Cars Comp

Porsche has unveiled the 2012 911 (991) at the Frankfurt Motor Show.
Arguably the biggest bit of news regarding the 2012 911 is its seven-speed manual transmission, available with both the 3.4-liter and 3.8-liter flat-six engines. That, combined with start/stop technology means the new 911 will be more efficient than ever, though its impressive output numbers (300 horsepower for the 3.4-liter mill, 400 hp for the 3.8) mean itll still be an excellent enthusiast machine out on the road. Porsche claims 0-60 times of 4.4 seconds for the base Carrera and 4.1 seconds for the Carrera S.

Press Release

World premiere at the 2011 IAA Frankfurt Motor Show

The new Porsche 911 Carrera: Tradition meets modernity

Stuttgart. At 48, the Porsche 911 Carrera is younger than ever: The completely redesigned generation of the sports car icon is stepping into the limelight with its flat, stretched silhouette, exciting contours and precisely designed details, yet from the very first glance it remains unmistakably a 911. True to the 911 tradition, the distinctive Porsche design language with its tendons and muscles exudes power and elegance.

The 100 millimetre (~ 3.9 inches) longer wheelbase and reduced height combined with the up to 20-inch wheels underpin the athletic appearance. At the same time, the typical sports car compact exterior dimensions were retained. Seen from the front, the eye is drawn to the 911s trademark wide-arched wings. They emphasise the wider front track, so that the new 911 Carrera models sit even more solidly on the road. The remodelled exterior mirrors are accommodated on the upper edge of the door and not as before on the mirror triangle. Not only is this aerodynamically advantageous, it also emphasises the new design line and visual impression of width.

The all-new, lightweight body is an intelligent aluminium-steel construction. It is responsible for a significant proportion of the weight reduction of up to 45 kilograms. Combined with significantly greater rigidity. Aerodynamic optimisation - including a wider, variably extending rear spoiler - enabled the new 911 Carreras lift to be reduced yet further while retaining a very good Cd value.

To complement the modern exterior design, the Porsche designers created an interior, the architecture of which takes its cue from the Porsche Carrera GT. The driver is now even more closely integrated with the cockpit thanks to the centre console rising up to the front with the high-mounted shift lever or gear selector located especially close to the steering wheel in typical motorsport fashion. Classic Porsche elements are also to be found inside, as they are on the outside: the instrument cluster with five round instruments - one of them a high resolution multifunction screen, the central rev counter and the ignition lock to the left of the steering wheel.

Setting the standard in its class, as it has for generations, the new 911 Carrera and Carrera S raise the performance and efficiency bar yet another notch. All versions get by with significantly less than ten litres of fuel per 100 kilometres (28 mpg imp.). Fuel consumption and emissions are up to 16 per cent lower compared with its predecessor. Among other things, this is achieved by systems and functions such as auto start/stop, thermal management, electrical system recuperation, the worlds first seven-speed manual transmission and - in conjunction with the Porsche-Doppelkupplungsgetriebe (PDK) - sailing as it is called. The new electro-mechanical power steering offers not only Porsches typical precision and feedback but also helps to increase efficiency and reduce fuel-consumption.

For example, the 911 Carrera with the new 350 hp (~ 257 kW) 3.4-litre boxer engine and optional PDK consumes a mere 8.2 litres per 100 kilometres (~ 34 mpg imp.) based on the New European Driving Cycle (NEDC) - 1.6 l/100 km (~ 6 mpg imp.) less than its predecessor. Also, at 194 g/km CO2, it is the first Porsche sports car to make it below the 200 g/km mark. With the 911 Carrera S as well, with its 3.8-litre boxer engine and what is now 400 hp (~ 294 kW), fuel consumption when paired with the optional PDK is reduced by 14 per cent or 1.5 l/100 km (~ 5 mpg imp.) to 8.7 l/100 km (~ 32 mpg imp.) despite 15 hp (~ 11 kW) more power. That equates to CO2 emissions of 205 g/km.

At the same time there are performance improvements in both models. The 911 Carrera S with PDK manages to accelerate from nought to 100 km/h (~ 62 mph) in 4.3 seconds. Pressing the Sport Plus button on the optional Sport Chrono package cuts that to 4.1 seconds. The 911 Carrera with PDK needs only 4.6 seconds (Sport Plus 4.4 seconds) to sprint from a standing start to 100 km/h (~ 62 mph).

The new 911 doesnt just offer better longitudinal dynamics, however, but top performance at an unprecedented level in terms of transverse dynamics as well. In addition to the longer wheelbase, the greater agility, precision and driving stability are based, among other things, on the wider front track, the new rear axle and new electro-mechanical power steering. Depending on the model, there are other standard or optional active control systems available as well that further enhance the driving dynamics. That is especially true for the Porsche Dynamic Chassis Control (PDCC) active roll stabilisation system, available for the first time on the 911 Carrera S. For example, the system reduces lateral inclination when cornering, the tyres always being in the optimal position relative to the road surface and able to transmit higher lateral forces. Maximum cornering speeds are increased; even faster lap times on racing circuits are possible.

It has therefore been possible in the new model to extend yet further the span of apparently contradictory attributes such as performance and efficiency, sportiness and everyday practicality that has always typified the Porsche 911. That makes the 911 Carrera more of a 911 than ever. The new Porsche 911 Carrera celebrates its world premiere at the 2011 IAA Frankfurt Motor Show. The launch of the new 911 models gets under way on 3 December 2011, the new cars can be orderd from September 1st. Prices in Germany are 88,038 euro for the 911 Carrera and 102,436 euro for the 911 Carrera S, including 19 per cent VAT and market-specific equipment.

Audi has unveiled a Urban concept car to the Frankfurt Motor Show next month. which is a 1+1-seat ultra-light passenger car that is intended to be an effective alternative to larger vehicles for travel in congested urban environments.



The Audi urban concept is a 1+1 seat ultra light car ideal for areas with high congestion. The Audi urban concept aims for a combination of racing car, roadster, fun car and an urban car.



In terms of styling features, the urban concept has some innovative items like free-standing wheels, blinking strips of LED lights, and of course, those side blades inspired by Audi R8. The car also has 21-inch wheels. Entry to the car is via the tailgate.



The interior provides staggered seating for two people at a low sporty height. All of the controls and materials are ultra-lightweight. Entry is through the tailgate, and the roof can be manoeuvred and slides to the rear to open. The cockpit consists of carbon fibre-reinforced polymer (CFRP), which integrates the undercarriage of both seats.



Power for the Audi urban concept comes from two e-tron electric motors, which get their fuel from a lithium-ion battery. No technical details were released.











Press Release



‘Vorsprung durch Technik goes electric with the Audi urban concept



Audi urban concept car breaks new ground for the brand with four rings

• An innovative urban concept car with 1+1 seats
• Sleek cockpit made from CFRP, free-standing wheels with protective plates
• Elaborate suspension design, compact electric drive system for sporty performance

Ingolstadt, August 10, 2011 - Audi is once again exploring new horizons with the Audi urban concept, a 1+1-seat, ultra-light car for congested urban spaces. The technical study confounds conventional car categories - the Audi urban concept combines elements of a racing car, a roadster, a fun car and an urban car into one radical new concept.



The Audi urban concept car is not descended from any previous model - its development is based on the strict principles of lightweight construction, efficiency and reduction. The result is a concept car with no unnecessary weight, and one that concentrates on the pure essence of dynamic motion.



The stunning new concept has a sleek body. The wheels are free-standing, and the surrounding protective plates feature ‘blinking strips of LED lights. The highly-concentrated look of the technical study, with its forward-urging lines, is dynamic and emotional, and lends a completely new impetus to the Audi design language.



There is room for two people on board, their position slightly staggered and at a sporty, low level. All controls and materials are subject to the dictates of ultra-lightweight construction to ensure they convey a unique, sensory allure. The driver can adjust the steering wheel and pedals for his or her own driving position. Entry to the car is through the tailgate, while the roof is designed to be manoeuvrable and slides to the rear to open. The Audi urban concept rides on 21-inch wheels.



The technology in the Audi urban concept reflects the full capabilities of the brand, especially when it comes to ultra-lightweight construction. The cockpit consists of carbon fibre-reinforced polymer (CFRP), which integrates the undercarriage of both seats.



Two e-tron electric motors provide the propulsion - providing the ultra-light Audi urban concept with the ability to accelerate powerfully. A lithium-ion battery supplies the energy - ideal for extended city tours.