IS THE BENCHMARK

ATLANTA – Whether it’s the engineers who worked on the enhancements for the

sport utility vehicle (SUV), or those from other sports car manufacturers, their

benchmark for handling and performance is the Porsche 911 Carrera.

“The Porsche 911 is the world’s standard for sports cars,” says Frederick J.

Schwab, President and CEO of Porsche Cars North America. “This is what a

sports car should be. It’s fun. It’s powerful. It’s precise. Whether you’re club racing

on the weekend or finding new curves to explore on your daily commute, it can

make every drive an exciting experience.”

For 2003, the 911 Coupe and Cabriolet are powered by Porsche’s 3.6-liter, horizontally

opposed six-cylinder “boxer” engine, which produces 315 horsepower (SAE) and

273 lb.-ft. of torque. A true sports car, the 911 Coupe weighs less than 3,000

pounds and sprints from a standing start to 62 mph (100 km/h) in 5.0 seconds

on its way to a top test-track speed of 177 mph (285 km/h).

And, Porsche owners know that such speed is only part of the equation. The

Porsche 911 Coupe and Cabriolet achieve optimum balance between performance

and handling, between exciting dynamics and luxury amenities, and between

active and passive safety technologies.

The Porsche 911 Coupe and Cabriolet underwent extensive enhancements for

2002, including a larger and more powerful engine and a strengthened body

structure with updated styling. Those changes carry over for 2003, with the

Coupe and Cabriolet also equipped with a standard digital AM/FM radio and

in-dash CD player.

Such updates and upgrades have been a consistent part of the 911’s nearly

40-year history, yet throughout its lifetime the car has retained a basic – and now

classic -- profile designed around its rear-engine architecture.

With 315 horsepower (SAE), the 911 Coupe and Cabriolet are the most powerful

normally aspirated 911 models ever offered in North America.

Although based on the water-cooled 911 Carrera engine introduced in model

year 1999, the reach of this “boxer” expanded through the installation of new

crankshaft, pistons and connecting rods. Its output was further enhanced by the

Patented LOKASIL high-silicon cylinder liners help reduce friction and wear to such

a level that Porsche can recommend a 15,000-mile (24,000 km) oil change interval

and a 30,000-mile (48,000 km) oil filter change interval.

The previous VarioCam system used variable cam positioning to vary valve overlap

to boost torque through the midrange without sacrificing high-rpm horsepower.

Now, VarioCam Plus not only adjusts camshaft position to provide continuously

adjustable valve timing, but incorporates two camshaft profiles and two sets of

tappets to vary both valve lift and duration, as well. The new system helps

“fatten” and smooth out the torque curve, while helping to reduce emissions.

The dual-stage resonance air intake system – optimized for the larger

displacement engine – helps boost power and torque at midrange engine speeds.

The 2003 911 Carrera engine produces 273 lb.-ft. of peak torque at 4,250 rpm,

with 214 lb.-ft. as low as 2,000 rpm and at least 236 lb.-ft. from 2,500-7,000 rpm,

including a midrange torque “plateau” of at least 265 lb.-ft. from 3,800-6,000 rpm.

The latest ME 7.8 engine management controls instantly calculate the precise

supply of fuel needed from the tank. Formerly, fuel not needed by the injectors

– but heated by the engine – went back to the tank. This system reduces

hydrocarbon emissions caused by heated fuel. Sequential multi-port fuel injection

features separate fuel mixture control for each cylinder bank, and a coil-on-plug

ignition system provides quick response and reliable operation. The ME 7.8

engine control module incorporates the E-Gas electronic throttle. In place of a

traditional throttle cable setup, E-Gas electronically transmits pedal position to

the engine control unit. New mufflers with less backpressure than before emit a

more powerful sound through newly designed tailpipes.

The 911 Carrera Coupe can accelerate from rest to 62 mph (0-100 km/h) in just

5.0 seconds, the Cabriolet in 5.2 seconds when equipped with the standard

remains an option for all 911 Carrera models.

Porsche offers a choice of two transmissions on the 911 Carrera models: a

precisely shifting standard six-speed manual and the optional Tiptronic S five-speed

automatic transmission. Porsche increased the torque capacity of the manual

transmission for the more powerful 2002 models by using stronger alloy steel

on key components. In addition, the output shaft runs in three bearings instead

of two, and the differential uses stronger bevel gears. As before, a dual-mass

flywheel ensures low vibration, and a hydraulic clutch provides consistent performance.

The 911 Carrera models adopt the Tiptronic S transmission from the 911 Turbo,

which can handle greater torque output. The lock-up torque converter and shifting

programs have been specially tailored to the naturally aspirated engine.

In automatic mode, Tiptronic S uses infinitely variable shift points to respond to

driving circumstances and driving style. During leisurely driving, Tiptronic S will

upshift early to provide a quiet ride and the best fuel efficiency. With quicker gas

pedal action, the transmission responds by raising shift points to hold each gear

longer for crisp response and power. The Tiptronic S transmission draws from

among 250 different shift maps to provide optimal performance at all times.

Even in automatic mode, the computer-controlled Tiptronic S responds like a driver

working a manual transmission, downshifting or holding lower gears when

cornering and driving on hills. Tiptronic S allows the driver to select manual mode

by pressing an up- or downshift button, even with the shift lever in the “D” position.

The four-wheel independent suspension under the 911 Coupe and Cabriolet

features a Porsche-optimized MacPherson-strut design in front and a multilink setup

in the rear, both with aluminum suspension components to reduce unsprung weight.

Front and rear stabilizer bars and gas-charged shock absorbers provide flatter

cornering. Standard power rack-and pinion steering yields a quick 2.98 turns

lock-to-lock and a tight 34.8-ft. (10.6-meter) turning circle.

A “staggered” wheel/tire array (wider wheels and wider, lower-profile tires on the

rear) contributes to neutral handling in the 911 Carrera models. Carrera II 17-inch

wheels use a slender spoke design to reduce unsprung weight by more than five

pounds per wheel over the previous design.

The standard aluminum alloy wheels measure 17 x 7 inches in front and mount

205/50 ZR17 tires; the 17 x 9-inch rear wheels mount 255/40 ZR17 tires. The

optional 18-inch wheel/tire package further enhances the already sharp handling.

The wheels measure 18 x 8 inches in front and 18 x 10 inches in back; tires are

225/40 ZR18 in front and 285/30 ZR18 in back.

The 911 Carrera models stop with four-wheel vented disc brakes with ABS 5.3

anti-lock control. Derived from the Porsche GT1 racecar, one-piece brake

calipers reduce heat and unsprung weight. The front discs measure 12.5 inches

in diameter and 1.1-inch thick (318 mm x 28 mm). The rear discs measure nearly

as large at 11.8 inches in diameter and 0.95-inch thick (299 mm x 24 mm). The

cross-drilled rotors dissipate heat to maintain braking performance and brake

feel even under hard usage. (Porsche requires brakes to provide 25 consecutive

full-force stops without fade.)

Optional on the 911 Coupe and Cabriolet is the advanced Porsche Stability

Management system (PSM). Using data from several sensor inputs, PSM can

detect a loss of grip at the front or rear and reduce instability by applying braking

to individual wheels and, if necessary, altering engine power. On slippery roads,

PSM can help keep the 911 going in the direction the driver steers. The PSM

system operates so quickly that most drivers likely will not feel it make corrections.

The driver can disengage PSM with a dashboard switch. However, for safety, PSM

will engage under braking and then disengage when the driver lifts off the brake.

While the system provides dynamic handling aid, Porsche cautions drivers that

PSM cannot counteract the laws of physics.

With the high performance potential of the 911 Carrera models comes a high

level of occupant protection. A patented crumple zone body structure protects

a reinforced passenger compartment. Supplementing the three-point inertia-reel

seatbelts, the 911 Carrera models have seatbelt pretensioners and load limiters.

All new Porsche models include dual front airbags plus the Porsche Side Impact

Protection System that includes boron-steel door reinforcement beams,

energy-absorbing door panels, and door-mounted side airbags. The 30-liter capacity

sidebags provide additional protection for the chest, head, and pelvis.

The 911 Carrera Cabriolet has boron-steel reinforced A-pillars and windshield

header and an automatic-deploying supplemental rollover structure to reduce the

risk of injury in the event of a rollover accident.

The fully automatic power soft-top on the Cabriolet folds compactly into a

compartment behind the rear seats. A solid tonneau cover fits flush against the

body with the roof lowered, preserving the sleek, uncluttered appearance.

The Cabriolet top features a glass rear window with integral defroster.

A removable aluminum hardtop with a heated rear window is included as

standard equipment.

At a customer’s request, a U.S. Porsche dealer can install a system that deactivates

the passenger airbags when a U.S. Porsche-approved child seat is used. The

system features a cross brace with belt lock in front of the passenger seat.

Buckling the special child seat into this brace deactivates the airbags. To install

the system, the dealer also must reprogram the airbag control module.

The styling update last year included a strengthened body structure that enhanced

handling, ride and safety. The styling changes adopted the headlight design of

the 911 Turbo, plus a newly shaped front end, widened rear quarter panels and

redesigned tail pipes. But such design changes are more than cosmetic. The front

air intakes increased airflow to the radiators by 15 percent. Reshaping the radii of

the front wheel arches and the addition of small, flexible spoilers ahead of the front

wheels reduced lift at the front by 25 percent and at the rear by 40 percent. New

air intake ducts enhanced front brake cooling, and a new under-floor duct enhanced

transmission cooling by 20 percent.

Even the headlight design improved lighting performance. The Bi-Xenon gas-discharge

headlights that are standard on the 911 Turbo are an option for the 911 Carrera

models. These light units use high-intensity gas discharge bulbs for both the low

and high beams.

Optional parking aid with sensors integrated into the bumper covers can help

prevent parking maneuver fender-benders by sounding an audible alert as the car

gets closer to an obstacle.

Porsche’s new Communication Management system (PCM) comprises tuners, CD

player, navigation system, and trip computer, all linked through Media-Oriented

Systems Transport (MOST) digital databus. The MOST system incorporates light-wave

conductors that exchange data between the individual components without loss

of quality and at ultra-high speeds.

PCM includes a 5.8-inch color screen with its 16:9 aspect ratio and 12-position

keyboard for easily and efficiently entering radio frequencies. The system assures

excellent audio quality.

The navigation module provides such features as road junction zoom-in, dynamic

navigation to avoid congestion, map scrolling so you can see beyond your current

position, tour planning with the ability to memorize as many as eight destinations in a

row and a CD-ROM system that can be used for the navigation system or for music.

Porsche also enhanced the comfort and convenience of the 911 Carrera models.

The instrument panel includes a standard onboard computer that conveys

information on an LCD display in the lower third of the tachometer. In addition to

information about fuel consumption and driving range, the computer can display

engine oil level, outside temperature and 35 different warning messages in plain text.

A three-spoke sports steering wheel is standard. The remote entry system controls

seat memory function when the optional power seats are ordered. The remote

determines which of the four car keys is in use and transmits the information for

driver’s seat position and exterior mirrors to the memory control unit. Apart from

the function provided by the four programmable keys, the driver can select two

other seat positions via buttons to the left of the seat.

The 911 has a lockable glovebox and a cupholder integrated into the center.

Porsche offers a high-end digital audio system from home and automotive audio

manufacturer Bose. Each system has been custom-engineered for that particular

model. The Bose automotive music systems combine balanced stereo, a panoramic

sound stage, deep bass and smooth frequency response to produce lifelike music

reproduction even in the challenging environment of a car interior. Digital amplifiers

provide clean, uncolored sound at any listening level. The 12 advanced loudspeakers

(11 for Cabriolet models) and a subwoofer blend seamlessly into cabin trim, raising

and widening the sound stage and ensuring balanced stereo.

Standard luxury features include:

• Digital AM/FM cassette stereo system with an in-dash CD player

• Anti-theft system with engine immobilizer and alarm

• Automatic climate control with dust/pollen and activated charcoal 

  odor filters

• Heated power sideview mirrors

• Heated windshield washer nozzles

• Leather-covered telescoping steering wheel

• On-board computer

• Partial leather seats with power recliners

• Power sunroof (Coupe)

• Power windows with one-touch up/down

• Remote locking system

All Porsche models feature light-emitting diode (LED) interior orientation lights.

One LED provides gentle illumination of the cockpit and center console. An LED

on the driver’s side door handle illuminates the ignition lock and light switch, and an

LED illuminates each door latch. The optional Porsche Communication Management

system integrates controls and displays for Global Positioning Satellite (GPS)

navigation, onboard computer, and climate control. An LCD color screen displays

all functions.

Porsche Cars North America offers customers in the United States and Canada

the opportunity to personalize their cars through two option-selection channels.

Together with the choice of limited-availability special paint colors, the special

options allow a customer to make a Porsche into a truly one-of-a-kind car. The

Porsche Exclusive program offers a wide array of optional features installed at

the factory. Options include custom interior trim packages and individual trim

items. The Porsche four-year/50,000 mile bumper-to-bumper warranty covers

all Exclusive options, and Porsche dealers can include the cost of the options in

the lease or finance contract.

only from authorized Porsche dealers. Tequipment options include such items

as special wheels, an aerobody kit, instrument panel trim kits, CD changers, and

custom floormats. Customers can order Tequipment options at the time of purchase

or return to the dealership for installation later. While installation of Tequipment

may require some modifications to the car, such modifications do not affect the

standard limited warranty. Tequipment items come with a two-year warranty

when installed by a certified technician at an authorized Porsche dealership.

In addition to the limited-availability special paint colors, Porsche will even paint

a 911 Carrera to match a sample from the customer. The Porsche 26-step

corrosion protection and paint process ensures that the custom paintwork meets

the same quality standards as a regular production paint color. The Porsche

three-year/unlimited mileage paint finish and 10-year/unlimited mileage corrosion

perforation warranties apply to any custom color.

Every new Porsche car sold in the United States and Canada is covered by a

four-year/50,000-mile (80,000 kilometer), bumper-to-bumper limited warranty,

which includes Porsche’s roadside assistance program. The galvanized body and

26-step paint and anti-corrosion process enable Porsche to warrant each car against

rust perforation for 10 years and unlimited mileage. In addition, Porsche guarantees

the paint finish for three years – also without a mileage limitation.

Porsche Cars North America, Inc., (PCNA), based in Atlanta, Ga., and its

subsidiary, Porsche Cars Canada, Ltd., are the exclusive importers of Porsche

vehicles for the United States and Canada. A wholly owned, indirect subsidiary of

Dr. Ing. h. c. F. Porsche AG, PCNA employs some 200 people who provide Porsche

vehicles, parts, marketing and training for its 203 dealers in the United States

and Canada. They, in turn, provide Porsche owners with best-in-class service.