Major Mechanical Updates for Porsche’s Legendary 911

If you’re a Porsche enthusiast, the 2009 mid-life update for the 911 is what you’ve long been waiting for.

It’s going to be pretty hard to spot the new 911 on the street when it arrives because the differences between it and the outgoing model are very minor. With the exception of a new front valance that sports LED daytime running lights, and broader rear taillights that are also illuminated by LEDs, it’s pretty much the same. Inside, the only noteworthy differences include a larger navigation LCD display and the addition of some higher end options like ventilated seats and full iPod integration.

More importantly are the mechanical updates. Previewed by the latest version of the Cayenne, the new 911 family features gasoline direct injection technology, which improves power while reducing fuel consumption and CO2 emissions. In the case of the standard Carrera 2, its 3.6-liter flat-six now makes 345 hp (+20) and 287 lb-ft of torque (+14), while the 3.8-liter Carrera S gets 385 hp (+30 hp) and 310 lb-ft of torque (+15). CO2 emissions, which are of great importance in Europe due to taxation, are down significantly in the standard Carrera.

But that’s only half of the update. The other component is the introduction of the Porsche Doppelkupplungsgetrieb, German for Porsche double-clutch gearbox, or PDK for short. The seven-speed unit will act as the successor to the five-speed Tiptronic automatic, and reduces power loss compared to the manual or the outgoing automatic, plus is swaps gears faster than either; not to mention it weighs less than the autobox.

With the PDK gearbox fitted, the Carrera S is capable of hitting 60 mph from standstill in 4.3 seconds, and as little as 4.1 seconds with the Sport Chrono Package’s Launch Control setting enabled.

Announcements regarding the updates for the GT3 and Turbo will come later this year.