German Car Zone

For 2009, most of the focus is on the Porsche 911, as the 997 generation gets a significant midcycle refresh. A new dual-clutch automated manual transmission headlines the changes, and direct-injection versions of the 3.6-liter and 3.8-liter engines promise better performance and fuel economy. Porsche is releasing limited-edition versions of the Boxster and Cayman, and the Cayenne Turbo S is back — this time with 550 horsepower. All 2009 Porsches get a revamped Porsche Communication Management (PCM) unit that's compatible with Bluetooth, satellite radio and iPods. The available navigation system runs off a hard drive this year.
2009 Porsche 911: Even if you don't like the idea of a two-pedal 2009 Porsche 911, the introduction of the seven-speed Porsche Doppelkupplung (PDK) gearbox represents a major advance, as Porsche says it provides 60 percent quicker shifts than the Tiptronic six-speed automatic it replaces. Even quicker shifts are possible in a 2009 Porsche 911 with the Sports Chrono Package Plus, which also includes launch control. Of course, a six-speed manual transmission remains standard on the 911, but Porsche is claiming quicker acceleration times with the PDK gearbox.
All versions of the 2009 Porsche 911 Carrera and Carrera S are quicker this year, though, thanks to the fairly comprehensive upgrades the company has made to the cars' 3.6-liter and 3.8-liter horizontally opposed engines. Both are lighter this year and employ a closed-deck block design for improved cooling. Even the bore and stroke differ slightly (although overall displacement is the same) and a new electronically driven oil pump provides much the same lubrication benefit as a costlier dry-sump setup.
The adoption of direct injection is the bigger deal, though, as it has allowed Porsche to raise compression to 12.5:1 (from 11.8:1), which yields more power and torque. The base 911 Carrera's 3.6-liter six-cylinder now makes 345 horsepower at 6,500 rpm and 288 pound-feet of torque at 4,400 rpm, which is up from 325 hp and 273 lb-ft in 2008. The 3.8-liter engine in the 2009 Porsche 911 Carrera S offers 385 hp at 6,500 rpm and 310 lb-ft of torque at 4,400 rpm — increases of 30 hp and 15 lb-ft. The new engines also consume 10 percent less fuel, according to Porsche.
All 2009 Porsche 911s see revisions to their springs, dampers and antiroll bars, and standard Carreras have been fitted with an additional stop spring up front and in back to improve compliance. The optional sport suspension now incorporates Porsche Active Suspension Management (PASM) while lowering ride height by 0.79 inch. Although all Carrera and Carrera S models see improvements to their brake cooling measures for 2009, the base Carrera coupe and cabriolet get a completely new brake system that includes larger, thicker cross-drilled rotors. Also of note for hard-core drivers: A limited-slip rear differential is standard on the 2009 Porsche 911 Carrera 4S and optional on all other 2009 Porsche 911s.
Finally, you'll notice that bi-xenon headlights are standard on all 2009 Porsche 911s, as are LED brake lights and taillights. Ventilated seats are a new option. New paint choices include Aqua Blue, Cream White, Nordic Gold and Porsche Racing Green.
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