, can sprint from standstill to 100km/h in just 3.7 seconds in Carrera S guise, or 3.6 seconds when benefiting from the Carrera 4S model’s all-wheel drivetrain, or 3.5 and 3.4 seconds respectively with the Sport Chrono Package, before attaining top speeds of 308 and 306 km/h (190 and 191 mph) apiece. 

To learn more about the new 2020 911’s Wet mode watch the video below, and also remember to browse through our photo gallery above for some fabulous shots of water spraying behind the new 911 during wet weather testing. 

 

 

Learn how the Porsche Wet Mode works (1:43):

Up to this point Porsche has offered its 718 Cayman coupe and 718 Boxster roadster in base, S and GTS trims, but soon its most affordable line of sports cars will arrive with a new “T” designation,…

New just above base Porsche 718 T models prove less can be more

2020 Porsche 718 Boxster T
New just above base 718 Boxster T and 718 Cayman T prove less can equal more when less weight and money buys more performance. (Photo: Porsche)

Up to this point Porsche has offered its 718 Cayman coupe and 718 Boxster roadster in base, S and GTS trims, but soon its most affordable line of sports cars will arrive with a new “T” designation, which promises performance purists less of what they don’t want and more of what they do. 

Specifically, 718 Cayman T and 718 Boxster T buyers will get more performance features in a car that costs and weighs less. Starting with the base model’s 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder boxer engine, good for 300 horsepower and 280 lb-ft of torque, T models add a short-throw shifter, a mechanically locking differential and Porsche Torque Vectoring (PTV) in base six-speed manual guise, or the Sport Chrono Package as standard equipment for seven-speed dual-clutch automated PDK cars, the latter resulting in 0.2 seconds of extra jump off the line from a car that’s already 0.2 seconds quicker than the manual. 

2020 Porsche 718 Boxster T
718 T models promise better handling and control thanks to first-time availability of PASM and other features with the base turbo-four engine. (Photo: Porsche)

Also notable, the Sport Chrono Package includes Launch Control and a “push-to-pass” style Sport Response button in the centre of the steering wheel-mounted driving mode switch, making it the transmission of choice when ultimate performance is paramount. 

To clarify more fully, straight-line performance with the manual remains the same as the regular 718 Boxster and 718 Cayman at 5.1 seconds from standstill, while PDK-enhanced cars increase their zero to 100km/h sprint times from 4.9 to 4.7 seconds, identical to the base 718 models. Likewise, both base cars’ top speeds continue into T trim unchanged at 275 km/h. 

2020 Porsche 718 Cayman T
718 T trims will feature Agate grey mirror caps and side stripes. (Photo: Porsche)

Additional standard go-fast goodies in T trim include Porsche Active Drivetrain Mounts (PADM) that incorporate dynamic hard and soft gearbox mounts for reducing vibration and even improving performance, claims Porsche, plus a sport exhaust system, unique high-gloss titanium grey-painted 20-inch five-spoke alloy wheels, and a first for the base turbo-four, the Porsche Active Suspension Management (PASM) electronic damping system that, depending on the Normal, Sport, Sport Plus or Individual driving mode selected, instantly adjusts for road surface conditions and driving style changes, all riding on a 20-millimetre lower ride height. 

2020 Porsche 718 Cayman T
The big gaping hole in the centre stack will come filled with a standard infotainment touchscreen in Canadian specification. (Photo: Porsche)

Making a visual statement is a grey side striping package featuring scripted “718 Cayman T” or “718 Boxster T” nomenclatures, and Agate grey mirror caps to match the aforementioned wheels, plus black chrome tailpipes. 

Inside, the 718 Boxster T and 718 Cayman T are upgraded with a GT sport steering wheel, scripted “Cayman T” or “Boxster T” logos highlighting the black instrument dials, gloss black instrument panel inlays and centre console trim, special red paint for the gear shift pattern atop the shift knob, two-way powered seats, seat upholstery featuring black Sport-Tex centre sections, embroidered “718” logos on the headrests, plus the most identifiable addition of all, black mesh fabric door pulls in place of the usual door handles, which can be changed for optional coloured pulls as seen in associated photos. 

2020 Porsche 718 Boxster T
The usual door handles get replaced by these mesh fabric pulls, standard in black but available in colours. (Photo: Porsche)

When checking the gallery you may also notice something missing from both cars’ instrument panels, their Porsche Communication Management (PCM) touchscreens that have been removed to reduce weight, and replaced by a big, gaping hole Porsche calls a “large storage compartment.” We won’t see this omission in Canada due to a new regulation that made backup cameras mandatory as of May 2018. 

2020 Porsche 718 Boxster T
Manual models get a red shift pattern atop the shift knob. (Photo: Porsche)

For this reason we shouldn’t hold out any hope for Canadian-spec 718 T models to be offered at five- to 10-percent discounts when compared to the current base Cayman and Boxster when outfitted with identical features, as promised in European markets, but we should get to choose from the same standard and optional colour palette that will include black, Indian Red, Racing Yellow, and white at no extra charge, plus optional Carrara White, Deep Black and GT Silver metallic hues, as well as somewhat pricier Lava Orange and Miami Blue special colours. 

2020 Porsche 718 Cayman T
New 718 T models can be ordered now. (Photo: Porsche)

If you like what you see, make sure to contact your local Porsche dealer to reserve your very own 718 Cayman T or 718 Boxster T, because special models like these are in the habit of selling out quickly. 

Also, make sure to check out our full photo gallery above and these three Porsche-supplied videos below (the third one is the most fun):

 

The new Porsche 718 Boxster T and 718 Cayman T. Welcome to life. (1:17): 

The new Porsche 718 Boxster T and 718 Cayman T. First Driving Footage. (1:49):

JP Performance Test Drive: The Porsche 718 T Models. (1:08):

The 911 Cabriolet has been with us so long it seems as if it’s always been part of Porsche’s lineup, but it took almost 20 years of 911 production before the completely exposed model arrived in 1982.…

Porsche reveals new 2020 911 Cabriolet

2020 Porsche 911 Cabriolet
The all-new 2020 Porsche 911 Cabriolet has most of the same styling updates as the recently introduced 2020 911 Carrera coupe. (Photo: Porsche)

The 911 Cabriolet has been with us so long it seems as if it’s always been part of Porsche’s lineup, but it took almost 20 years of 911 production before the completely exposed model arrived in 1982. Ahead of this, going topless required the complete removal of a metal roof panel, the 911 Targa having arrived on the scene in 1966 with either a fixed glass or foldaway plastic rear window. 

Brief history lesson completed, Porsche introduced its all-new 2020 911 Cabriolet on Monday, January 8, with a promised arrival in the third quarter of this year and the ability to place your order now, the latter point being the same as with the new 911 coupe that was introduced last month and is slated to go on sale this summer. 

2020 Porsche 911 Cabriolet
Along with its squared off lower fascia, the new 911 brings back the classic double creased hood. (Photo: Porsche)

Also like the new coupe, the first new 2020 Cabriolets we’ll be able to get our hands on will be in rear-wheel drive Carrera S (C2S) and all-wheel drive Carrera 4S (C4S) guise, featuring a more formidable redesigned 3.0-litre turbocharged boxer engine that’s good for 443 horsepower and 390 lb-ft of torque, an increase of 23 horsepower and 22 lb-ft of torque respectively, and fitted with Porsche’s all-new eight-speed automated dual-clutch PDK gearbox. Once again, seven-speed manual variants will show up later, as will less potent Carrera and Carrera 4 models sporting a revised 385 horsepower 3.0-litre turbo six behind the rear axle, this engine 15 horsepower more capable. Likewise, Turbo versions will enter the fray later, although Porsche has yet to provide a time frame for these. 

2020 Porsche 911 Cabriolet
Now even RWD 911s get a body-wide centre taillight, a feature that was previously only available with AWD models. (Photo: Porsche)

Porsche has only provided performance specs for the C2S and C4S shown, with standstill to 100km/h achieved in just 3.9 and 3.8 seconds apiece, while those numbers improve to 3.7 and 3.6 seconds respectively when the Sport Chrono Package is added, the greater traction of the all-wheel drive model allowing for a slight advantage at takeoff. 

Amazingly, thanks to magnesium surface elements dubbed “bows” that are integrated within the redesigned fabric roof’s structure and prevent “ballooning” at high speeds, new 911 drop-top models are only 2 km/h slower than their hardtop siblings when factoring in terminal velocities, their top speeds set to 306 km/h (190 mph) for the C2S and 304 km/h (189 mph) for the C4S. 

2020 Porsche 911 Cabriolet
The new 911 Cabriolet provides an ultra-sleek profile. (Photo: Porsche)

Additionally, that soft top, which is now larger to fit over the more accommodating cabin, can open and close on the fly at speeds of up to 50 km/h (30 mph), and takes a scant 12 seconds to fully perform this function due to revised hydraulics, a process that also powers an electrically extendable wind deflector to keep gusts of air from discomforting the driver and front passenger. 

As you might expect, the 2020 911’s interior is much the same as the new coupe’s, highlighted by a new horizontal design theme inspired by early ‘60s through ‘90s models, but now the primary gauge cluster is mostly digital with twin LCD panels surrounding the usual mechanical centre tachometer, while above a completely reworked centre stack and console is a 10.9-inch Porsche Communication Management (PCM) infotainment touchscreen, literally a big improvement over its 7.0-inch predecessor. 

2020 Porsche 911 Cabriolet
Despite radical changes, for a 911, no one should mistake the new 2020 model for anything else. (Photo: Porsche)

Back in front of the driver, a new steering wheel incorporates an adaptation of the same rotating steering wheel-mounted driving mode selector found in the outgoing 911 Cabriolet, but now a standard Wet mode gets added to the mix, capable of maintaining better control over water-soaked road surfaces when activated. Safety in mind, the new 911 Cab will also get standard autonomous emergency braking with moving object detection, while a backup camera and rear parking sensors will also be standard. 

2020 Porsche 911 Cabriolet
As usual, the 911 Cabriolet’s top should fit as snuggly as any fabric top available, while it now retracts quicker than ever before. (Photo: Porsche)

Porsche promises increased comfort and support from its new available 18-way powered front seats, while other options include adaptive cruise control with stop and go, a 360-degree surround parking camera that should be extremely helpful on the new widescreen display, plus new Night Vision Assist that will provide visual assistance for steering clear of pedestrians or animals in the dark via a heat-sensing thermal imaging camera. 

On a more mechanical note, for the first time 911 Cabriolet customers will be able to choose the Porsche Active Suspension Management (PASM) adaptive sport suspension from the options list, which provides stiffer, shorter spring sets for a 10-mm lower ride height, and more rigid anti-roll bars, allowing improved weight distribution for a more neutral feel. 

2020 Porsche 911 Cabriolet
So what do you think? Does the new 911 Cabriolet’s styling improve on the previous generation? (Photo: Porsche)

As for style, the new 911 Cabriolet pulls over most of the coupe’s new design cues below the waistline, including an all-new rectangular lower front grille/fascia that creates a wider more planted appearance, a completely reshaped hood that squares off near the front and incorporates a classic tapering indentation at centre, wider front and rear fenders that flow over larger 20- and 21-inch front to rear staggered alloy wheels, new side mirrors and new flush door handles that pop out when touched, and a new body-wide LED taillight hovering over a 718-style 3D “PORSCHE” graphic bookended with totally unique corner lights, while its bulging rear deck lid panels are similar to the outgoing model yet redesigned for a smoother, more fluid result, the latter incorporating a new integrated dynamic spoiler that’s completely hidden when retracted yet much wider and more capable than the rear spoiler on the outgoing model when open. Likewise, no one should complain about the new larger fabric roof’s shape and fitment, as it’s once again beautifully contoured and ideally proportioned. 

2020 Porsche 911 Cabriolet
All the 2020 911 Carrera coupe’s improvements, sans the roof. (Photo: Porsche)

Also like the 2020 911 coupe, the redesigned Cabriolet makes greater use of lightweight aluminum both outside and within, its new front fenders eliminating steel from the body panel equation altogether, and its suspension now much more aluminum-intensive. 

The new 2020 Porsche Carrera S Cabriolet will arrive this fall for a base price of $143,700, along with the 2020 Carrera 4S Cabriolet that starts at $152,100. 

Remember to contact your local Porsche dealer if you want to put one on order, and after you’ve done that make sure to check out our photo gallery above and these two Porsche-supplied videos below: 

 

The new 911 Cabriolet: First Driving Footage (1:08):

 

The new Porsche 911 Cabriolet – All set for open-top season (1:09):

You’d need to go back a very long way to find a year that Porsche’s 911 wasn’t the best-selling premium branded sports car in Canada or the U.S., and 2018 won’t be any different once the final…

Porsche opens the order book for all-new 2020 911 Carrera S and 4S

2020 Porsche 911 Carrera 4S
Porsche introduced the all-new 2020 Carrera S and Carrera 4S at an impressive gala in Los Angeles last month. (Photo: Porsche)

You’d need to go back a very long way to find a year that Porsche’s 911 wasn’t the best-selling premium branded sports car in Canada or the U.S., and 2018 won’t be any different once the final numbers are tallied and compared to its closest rivals. 

Year-to-date third-quarter Canadian-market results showed the 911 at 1,083 units and the next best-selling Audi TT at 366, while the more directly competitive Jaguar F-Type came in at just 347 deliveries. It’s really no contest, with some others that might be deemed rivals including the Audi R8 with 208 unit sales, the Mercedes-Benz AMG GT at 195 deliveries and SL at 140, and the Acura NSX with just 33. 

2020 Porsche 911 Carrera 4S
New 911 C2S and C4S (shown) models promise serious performance gains over their already impressive predecessors. (Photo: Porsche)

With numbers like these it’s no wonder the majority of competitors don’t redesign their sports car models very often and aren’t offering many special editions either, but Porsche has enough market strength to do both. In fact, the 2019 911 currently available offers three totally unique roof systems, various front and rear fascia designs, differing fender widths, visual body style/performance upgrades such as rear-fender engine ducts, rear- and all-wheel drivetrains, manual and dual-clutch automated transmissions, a host of engine options from 370 to 700 horsepower, a wide assortment of trims for almost every premium-level budget, and options enough to boggle the mind. 

2020 Porsche 911 Carrera 4S
Along with dramatically new styling, the new C2S and C4S feature wider fender flares and meatier rear tires. (Photo: Porsche)

If that weren’t enough, Porsche just introduced the all-new eighth-generation 2020 911, which will become available here this coming summer. They’ve only announced pricing for two models so far, the $129,100 911 Carrera S (C2S) and the $137,400 911 Carrera 4S (C4S), the first rear-wheel drive and the latter all-wheel drive, but more models are set to arrive later this year. 

From side profile the 2020 911 looks a lot like the car it’s replacing, but this has more or less been reality since the car went from an air-cooled rear-mounted flat-six to a water-cooled variant back in 1999. Porsche has always been more about year-over-year refinement than change for change’s sake, and therefore we have a 2020 model that mirrors the 2019 from some angles. 

2020 Porsche 911 Carrera S
The rear-wheel drive 911 Carrera S (shown), or C2S, looks almost identical, and performs similarly to the all-wheel drive C4S. (Photo: Porsche)

This said the visual modifications are plentiful enough to cause consternation amongst traditionalists, or at least tempered pause. For starters, the hood and lower front fascia have departed from the car’s usual combination of mostly body-colour oval shapes to an almost straight, horizontal slit separating the former from the bodywork below, and a broad black rectangle for the latter, giving the entire car a wider, more aggressive albeit not necessarily as elegant stance, similar in concept to the frontal change made to the once technologically-tied, and in recent decades more purposely retrospective VW Beetle (A5), when it lost its “New” moniker in 2011, not that I’m trying to compare either car directly. 

2020 Porsche 911 Carrera S
Unlike previous 911s, new RWD models receive a body-width light bar in back, this feature only available with AWD models before. (Photo: Porsche)

As for design cues pulled up from the internally-codenamed 991 series (2012–2019) seventh-generation model to this 992 series car, the just noted squared-off hood now includes classically tapered creases at each side of its indented centre, just like the original 911 albeit without a vented end, while Porsche intelligently left the outer design of its ovoid multi-element four-point LED headlamp clusters unmolested, a lesson learned when the aforementioned 1999 996’s Boxster-inspired L-shaped lamps ventured too far from 911 orthodoxy. 

As noted, the two cars look nearly identical from side profile excepting the previously noted front and rear fascia vents and surrounding bodywork, plus slightly more upright headlamps, reverse front side marker lights, more chiseled wheel cutouts, new mirror caps, new sharply angled flush-mounted door handles that extend outward when touched replacing the old model’s more classic rounded pulls, a much smoother rear deck lid, and taillights that now wrap around the bodyside more fully. 

2020 Porsche 911 Carrera S
The new 911’s extra width allows for better mechanical grip around corners, while the larger dynamic rear spoiler (shown extended) can improve downforce to zero lift. (Photo: Porsche)

When seen from behind those taillights come into clearer view, with the new model building on the 991’s narrow dagger-like LED-infused lenses and even slimmer body-wide light strip (previously only found on all-wheel drive models) by extending the latter further outward to each side, and then at centre grafting in some 718-sourced 3D-like graphics above seemingly open vent slats underneath, while chiseling out even more linear lines for the outer lamps. 

2020 Porsche 911 Carrera
The redesigned 911 features new aluminum front fenders and greater use of the lightweight alloy in the chassis. (Photo: Porsche)

The diffuser-infused lower bumper is bigger, bolder and blacker than before too, plus it feeds faux exhaust tips from within rather than appearing like they’re forced to exit below (which actually remains the case), while hidden within the new 911’s gently flowing rear deck lid, just above the aforementioned light strip and below a row of glossy black engine vent strakes, is a much wider and larger active spoiler featuring multiple positions for varying levels of rear downforce. 

Of course, there will be many variations on the new 911 theme, some including a fixed rear spoiler for an even more expressive and capable trailing edge, plus various fascia designs nose to tail, but all body panels are now made from lightweight aluminum, bumpers excluded. In reality only the front fenders were lightened, being that most of the 991’s skin was already alloy, the change saving between 10 and 15 kilos (22 and 33 lbs) depending on the model, but take note the underlying body structure halves steel content from 63 to 30 percent, with the remaining 70 percent now fully constructed from aluminum, all of which will help to improve structural rigidity, handling, fuel efficiency, and more. 

2020 Porsche 911 Carrera
The new 911 gets a fully redesigned interior featuring a mostly digital instrument cluster, a larger 10.9-inch centre display, and more. (Photo: Porsche)

As noted earlier, the first models to be introduced are the Carrera S and 4S shown on this page. Compared to the previous generation this all-new model is not only visually wider due to styling, but actually grows by 45 mm (1.8 inches) at the front wheels. What’s more, its rear flanks have widened by 44 mm (1.7 in) to 1,852 mm (72.9 in), this being identical in width to the outgoing GTS model. New 20-inch front and 21-inch rear wheels come standard with S-enhanced Carreras, the former on 245/35 ZR-rated rubber and the latter on a mighty set of 305/30 ZRs—base 911s will get a staggered set of 19s and 20s. 

2020 Porsche 911 Carrera
Only the centre dial is analogue, the tachometer surrounded by dual LCD displays that provide multiple usage. (Photo: Porsche)

Despite all the extra aluminum used in the new body and chassis, both new C2S and C4S models add 55 kilos (121 lbs) of unladen weight, according to the Porsche Canada retail site, with the outgoing 2019 Carrera S hitting the scales at 1,460 kilograms (3,219 lbs) compared to the 2020 model’s 1,515 kg (3,340 lbs), and the old Carrera 4S weighing in at 1,510 kg (3,329 lbs) compared to 1,565 kg (3,450 lbs) for the redesigned car. 

At first glance that extra weight shouldn’t have much if anything to do with the powertrain, because the new car’s horizontally opposed six-cylinder engine once again displaces 3.0 litres. It’s heavily reworked, mind you, with somewhat weightier cast-iron headers replacing the old mill’s stamped steel manifolds resulting in freer flowing exhaust, plus an entirely new and pricier piezo injection system for more precise fuel delivery, a fresh set of turbochargers pulled from the outgoing GTS powerplant, and a single new intercooler that’s now housed centrally on the 992’s backside instead of the two previously hidden within the 991’s rear fenders. 

2020 Porsche 911 Carrera
The new cabin is larger and therefore roomier than the previous model. (Photo: Porsche)

The improvements allow for a higher 10.5:1 compression ratio, up from 10.0:1, which combine for a 23-horsepower and 22-lb-ft advantage over the outgoing C2S and C4S, with thrust now rated at 443 horsepower and twist at 390 lb-ft of torque, resulting in 3.7 seconds from standstill to 100km/h for the former and 3.6 seconds for the latter, or 3.5 and 3.4 seconds respectively with the Sport Chrono Package added, while top speeds are set to 308 and 306 km/h (190 and 191 mph) apiece. Incidentally, the base engine, which keeps the same turbos as last year’s car, increases output by 15 horsepower to 385. 

2020 Porsche 911 Carrera
The large widescreen display will be a key reason for many to upgrade from old 911 to new. (Photo: Porsche)

You may have noticed there were no differing times between manual and automatic transmissions, this because 2020 C2S and C4S trims will initially come standard with Porsche’s new eight-speed PDK dual-clutch automated transmission, up one gear from the outgoing automatic, with a mostly unchanged seven-speed manual gearbox expected later in the year. 

The new eight-speed PDK was first introduced in the recently updated Panamera, and despite initially being housed in such a large model, was chosen for the 911 due to space improvements. The gearbox doubles its shafts for a shorter, more compact design, even leaving room for a future electric motor when fitted to a similarly sized housing. This means we should expect a plug-in hybrid version of the 911 sometime in the not-too-distant future, and if the just noted Panamera is anything to go by, it’ll one day be the most potent form of 911 available. 

2020 Porsche 911 Carrera
The tiny shift lever is a clear sign that manually shifting the new eight-speed dual-clutch PDK must be done via paddles. (Photo: Porsche)

As always, the updated PDK comes with standard steering wheel-mounted paddle shifters, but this time they’re an absolute must because Porsche has replaced the old model’s conventional shift lever with a tiny little electronically actuated nub, saving enough centre console space for a cupholder while modernizing the interior design. Most won’t complain, even old-schoolers wanting to adjust the audio system’s volume and swap stations/tracks via rotating knobs, which can both still be found on the same lower console. 

2020 Porsche 911 Carrera
A limousine it’s not, but this cutaway shows that rear seat roominess has improved. (Photo: Porsche)

All adjustments are now displayed on a 3.9-inch larger 10.9-inch infotainment touchscreen that also gets better resolution quality and greater depth of colour than its predecessor, plus updated graphics, improved performance, more functions from fewer physical buttons, and most everything else already included with more recently redesigned Porsche models. This said the instrument panel housing all of the above pays much respect to 911s of the ‘60s, ‘70s, ‘80s, and yes even the ‘90s, all of which were only slight adaptations of the same horizontal theme until the aforementioned 996 arrived in 1999. The new IP even incorporates a narrow shelf that mimics the lower edge of the classic dashboard, this one potentially more functional, if attaching car-sized Pokemon or Hello Kitty action figures—sigh, I’ve seen these in Ferraris, Lamborghinis and McLarens too. 

2020 Porsche 911 Carrera
The 911 will never deviate from its horizontally opposed “boxer” layout, but it will continue to tweak it with every generation. (Photo: Porsche)

Even the comparatively radical 996 didn’t stray too far from the sacrosanct original when it came to organizing its primary gauge cluster, but this time around Porsche went so far as to visually separate each dial like the earlier cars, instead of letting their circular edges bleed into each other. Nevertheless, there’s only one mechanical gauge at centre, the tachometer as always, with the four surrounding dials held in place via virtual reality thanks to large TFT/LCD displays that are also capable of showing route guidance, audio, trip, and cruise information, plus more. Specifically, the right side incorporates the multi-information display as with the 991, whereas the left portion shows a conventional looking speedometer in default mode or the various new advanced driver assistance systems including adaptive cruise control, blindspot warning, lane keeping assist, etcetera. 

2020 Porsche 911 Carrera
Those fortunate enough to drive the new 911 will experienced a thoroughly redeveloped suspension. (Photo: Porsche)

Being that the 2020 CS and C4S are not yet available we aren’t able to build them in Porsche’s online configurator, but we already know that 18-way adaptive sports seats will be optional, as will a 360-degree surround parking camera that should look fabulous on the new widescreen display, plus new Night Vision Assist that will provide visual assistance for steering clear of pedestrians or animals in the dark via a heat-sensing thermal imaging camera. 

We’ve also been told that C2S and C4S brake-rotor sizes and calipers continue forward unchanged from the outgoing models, but new Porsche Surface Coated Brakes (PSCB), which were introduced last year on the new Cayenne, will now be available with the 2020 911. PSCB adds a hardened tungsten-carbide layer to friction surfaces to enhance stopping performance, while they’re said to last longer than conventional cast iron brakes and reduce dust. The calipers will boast bright white paint to separate them from those used for the standard braking system. 

2020 Porsche 911 Carrera
Porsche has made some of the 911’s strongest performance gains in braking, with Porsche Surface Coated Brakes (PSCB) now available. (Photo: Porsche)

Speaking of standard, a new Wet mode detects as little as one millimetre (0.04 inches) of standing water on the road before alerting the driver, who then has the option of adjusting to a more sensitive stability control setting that’s been added to a new version of the same rotating steering wheel-mounted driving mode selector found in the 991. The new 911 will also get standard autonomous emergency braking with moving object detection. 

So when can you get the new 2020 Porsche 911 of your choice? As noted the Carrera S and Carrera 4S coupes with the automated PDK gearbox will be first to arrive this summer, after initially launching in Europe. Shortly thereafter we’ll receive Cabriolet versions of the same C2S and C4S models, while later this year we’ll get the base Carrera and Carrera 4 with both manual and PDK transmissions, the former of which should also become available with S models. We can expect the new 992 Turbo to show up at the end of the year, with other models arriving in 2020. Porsche retailers are now placing orders for the Carrera S and 4S.

While you’re waiting to take one for a drive in person, make sure to check out our comprehensive photo gallery above and all of the videos we’ve provided below, the first of which is the 42-minute premiere program that covers every historical 911 era:

 

The new Porsche 911 world premiere. LIVE from L.A. (42:00):
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eMq2JrpId8c

 

The new Porsche 911. Timeless machine. (1:24):

 

The new Porsche 911: Highlight Video. (2:35):

 

The new Porsche 911: Exterior & Interior Design. (1:09):

 

The new Porsche 911: First Driving Footage. (0:59):

We covered the refreshed 2019 Macan when it was first introduced last summer, but Porsche didn’t offer up a lot of specific details at the time. Thanks to its North American debut at the Los Angeles…

Refreshed 2019 Porsche Macan S to receive new 348-hp single-turbo V6

2019 Porsche Macan S
The refreshed 2019 Porsche Macan S will get a new 348-hp V6 when it arrives in the summer of 2019. (Photo: Porsche)

We covered the refreshed 2019 Macan when it was first introduced last summer, but Porsche didn’t offer up a lot of specific details at the time. Thanks to its North American debut at the Los Angeles Auto Show late last month, and little more info that was just released we now know a little more. 

When the new 2019 Macan goes on sale next summer it will get a $1,400 price hike in its most basic four-cylinder form resulting in an MSRP of $55,500 plus freight and fees. As expected, that car will house the same 2.0-litre four as the current 2018 model, although so far Porsche is claiming four fewer horsepower at 248 and an identical 273 lb-ft of torque with no effect on performance that’s still advertised at 6.7 seconds from zero to 100km/h in base form or 6.5 with the Sport Chrono Package, while this powertrain will once again come mated to Porsche’s seven-speed automated dual-clutch PDK transmission driving all four wheels. 

2019 Porsche Macan S
Along with new styling details like a single-unit taillight, the Macan S will sprint from zero to 100km/h in just 5.3 seconds, or 5.1 seconds with its Sport Chrono Package. (Photo: Porsche)

While this will be good news for the small handful of Macan buyers focused on fuel economy, most fans of the compact luxury SUV segment’s sportiest offering will be happier to know that it’s more popular Macan S trim line gets a significant performance boost for 2019, while its $63,000 price is only $1,600 dearer than last year’s version. 

The upgraded 2019 Macan S will utilize the single twin-scroll turbocharged 3.0-litre V6 first introduced with the base Cayenne and then in the Panamera, which despite maintaining the same three litres of displacement as the previous Macan S engine yet losing half of its turbos now produces an additional 15 lb-ft of torque for a new total of 354 lb-ft. Even more impressive the latter twist arrives at a very tractable 1,360 rpm, which is 1,000 rpm sooner, while its horsepower rating is now set to 348, which is eight horsepower more than the previous model. 

2019 Porsche Macan S
All 2019 Macan trims should improve their handling thanks to less front suspension mass and staggered tire sizes. (Photo: Porsche)

This allows 2019 Macan S performance to improve from a 5.4-second sprint to 100km/h in last year’s model, or 5.2 seconds with the Sport Chrono Package, to 5.3 and 5.1 respectively with the new 2019, while its top track speed remains 254 km/h. Fuel-economy is said to be better too, although no claimed Canadian rating is available. 

Along with the powertrain and driveline upgrades, the new Macan’s front suspension uses more aluminum for 1.5 kilos of weight reduction, while new staggered wheel sizes provide easier turn-in up front and more grip in the back where a set of 295/40R20s combine with 265/45R20 front rubber in Macan S trim. Lastly, an available adaptive suspension system allows for greater comfort in Normal mode and better performance when Sport+ is selected, all adjustable from a button on the centre console. 

2019 Porsche Macan S
Thicker rear tires will improve the Macan’s looks as well. (Photo: Porsche)

Of note, the Porsche Traction Management (PTM) all-wheel drive system is capable of distributing all of the Macan’s torque to the rear wheels when warranted, or alternatively up to 70 percent to those in the front if traction requirements cause need. What’s more, the 2019 Macan’s traction can be further enhanced via newly developed 20- and 21-inch performance tires. 

Inside, the most obvious 2019 Macan upgrades are digital, beginning with a new 10.9-inch full-HD Porsche Communication Management (PCM) touchscreen replacing the 7.2-inch unit in the outgoing model. The new interface makes for a stunning visual statement, thanks to much sharper, clearer resolution, plus enhanced graphics to complement the improvement in screen quality and increased size. Likewise, the system’s operating system is faster, which will no doubt improve the speed of new standard intelligent voice control and the now standard navigation system’s mapping adjustments, plus other functions, while Porsche claims that it’s more intuitively designed for easier use, this due in part to predefined tiles that allow personal customization. 

2019 Porsche Macan S
The Macan’s upgraded interior features a much larger 10.9-inch centre touchscreen that modernizes the look. (Photo: Porsche)

Additionally, Apple CarPlay smartphone integration is now standard, but you won’t be able to connect your Android device via Alphabet’s (Google’s) Android Auto system, which remains unavailable. 

Porsche has made its Connect Plus module standard, however, which means that every new Macan is fully networked for real-time traffic information. A key element of this system is “Here Cloud”, which utilizes swarm-based traffic data to find you the quickest route to your destination. What’s more, the Macan’s new Offroad Precision App makes it possible to record and analyze off-road driving experiences. 

With the centre stack now housing a larger, wider infotainment display it was necessary to move the air vents from their previous positions at each side of the screen to a new location just below the display. Additionally, the audio/HVAC control panel, which slots between the two, is now wider and narrower. 

2019 Porsche Macan S
The bigger centre display is also faster, while Apple CarPlay is now standard. (Photo: Porsche)

While the latter features are standard, the 2019 Macan will let you upgrade its standard steering wheel to a special GT sports version sourced from the 911, while adding the Sports Chrono Package will place the brand’s Sport Response Button on the right-side spoke. 

Comfort options will also improve, with a new ionizer and heatable windscreen now available, while the Macan’s suite of advanced driver assist systems adds adaptive cruise control with Traffic Jam Assist, which allows semi-autonomous driving amid congested, slow-moving traffic at speeds up to 60 km/h, with the ability to automatically steer, accelerate and brake. 

On a more practical note, the rear seating area remains large enough for two adults side-by-side in comfort, whereas the cargo compartment carries up to 500 litres of gear with the 40/20/40-split rear seatbacks upright and 1,500 litres when they’re folded flat. 

Expect more 2019 Macan updates as the model gets closer to launch, and don’t worry as we’ll cover them all. Until then, check out some videos of new Macan below:

 

The new Macan – More adventure. More life. More thrills. (0:51):

The new Porsche Macan. Exterior design. (1:31):

Design documentation: The new Macan. (6:33):