Porsche Reveals the More Powerful 2017 911 Carerra

2017 Porsche 911 Carrera S (Credit: © Porsche)

It’s been long in the making, but the revised 911 is here; well, at least part of it is. Today, Porsche has unveiled the restyled and more powerful 2017 911 Carrera to the world. While the visual changes are subtle, the updated drivetrain is sure to inject a little more excitement.

I won’t leave you hanging, so let’s go ahead and talk about the biggest news: the new engine. Powering the 911 Carrera and Carrera S is a new, 3.0-liter twin-turbo boxer-six. In the base Carrera, this engine pumps out 370 horsepower and 331 pound-feet of torque, which is a 20-horsepower and 44-pound-feet boost over the last Carrera’s 3.4-liter. As for the Carrera S, its 3.0-liter engine makes 420 ponies and 368 pound-feet of torque. This is an increase of 20 horses and 43 pound-feet over the old 3.8-liter engine

2017 Porsche 911 Carrera 3.0-liter engine (Credit: © Porsche)

On top of being more powerful, the advanced turbocharging makes the power easier to obtain. Peak torque comes in at 1,700 rpm and hangs on until 5,000 revs, whereas the old 3.4- and 3.8-liter engines didn’t hit full torque until over 5,000 rpm. Porsche also claims that these engines will be 12 percent more fuel efficient than their predecessors.

More power typically means better performance, and the 2017 911 Carrera will not disappoint. The base model with the PDK and Sport Chrono hits 60 mph in just four seconds, while the S model with the PDK and Sport Chrono crests 60 mph in just 3.8 seconds. Both times are 0.2 seconds quicker than their respective predecessors.

What’s more, for buyers who opt for the Sport Chrono Package, there is a new interface. There is now a mode switch on the steering wheel – like the 918 Spyder – that allows the driver to select between Normal, Sport, Sport Plus, and Individual driving modes.

Another new bit added to the 2017 911 Carrera is an updated Porsche Active Suspension Management system. The new PASM, which is standard on the 911 Carrera, lowers the ride height by 10 mm and improves cornering. Also new in the chassis are updated shocks, for improved comfort, new standard five-spoke wheels that are 11.5 inches – 0.5 inches wider than last year – wide, and 305-series tires in place of the old 295s.

2017 Porsche 911 Carrera S (Credit: © Porsche)

Rear wheel steering, which Porsche adapted from the 911 Turbo and GT3, is an available option on the 2017 Carrera S. This shrinks the turning radius by 1.6 feet and increases precision in quick maneuvers.

While the 911 Carrera and Carrera S retain the classic 911 styling, there are a few new bits added to the mix. First up are the updated headlights with the four-point LED surrounds, integrated door handle recesses for a cleaner look, vertical louvers on the rear deck lid, and redesigned taillights with four-point lighting.

The 2017 911 Carrera will hit U.S. showrooms in March 2016 with a starting price of $89,400. The S model will run $103,400. Moving into the Carrera Cabriolet will set you back $101,700, while the Carrera S Cabriolet will run $115,700.