Highly anticipated 991-generation 911 arrives on our shores; increased sales for 2012 projected along with new Porsche Financial Services.

Photos: Low Fai Ming

Porsche Centre Singapore yesterday unveiled the much-anticipated seventh generation Porsche 911 Carrera and 911 Carrera S (991) at the Ritz Carlton Millenia Singapore.

Also on display were all generations of the 911, including one model of the iconic first 911 generation. On this momentous occasion, Porsche also launched Porsche Financial Services in Singapore - a first in the Porsche Asia Pacific region - introducing two Financing products.

“The 911 is the epitome of the Porsche brand and has contributed significantly to the growth of Porsche in Singapore. Porsche has grown so much in Singapore and we have successfully achieved another record sales of 472 in 2011. It is going to be another exciting year in 2012 especially with the introduction of the new 911 and also the new Boxster and Boxster S - we are confident that our sales in the sports-car segment will increase further,” said Karsono Kwee, Executive Chairman Stuttgart Auto.

The all-new, lightweight body of the Porsche 911 Carrera is an intelligent aluminium-steel composite 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 Carrera’s lift to be reduced yet further while retaining a very good Cd value.

The 100 millimetre 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 911’s 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 remodeled 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.

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.

Fuel consumption and emissions are up to 16 percent lower compared with its predecessor. The Carrera with the new 350 bhp 3.4-litre boxer engine and optional Porsche Doppelkupplungsgetriebe (PDK) consume a mere 8.2 litres per 100 kilometres – 1.6 l/100 km 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 Carrera S as well, with its 3.8-litre boxer engine and what is now 400 bhp, fuel consumption (when paired with the optional PDK) is reduced by 14 percent or 1.5 l/100 km to 8.7 l/100 km despite having 15 bhp more power. That equates to a CO2 emission of 205 g/km.

The event also marked the launch of Porsche Services Singapore Pte Ltd. This partnership between Porsche and Hong Leong Finance will offer customers two financial schemes: Porsche Hire Purchase and Porsche Intelligent Finance. Lutz Meschke, Member of the Executive Board – Finance and IT, Porsche AG, said: "Our goal is to support, through intelligent financial services, sales of new and used cars and contribute to a lasting contribution to consolidated earnings."

“Hong Leong Finance is delighted to be part of this exclusive partnership with Porsche,” said Kwek Leng Beng, Chairman and Managing Director of Hong Leong Finance. “We are honoured to join the very select ranks of Porsche’s global partners. Being Singapore’s largest finance company and given our experience in auto finance, I am confident our expertise will put us in a good position to provide seamless financing services to owners of a signature prestige brand as Porsche.”

The exclusive suite of carefully crafted financing schemes for Porsche car owners, paves new ways of financing. They can now enjoy never before payment flexibility convenience with Porsche’s sixth financial institution partner worldwide.

The basic price of the 911 Carrera in Singapore starts from SGD$370,325 and SGD$420,679 for the 911 Carrera S. Prices include a 5-year free maintenance and warranty program, market-specific equipment, GST excluding COE. Prices are subjected to change without prior notice. Terms & conditions apply.