All-New 2020 Porsche 911 (992) Hits 191 MPH With Bodacious 444 Horsepower Turbo Flat-Six

Of all the cars that Porsche makes, none of them say "Porsche" quite like the venerable 911. The 911 production run spans all the way back to 1964. Over its lifetime, the car has certainly changed significantly underneath, yet it has maintained very similar styling with a focus on driving engagement and performance. The car's styling has continued to evolve over the decades, and that practice has continued with the new Porsche 911 (992) that has debuted at the LA Auto Show. 

Power for the new 911 comes from a next-generation flat-six turbo engine that is "further developed and more powerful" making 450PS (about 444 hp) in S models. The new engine uses an improved fuel injection process along with a new turbocharger and charge air cooling process for improved efficiency. Porsche says that the fuel consumption for the Carrera S is combined 8.9l/100km with combined CO2 emissions of 205g/km while the Carrera 4S gets combined fuel economy of 9.0L/100km.

Power from that flat-six goes to the road via a newly developed 8-speed dual-clutch PDK transmission. Performance is impressive, as is expected in a 911, with the rear-wheel-drive Carrera S coupe hitting 100 km/h (about 62 mph) in 3.7 seconds and the 911 Carrera 4S all-wheel-drive needing 3.6-seconds to reach 100 km/h. Buyers who opt for the Sport Chrono Package will see those performance numbers drop an additional 0.2-seconds. Porsche says that the Carrera S can hit 191mph on the high-end with the Carrera 4S reaching 190 mph.

The 992 iteration of the 911 has significantly wider wheel housings that cover 20-inch front wheels and 21-inch rear wheels. LED headlights are standard, and all versions of the 911 have a "significantly" wider, variable position rear spoiler and a seamless light bar. Porsche also notes that other than the front and rear sections, the entire outer skin of the car is now aluminum. The interior of the vehicle is significantly revised and much more modern looking than past generations, despite being inspired by 911s of the 1970s.

The rev counter is located in the center of the cluster and has a pair of thin, frameless freeform displays on each side to send info to the driver. The center screen of the PCM is a 10.9-inch unit with a new architecture that is meant to be less distracting and easier to operate. A five-button compact switch unit under the screen gives direct access to important vehicle functions; Porsche also fits the new 911 with permanent online connectivity supporting new functions and services. Standard PCM features include online navigation based on swarm data as well as Porsche Connect Plus.

The new 911 gets a Wet Mode for the first time that detects water on the road, preconditions control systems accordingly, and then warns the driver. Standard warning and brake assist systems help mitigate collision risk. Night Vision Assist is available for the first time on the 911 and fits the car with a thermal imaging camera. Other features include adaptive cruise control as an option with automatic distance control, stop-and-go function, reversible occupant protection, and Emergency Assist function. Porsche offered no word on pricing and availability in its announcement about the new 911. If you are a big fan of the 911 (991), the last hurrah for that chassis came with the sexy 911 Speedster.