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The new 911 Carrera and Carrera S Coupe were unveiled by Porsche Centre Bahrain at a ceremony organised by Porsche dealer Behbehani Brothers at The Gulf Hotel.
The highly-anticipated sports car, which is now available in its seventh generation, has undergone a complete re-design, said the company.
Around 800 guests were present at the gala event, which also featured an incredible 3D show demonstrating the 48-year history of the 911 series, the involvement of regional racing heroes from the Porsche-owned GT3 Cup Challenge Middle East, a high-tech product presentation and a virtual tour on the famous Nordschleife of the N¸rburgring.
George Wills, managing director of Porsche Middle East and Africa FZE, said: ìThis is a moment which marks a new era for our brand. The 911 Carrera is the re-definition of what a sports car should be. No fewer than 90 per cent of all components are either new or have been fundamentally revised. The aim of building ‘the best 911 ever’ has been fulfilled – proven by the new lap time of just seven minutes 40 seconds on the famous N¸rburgring’s Nordschleife circuit – 14 seconds faster than the previous model.
"With a history spanning five decades, the new 911 remains unmistakably Porsche’s iconic sports car."
The new 911 Carrera features a flatter, stretched silhouette, exciting contours and precisely designed details.
Its wheelbase is 100mm longer, sits lower to the ground and offers even better handling dynamics for more driving pleasure.
With a top speed of 289km/h for the standard version, the company claims it is the first passenger car in the world to feature seven-speed manual transmission.
It is also the first sports car equipped with an auto start/stop function; electro-mechanical power steering and a new ‘coasting function’, in vehicles equipped with the Porsche Doppelkupplungsgetriebe.
The new electro-mechanical power steering offers even better precision and response, while increasing efficiency and reducing general fuel consumption.
The 350hp 3.4-litre boxer engine on the 911 Carrera consumes a mere 8.2 litres of fuel per 100 kilometres - 16 per cent less than its predecessor. And with an emission level of 194g/km CO2, it is the first Porsche sports car to make it below the 200g/km mark.
The Carrera S, featuring a 3.8-litre boxer engine, produces 400hp and accelerates from 0-100km/h in 4.3 seconds. Pressing the ‘Sport Plus’ button on the optional Sport Chrono cuts that to 4.1 seconds.
The all-new, lightweight body is an aluminium-steel construction, providing overall weight reduction of up to 45kg and significantly greater rigidity. Aerodynamic optimisation measures, including a wider, variably extending rear spoiler, means the lift of the new 911 Carrera is further reduced.
Moreover, Porsche’s design team from Weissach created a completely new interior based on cues from the Porsche Carrera GT.
The driver is now more closely integrated with the cockpit thanks to the centre console rising up to the front with the high-mounted shift lever located especially close to the steering wheel – in typical motor sport fashion.
Morgan, brand manager of Porsche Centre Bahrain, said: ìThere has been such excitement surrounding the release of this 911. We have had a great deal of interest, and I fully expect we will be working extremely hard throughout 2012 to meet customer demand.
"With the nearly endless options available through Porsche Exclusive and Porsche Tequipment, each one of the Porsche 911 Carrera models you will see in our market will be as individual as its owner."
First deliveries of the new Porsche 911 Carrera and Carrera S Coupe start on February 11. Basic retail prices are BD34,600 for 911 Carrera CoupÈ and BD41,000 for 911 Carrera S Coupe.
For more details call the Porsche Centre Bahrain on 17459911.
