Next-Generation Porsche 911 Offers Up To 13% Improvement in Fuel Consumption
06 June 2008
The next generation of the Porsche 911 model series features all-new flat-six 3.6- and 3.8-liter engines. For the first time in a Porsche sports car, the engines utilize direct fuel injection (DFI) and can be coupled with the new optional 7-speed double-clutch transmission Porsche-Doppelkupplung (PDK).
The result of these new technologies allows Porsche to boost performance of the 911, yet improve fuel efficiency by up to 13% as measured in the European driving cycle.
Maximum output of the 911 Carrera with its 3.6-liter engine is up by 20 hp to 345 hp (254 kW). The 911 Carrera S with its 3.8-liter engine delivers an increase of 30 hp to 385 (283 kW). Featuring PDK, the Carrera Coupé offers fuel consumption of 9.8 L/100 km (24 mpg US).
The new Porsche-Doppelkupplung (PDK) combines the driving comfort of an automatic transmission with the gearshift capacity of a sequential gearbox used in race cars. Since Porsche’s double-clutch also boasts an automatic gearshift function, it replaces the former Porsche Tiptronic S automatic transmission on both the Carrera and Carrera S. PDK improves acceleration while reducing fuel consumption over the previous generation of Tiptronic S equipped 911s through optimized and adaptive gearshifts.
At what point does Porsche announce a new electric?? It's Cayenne SUV hybrid is apparently off the schedule.
Posted by: gr | 06 June 2008 at 07:25 AM
Considering that these vehicles are already pretty aerodynamic and light, there aren't too many options for increasing fuel economy....
I guess they could adopt an EfficientDynamics style mild hybrid program for another 7% improvement in fuel economy.
Other ideas:
1. Use a LiIon battery to save weight
2. Coat the combustion chamber, exhaust mains, and exhaust with a ceramic thermal coating to help expel heat. Downsize radiators accordingly to save weight and improve aero.
3. Full VVT on intake and exhaust. As far as I know, VarioCam is only on the intake.
Posted by: GreenPlease | 06 June 2008 at 10:18 AM
I imagine that rolling resistance from the tires presents a huge amount of drag on a sports car like the Porsche. I'm looking out the window at my co-worker's Porsche Cayman and the tires/wheels are huge compared to my WRX and dwarf the tires/wheels on my Prius. The tires/wheels on the 911 are probably even bigger!
Offering an economy, selector for the engine/transmission would likely allow for impressive fuel economy gains in the economy setting with the computer controlled engine and transmission combo.
BMW Efficient-Dynamics style improvements as previously mentioned are also good ideas.
Otherwise, they are going to have to downsize the engines and turbocharge the entire lineup instead of saving the turbo for the 911 Turbo model.
Posted by: Dave | 06 June 2008 at 11:50 AM
You could put a 2L diesel engine in them.
It wouldn't do the performance any good, but it sure would help with the CO2.
Since most people use Porsches for posing and don't drive very fast, there would be no problem.
[ Except the noise and 0-60 ]
The range would be sensational.
People sniffed at diesel BMWs when they came out first, but they love them now.
Posted by: mahonj | 06 June 2008 at 02:54 PM
Whether they're using them to pose or not, if the performance isn't there then others will know it. Kind of defeats the whole point of posing.
Personally I want to see the hybrid, but I like the whole downsized engine plus turbo idea as well. Then the 911 turbo could just have a bigger engine with higher boost levels. Probably would need a different name though.
Posted by: Elliot | 06 June 2008 at 03:06 PM
You could always cut down the size of the gas tank to save on weight.
Posted by: Neil | 06 June 2008 at 03:20 PM
I think a 2.4L flat-4 having 220hp using direct injection could make a fine base engine for the Boxster/Cayman. A turbo direct injected 4 with 280+hp could be the base 911 engine/mid-level Boxster/Cayman engine. Engine start/stop, mild hybridization even perhaps, along with hybrid and turbodiesel Cayenne/Panamera, Porsche cam still make lots of improvement in fuel economy.
Posted by: DC | 07 June 2008 at 03:12 PM