KUALA LUMPUR: Porsche importer Sime Darby Auto Performance has unveiled its latest products - the venerable next-generation Porsche 911 (Porsche internal code - 991) and the performance compact sport utility vehicle (SUV) Macan GTS.
The new 911 comes in three variants, namely the Carrera, Carrera S and all-wheel-drive Carrera 4S with prices starting from RM870,000, RM970,000.00 and RM1.04mil respectively, which includes a four-year warranty programme and free maintenance package as well as all applicable duties (excluding registration fee, road tax and insurance).
The new chassis brings the wheelbase to 2,450mm (+100mm), while measuring 4,499mm-long (+70mm), 1,808mm-wide and 1,294mm-tall (Carrera S at 1,296mm and 4S at 1,291mm), the 3.0-litre (2,981cc) twin-turbo flat-six engine mounted at the rear has been revamped to provide 370hp at 6,500rpm and 450Nm of torque from 1,700 to 5,000rpm, before reaching the engine limiter at 7,500rpm.
The Carrera S and 4S have their performance ratings bumped up to 420hp (+50hp), but it's the 4S that receives more torque at 500Nm (+50Nm) and depending on variant, the new engine is almost 12% more efficient with savings of up to one litre per 100km.
With the seven-speed double-clutch Porsche Doppelkupplung (PDK) transmission, the Carrera's consumption now stands at 7.4 litres per 100km (-0.8-litre per 100km), while the Carrera S is rated at 7.7 litres (-1.0 litre) and the 4S at 7.9 litres (-1.2 litres) per 100km.
When combining the PDK with the optional Sport Chrono Package, the Carrera's 0-100kph sprint time is dispatched in 4.2 seconds (-0.2 seconds), which slightly trails the Carrera S (3.9 seconds) and 4S (3.8 seconds), before reaching a higher top speed versus its predecessor at 293kph (+6kph), 306kph (+4kph) and 303kph (+6kph) respectively.
The reborn 911 receives redesigned headlights incorporating the four-point daytime running lights, door handles without recess covers, redesigned rear lid with vertical louvres, new rear lights with four-point brake lights and a tail light strip exclusively for the 44mm-wider rear of the 4S.
Technology-wise, there is a mode-switch button that has been relocated to the steering wheel (as in the hybrid 918 Spyder), providing four driving modes of Normal, Sport, Sport Plus and Individual - the latter allowing for the configuration of the Porsche active suspension management (PASM) system, active engine mounts, PDK shifting strategy and sports exhaust system to their liking.
The PASM system is also able to lower the new 911's ride-height by 10mm for better stability and handling characteristics, while endowing it with higher comfort levels than before.
In combination with the PDK transmission, the mode switch also includes a Sport Response Button that will allow for maximum acceleration to take place for up to 20 seconds, while rolling on standard 19-inch wheels with 235/40 (front) and 295/35 (rear) series tyres. The S models get 20-inch wheels with 245/35 (front) and 305/30 (rear) tyres instead.
Stopping power comes from its front and rear four-piston aluminium monobloc callipers biting down on its cross-drilled discs, with the S models using bigger six-piston (front) and four-piston (rear) aluminium monobloc callipers instead.
To further enhance safety, Porsche has included a post-collision braking system as standard.
Inside, owners will be greeted by a new Porsche communication management (PCM) infotainment system with a 7.0-inch multi-touch display that includes an online navigation module and voice control as well as a 375mm-diameter steering-wheel.
The PCM can be operated by performing multi-touch gestures on the display that's similar to operating a smartphone with handwriting user input being possible.
For optional extras, there's a host of upgrades that include an active rear-axle steering system for the S models, (adopted from the 911 Turbo and 911 GT3) to help further enhance its turn-in stability when at speed or reduce its 11.1m turning-circle by 0.4m when in tight spots.
There's also a smaller 360mm GT sports steering available as well as a hydraulic lift system to increase the ground clearance by 40mm within five seconds for better practicality.
The 4S adopts the 911 turbo's Porsche traction management (PTM) system, where nearly all of its all-wheel drive components have been reinforced to handle the engine's heightened performance.
On the options list are new and extended assistance systems that includes the automatic speed control system and the adaptive cruise control (ACC) system with coasting function to name a few.
“The 911 has been the world's best-selling sports car for decades and this new generation of 911 has arrived to further extend this lead," said SDAP chief executive officer Arnt Bayer.
The Macan GTS was also unveiled and gets similarly priced as the 911, with prices starting from RM710,000 for its re-engineered chassis, an additional 20hp over the Macan S and stronger brakes to name a few.
Under the hood lies a 3.0-litre twin-turbo V6 engine with 360hp and 500Nm - slotting itself between the Macan S and the range-topping Macan Turbo in terms of power, while having a combined fuel efficiency of 8.8 to 9.2 litres per 100km and CO2 emissions of 207 to 215g/km.
It is equipped with the Porsche traction management (PTM) system to help distribute power between the front and rear axles and certainly helps in its 0-100kph sprint time of 5.2 seconds (-0.2 seconds with the optional Sport Chrono package), before reaching a top speed of 256kph.
Also included are the LED headlights with the optional Porsche Dynamic Light System Plus to enhance illumination, as well as the PASM system that lowers the GTS by 15mm while rolling on 20-inch matt-black finish RS Spyder design wheels and a host of tyre sizes to opt for.
Before getting filled with the sounds of the sports exhaust system, the GTS' cabin features sport seats, Alcantara cabin trim and a new Porsche Communication Management (PCM) system, which has an optional Connect Plus module that adds online navigation with real-time traffic information and smartphone integration via Apple CarPlay to the multi-touch monitor.
The GTS is readily identifiable with its combination of high gloss black above the waistline and a matt finishing below, while being fitted as standard with a special version of the Sport Design package - also in GTS-specific colouring.
"The extremely sporty Macan GTS combines high level of Porsche driving dynamics with outstanding everyday utility. Like all Porsche models that bear these three letters, the new GTS version of the Macan is inspired by motor racing,” said Bayer.
Porsche 911 Carrera 4S (type 991)
Porsche 911 Carrera S (type 991)
Porsche Macan GTS
