L.A. Auto Show Kicks Off with Huge 2020 Porsche 911 Reveal

Porsche debuts a 911 with upgraded power, performance, and cutting edge digital technology.

The wait is over! Porsche finally unveiled the 2020 Porsche 911 at the L.A. Auto Show. Once again, it was stole the show, and proved itself the standard when it comes to exclusive sportiness.

“California is the ideal place to introduce the new 911. California has been like a second home to Porsche for decades,” comments Oliver Blume, CEO of Porsche AG. “The 8th generation of the 911 is even more powerful, even more emotional, and even more efficient than its predecessor–and also offers extensive digital features. And in spite of all the innovations, the 911 is still just what it has always been: A pure sports car and the pulsing heart of Porsche: our icon.”

Unmistakably committed to the Porsche design DNA, with a much more muscular look and an interior featuring a 10.9-inch touchscreen monitor, the new 911 is timeless, and also modern. Intelligent control and chassis elements as well as innovative assistance systems combine the masterfully uncompromising dynamism that the classic rear-engine sports car is famed for, with the demands of the digital world.

The next generation of flat-six turbocharged engines has been further developed and is more powerful than ever before, with 443 horsepower. The drive efficiency has been increased by way of an improved injection process and a new layout for the turbochargers and charge air cooling system. The power is delivered by a newly developed eight-speed dual-clutch transmission. The top speeds are now 190 mph.

Detlev von Platen, Member of the Executive Board for Sales and Marketing at Porsche AG, emphasized the importance of the US American market for the sports car manufacturer: “More than 55,000 Porsches were delivered to the USA in 2017, and our American sales company Porsche Cars North America is on track to achieve a new record figure in 2018. Ultimately, no model better symbolizes the American love affair with Porsche than the 911. One in three Porsche 911s built in Zuffenhausen goes to the USA.”

Exterior Design Draws on Earlier Generations

The exterior design is familiar and yet unmistakably new. The eighth-generation 911 is wider, more assertive, and more advanced. Wider wings arch over the large 20-inch wheels at the front and 21-inch wheels at the rear. The rear-wheel-drive models now match the bodywork width of the existing all-wheel models. Their rear body is  wider. The front end of all models revives a traditional feature of earlier 911 generations: a forward-extended bonnet with a distinctive recess in front of the windscreen. Both elements lengthen the front of the vehicle and give it a dynamic look. At the same time, the newly developed LED headlights illustrate how technology has advanced in the 911. These headlights are integrated into the wings almost seamlessly, taking the typically-911 round and upright form. Flush integration of the electrical pop-out handles in the doors emphasizes the tapered and smooth side contour. The exterior mirrors have also been redesigned, and are now optimized to minimize wind noise. It’s also possible to fold the mirrors in electronically.

The rear of all models is dominated by the significantly wider, variable-position spoiler and the seamless, elegant light bar. The vertically arranged louvres of the air intake echo the contours of the rear window. The centrally located third brake light has also been integrated in the intake louvres. Since this is hidden when the rear spoiler is extended, there is a second brake light in the spoiler itself. As a distinguishing feature, the rear-wheel-drive models have black louvres, while the all-wheel-drive models have chrome elements in the rear grille. With the exception of the front and rear sections, the entire outer skin is now made from aluminium.

Redesigned Interior with Clear Lines

The interior is distinctive, with the clear, straight lines and recessed instruments defining the dashboard. The 911 models from the 1970s provided the inspiration here as well. As it does in the original 911, the new dashboard covers the entire width between two horizontal wing levels. Alongside the centrally positioned rev counter, two thin, frameless freeform displays deliver information to the driver. Now 10.9 inches in size, the center screen of the Porsche Communication Management (PCM) can be operated quickly and without causing distraction. Below it, a docked-on control panel of five buttons with the look of a classic toggle switch creates the transition to the center console with touchpad. The seats have also been fundamentally modified. The new design reduces the vehicle weight by around three kilos, while the adapted geometry offers significantly better lateral support in the shoulder area. Although the seat is now positioned lower and has a minimally thinner seat cushion, seating comfort has been improved overall.

In the area of digitization, the 911 takes the next step into the future with permanent connectivity, as well as new functions and services. The standard PCM features include online navigation based on swarm data as well as Porsche Connect Plus.

New Assistance Systems Enhance Safety and Comfort

In a world first, Porsche has developed Wet mode, included as standard. This function detects water on the road, preconditions the control systems accordingly and warns the driver; the driver can then adjust vehicle settings for a particular emphasis on safety at the push of a button, or by means of the mode switch on the steering wheel (optional Sport Chrono Package). The camera-based warning and brake assist system, also fitted as standard, detects the risk of collisions with other vehicles, pedestrians or cyclist and initiates a warning or emergency braking if necessary. Night Vision Assist with a thermal imaging camera is optionally available for the 911 for the first time. The adaptive cruise control option includes automatic distance control with stop-and-go function and reversible occupant protection.

The Next generation of Flat-six Engines

The turbocharged flat-six engines also enter a new generation with the new 911. In addition to compliance with the latest emissions standards by way of a gasoline particulate filter, the primary focus of advanced development here was on further enhancing performance. New, larger turbochargers with symmetrical layout and electrically controlled wastegate valves, a completely redesigned charge air cooling system, and use for the first time of piezo injectors combine to attain engine improvements in all relevant areas: responsiveness, power, torque characteristic, endurance, revving ability. In addition to performance enhancements achieving 443 horsepower at 6,500 rpm, the 911 Carrera S engine achieves extra torque: 390 ft-lbs in total. This is available within a wide range of speeds, from 2,300 to 5,000 rpm.

For more details, stay tuned to Team Speed for more reports from the L.A. Auto Show.