911 Targa 4S

Performance

The latest 911 has a new generation of engines with direct fuel injection (DFI), and significantly more power. 345 hp is generated by the 3.6-liter boxer (horizontally-opposed cylinder) engine and 385 hp by the 3.8-liter power unit.

The results are outstanding performance and increased fuel efficiency and emission values. All made possible thanks to DFI, VarioCam Plus, an improved lightweight construction, reduced friction and a number of detailed technical solutions.

Sport Chrono Package Plus

All 911 models can also be fitted with the optional Sport Chrono Package Plus. It offers even sportier tuning of the engine and chassis, and delivers even greater driving pleasure as a result.

Included in the package are a digital and analog timer, a Sport select button, a performance display and a personal memory function in the new Porsche Communication Management (PCM). Also—when fitted in combination with Porsche Doppelkupplung (PDK)—the Sport Plus button.

When the Sport button on the center console is selected, the EMS SDI 3.1 engine management system enhances the engine response. A modified throttle map relates the pedal angle in the footwell to a much wider angle of opening on the throttle valve. Throttle response is significantly more immediate, and, in the higher gears, a hard rev-limiter helps protect the engine under acceleration.

The optional Porsche Active Suspension Management (PASM) also switches to Sport mode for harder damping and more direct steering, and, therefore, better road holding.

A hard rev-limiter is also applied in the automatic mode of the optional Porsche Doppelkupplung (PDK), while gearshift points are delayed until the upper rev range. The shift times are shorter, the gear changes sportier. At low rates of deceleration—even with high engine speeds—the system initiates a swifter brake-induced downshift. In manual mode, gear changes are faster and more dynamic. In Sport mode, the trigger threshold for PSM is raised for increased longitudinal and lateral dynamics. Agility is enhanced under braking for corners with PSM, enabling greater handling response under braking and exit acceleration, especially at low speeds.

For maximum dexterity, PSM can be set to standby while the car is still in Sport mode. For safety, it is set to intervene automatically only when ABS assistance is required on both the front wheels.

In combination with PDK, the Sport Chrono Package Plus has two additional functions that are activated by pressing the Sport Plus button to take driving to an even sportier level.

The first additional function is Launch Control. It is operated via the Sport Plus button with the “D” or “M” drive position selected. When the driver depresses the brake pedal with the left foot, the right foot depresses the accelerator pedal to the floor. With the accelerator in the kickdown position, the system detects the driver’s request for Launch Mode and revs the engine to an optimum speed of approximately 6500 rpm. Engine torque increases and the clutch closes slightly. The message “Launch Control active” appears on the instrument cluster display. The driver now quickly releases the brake—and prepares for maximum acceleration.

The second new function is the motorsport-derived gearshift strategy. Using this, Porsche Doppelkupplung (PDK) is geared up for the shortest possible shift times and optimum shift points for maximum acceleration.

A key component of the Sport Chrono Package Plus is the timer mounted on the dashboard. The Porsche Communication Management system has a special performance display to view, store and evaluate segment times or other driving times. It shows the total driving time, segment distance and the segment times recorded so far. You can view the current fastest segment and the remaining range until empty. Traveled distances can be recorded and benchmark times defined.

The personal memory function of the Sport Chrono Package Plus can also be used to store personalized settings for a range of systems, including the orientation lighting or air conditioning.

Passive Safety

The 911 complies with all statutory requirements worldwide in respect of occupant safety, well in excess of the legal limits in terms of front, offset, side and rear impact protection.

The reinforced bodyshell structure contains a highly resiliant passenger cell which offers high levels of protection in the event of an impact. A patented system of longitudinal and transverse members is used at the front.

In the event of an accident, three separate load paths absorb energy, disperse the force of impact and minimize deformation of the passenger cell.

In addition, the front benefits from an extremely rigid bulkhead cross member made of ultra high-strength steel. This is designed to absorb impact forces from the longitudinal members to reduce deformation of the footwell and provide improved protection for the feet and legs. In a minor collision, a system of easily replacable impact absorbers prevent costly damage to the underlying bodyshell.

Also contributing to the overall rigidity of the car are the reinforced doors. The forces exerted in a frontal collision are additionally transmitted along a higher load path. For the protection of its occupants, it has therefore been possible to improve the deformation characteristics of the passenger cell even further.

Since 1985, all Porsche doors have had a ‘crash barrier’ made of ultra high-strength steel built into them – otherwise known as side impact protection. In the 911 Carrera models, this protection is enhanced by an integrated reinforcement made from super high-tensile boron steel.

Porsche was the first manufacturer in the world to use a hot-dip galvanised steel shell. Today, too, high-quality surface protection ensures a consistently high level of crash protection, even after many years on the road.