2012 Porsche 911 Carrera Officially Unveiled, Prices to Start at €88,038

With all the spyshots, leaked pictures and rumors circulating the Internet, we probably know more things about the Porsche 911’s new iteration that’s coming to Frankfurt next month than we do about our ancestors. However, it won’t really hurt to check with the official Porsche press release.

The exciting new model, known internally as the 991, will grow significantly over the previous generation, featuring a 100mm longer (3.94 inches) wheelbase, bringing more stability and better interior space. The 911 was always one of the most practical sportscars on the market, so both front and rear overhangs have been shortened.

Following the recent trend, Porsche has decided to make liberal use of lightweight materials on the body and the new platform, so the 2012 911 will show a reduction of up to 45 kg (99 lbs), depending on the model.

The base Carrera and Carrera 4 will indeed make use of the new 3.4-liter flat-six that it borrows from the Boxster S, putting out 350 horsepower in the process. The Carrera S will get a 3.8-liter engine capable of churning out exactly 400 horsepower.

Fuel consumption and emissions are up to 16 per cent lower compared with its predecessor. This wasn’t achieved by turning the 911 into a hybrid like some people expected, but by systems and functions such as auto start/stop, thermal management, electrical system recuperation, the world’s first seven-speed manual transmission. Yes, you head us, Porsche has confirmed the seven-speed manual!

Thus, the base Carrera only needs 8.2 liters of fuel every 100 kilometers (34 mpg), which is 1.6 l/100 km (6 mpg imp) less than its predecessor. It only puts out 194 g/km of CO2, making it the first sportscar from Porsche to go below 200.

The world debut of the 2012 Porsche 911 Carrera will take place at the 2011 IAA in Frankfurt, with sales to start on 3 December 2011. Order books will be opened on September 1st, with prices in Germany starting at 88,038 for the Carrera and €102,436 for the 911 Carrera S, including 19 percent VAT and market-specific equipment.

autoevolution will be attending the 2011 Frankfurt Auto Show, so stay tuned for some real up close and personal shots of the vehicles, as well as for first-hand details of the motorized contraptions presented at the event.