Autoblog

Click above for high-res gallery of the 2009 Porsche 911

Porsche decided to do a little 'Ring running in three different 2009-spec 911 models and quietly let the results slip during a press event. A 2009 911S fitted with Porsche's new twin clutch system (PDK: Porsche Doppelkupplung), Porsche Active Stability Management and "sport tires" took the top place, scoring a 7:50. The new PDK shifts a whopping 60-percent faster than the old Tiptronic S.

The first place getter was followed by what is assumed to be a 2009 911S with a manual transmission some eight seconds back, and then a 2008 911 S another four seconds back, at 8:02. There's no word on who was driving the cars, or what exactly counts as a "sport tire."

According to FastestLaps.com, Walter Rohrl did a 7:49 in a 997 turbo two years ago. If the next year's 911S is really that close to the twin-blower, that's not a bad feat. Still, the Cadillac CTS-V did the thing in 7:59 -- and so did the C6 Corvette that puts the current Porsche to bed and is an A-pillar away from the 2009... but who's counting?


[Source: Inside Line]

Following word that Porsche will incorporate direct injection and the 7-speed Doppelkupplung gearbox into the 997 refresh, we've come across an official document that details what we can expect when the latest iteration of the 911 arrives. We're not posting the document itself, but by now a quick Google search will reveal it to you if you're that interested.

The changes coming apply to the 2009 Carrera, Carrera S and their C4 and Targa variants. Look for the 3.6L base engine to get a 20-horse bump to 345 ponies, while Carrera/Targa S models see the 3.8L mill's output jump to a very healthy 385 horsepower. Both engines also get a commensurate increase in torque. The good news is that despite the added muscle, both the 3.6 and 3.8 are expected to consume less fuel and have cleaner emissions numbers.

As we've seen in numerous spy photos, new front and rear bumpers update the fascias. Lighting updates are also on the way, with standard bi-xenon headlights on the base car, plus LED daytime running lamps and LED taillamps across the board. New wheels will hide upgraded brakes, and word is that the Carrera 4 models will get additional cues that visually set them apart from the 2-wheel-drive cars. Inside, a new steering wheel tags along with the Doppelkupplung, and drivers can expect a freshened instrument panel boasting simplified controls and a host of improvements to the multimedia and nav system offerings. All the changes will be officially revealed/confirmed in June. As for when we can expect the skinny on any updates to the Turbo, GT2 and GT3, your guess is as good as ours. Thanks for the tip, Matthew!

While we like to chide the Stuttgart crew for "updates" to its 911 range, this newest one actually has some serious substance underneath the tweaked sheet metal. In addition to the revised headlamp and taillight design, CAR is reporting that Porsche will upgrade both the 3.6- and 3.8-liter flat-six boxers with direct-injection. The technology, first employed by Porsche on the 2007 Cayenne, boosted horsepower and torque by around 10- to 15-percent in the SUV, and we hope that similar gains can be made with its iconic six. More impressive, although not entirely unexpected, is the rumored fitment of Porsche's first dual-clutch gearbox. The Doppel Kupplungen transmission will be available on the new 911 after it's unveiled sometime this summer, with sales expected to begin this fall. There's no word on what models will benefit from the DSG 'box initially, nor was there any info about how the new tranny would be implemented on Porsche's all-wheel-drive models.

[Source: CAR]