By Christopher A. Sawyer
The Virtual Driver

(September 21, 2015) Every time a new Porsche 911 is introduced, it’s like those visual puzzles where you have two similar drawings, and you have to point out all of the differences. So, how do you tell the facelifted 2016 Porsche 911 Carrera from its immediate predecessor? It’s simple.

Look for:

    • New headlights with four-point daytime running lights.
    • Integrated door handle recesses.
    • A redesigned deck lid with vertical louvers.
    • New rear lights.
    • Oh, and if you’re at the Nurburgring, with the right equipment it’s up to 10 seconds per lap faster.



One of the positive side effects of legislation designed to increase fuel economy and reduce CO2 emissions (the same thing, actually) is the move to turbocharging. As a result, the 911 Turbo isn’t the only turbocharged member of the 911 family. The Carrera is powered by a new 3.0-liter flat six fitted with twin turbos, which increases power by 20 horsepower to 370 and increases torque to 331 lb.-ft.

Modifying the compressor wheels, adding a new exhaust system, and using a different tune increase this engine’s output to 420 hp and 368 lb.-ft.; a good amount of power for the Carrera S. With the torque peak stretching from 1,700-5,000 rpm — and with a redline of 7,500 — the most significant improvement is the fact that Porsche expects it to be 12% more fuel efficient.

Though a seven-speed manual gearbox is standard, the dual-clutch PDK transmission is the hot setup, especially if it includes the Sport Chrono Package. So equipped, the 911 Carrera sprints from 0-60 mph in 4.0 seconds, while the Carrera S does it in 3.7 seconds. Top speeds are up as well, to 183 and 191 miles per hour respectively.

The package also includes a rotary mode switch on the steering wheel that allows the driver to choose from one of four driving modes: Normal, Sport, Sport Plus and Individual. Depending on the optional equipment ordered, the Individual setting lets the driver choose a specific setting for the chassis, Auto Start-Stop, PDK shift strategy, and sport exhaust system.

PASM, the Porsche Active Suspension Management system, is standard equipment in the Carrera and Carrera S, and has been reengineered. It lowers the ride height by 10 millimeters, while new shock absorbers have more precise response characteristics. In addition, the width of the rear wheel rims has been increased by 0.5 in. to 11.5, and the rear tires of the Carrera S are 10 millimeters wider at 305 mm.

For the first rime, the 911 Carrera S is available with optional rear-wheel steering. This improves stability at high speeds, enhances turn-in behavior, and reduces the turning circle by 1.6 feet. Another option is an electro-hydraulic system integrated into the front struts that lifts the front end 40 mm within five seconds. It’s designed to help traverse speed bumps and steep driveways.

The revised Porsche Communication Management system has been revised to include an online navigation module, and can be operated via gestures on the seven-inch display. Handwritten inputs are recognized, and phones can be connected via Wi-Fi. Connecting an iPhone allows the user to utilize Apple CarPlay. Google Earth and Streetview are integrated into the system,while the Car Connect and Connect Plus modules can be used to transfer destinations to the PCM for navigation, remotely control vehicle functions, and stream music via third-part providers.

The new 911 Carrera models go on sale in March 2016.

The Virtual Driver