HISTORY & TECH
The advent of the 991 was a major event in Porsche history. An entirely redesigned platform that would underpin the whole sports car range, it was the first new chassis since the 986/996 of 15 years earlier, and effectively only the third in the 911’s 50-year history. Modifications to the chassis for the 997 had taken its development possibilities to the absolute limit and even as the 997 met its public for the first time, Porsche had begun work on the new platform.
Future road safety requirements, as well as Porsche’s plans to install a new generation of electronics such as Porsche Dynamic Chassis Control and Dynamic Engine mounts, demanded a larger chassis that would also accommodate major components such as larger wheels and later, for certain models, rear steering. Lengthening the wheelbase by 100mm and extending front track would improve stability, while to offset the inevitable increase in weight, substantial use was made of aluminium alloy in the suspension subframes and much of the body: the doors, bonnet, roof and engine cover were in aluminium. The upshot was a 991 Carrera that, although longer and wider, weighed some 30kg less than its immediate predecessor.
The 991 was deliberately styled to
