The Porsche 911 is a sports car that’s constantly evolving. Whether it’s getting new derivatives or adding features, Zuffenhausen’s formidable performance machine manages to remain ahead of the game while paying tribute to the past by keeping the manual gearbox alive.

After announcing at the end of October last year a stick shift for the U.S.-spec Carrera models, Porsche is now launching the seven-speed manual in Europe as a no-cost option on these base models.

It’s available only if you get the Sport Chrono Package, which now has a digital tyre temperature indicator in the instrument cluster trickling down from the mighty 992 Turbo S. It shows the colour blue when the tyres are cold and white when the rubber has reached the optimal temperature to provide the best possible grip.

The manual-equipped Carrera 4S is 45 kilograms (nearly 100 pounds) lighter than the equivalent PDK model, which is another benefit for getting the three-pedal version. The Carrera models equipped with a clutch pedal come with an automatic rev-match function as part of the aforementioned Sport Chrono Package. The kit also bundles dynamic engine mounts, a stopwatch, the Porsche Track Precision App, and a switch on the steering wheel to go through the available drive modes.

In other news, Porsche is also adding what it refers to as the InnoDrive feature to the list of options available for the 911. On the PDK models, it can automatically adjust the adaptive cruise control by predicting the driving speed for up to three kilometres (nearly two miles) ahead by relying on navigation data as well as on the radar and camera sensors.

Available for all 911 flavours, an optional Smartlift function is an extension of the front axle lift system by using pre-programmed GPS coordinates to automatically raise the car’s nose by approximately 40 millimetres (1.6 inches). A similar system can also be had in the Chevy Corvette C8.

The list of changes brought by the model year change continues with a retro-looking leather package reminiscent of the original 911 Turbo (930). Available on Carrera models, it encompasses quilted seat centre panels (front and rear), quilted door cards, and other leather trims from the Porsche Exclusive Manufaktur division.

Go for a coupe and there’s now an optional lightweight and noise-insulated glazing reducing weight by more than four kilograms (nearly nine pounds). This vibrant Python Green exterior hue is also part of the 2021MY updates, as is the Ambient Light Design Package with seven selectable colours.

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Seven-speed manual transmission and a host of new equipment options

Stuttgart. A seven-speed manual transmission can now be ordered for all 911 Carrera S and 4S models as an alternative to the standard eight-speed PDK transmission at no extra cost in European and related markets. The manual transmission is combined with the Sport Chrono package and will therefore appeal above all to sporty drivers who derive more driving pleasure from changing gear themselves. Also as part of the model year changeover, a host of new equipment options will now be offered for the 911 Carrera series that were previously not available for the sports car. These include Porsche InnoDrive, which is already familiar from the Panamera and Cayenne, as well as a new Smartlift function for the front axle.

For purists: seven-speed manual transmission with Sport Chrono package
The manual transmission with seven gears for the 911 Carrera S and 4S always comes in combination with the Sport Chrono package. Also included is Porsche Torque Vectoring (PTV) with variable drive torque distribution by controlled braking interventions on the rear wheels and a mechanical rear differential lock with asymmetrical locking action. This overall setup will appeal above all to drivers with sporty ambitions, who will also appreciate the new tyre temperature indicator. This additional function in the Sport Chrono package was introduced with the 911 Turbo S. The tyre temperature indicator is combined with the tyre pressure indicator. At a low tyre temperature, the blue bars warn about reduced road grip. As the tyres warm up, the colour of the indicator changes to blue-white and then changes to white once the operating temperature has been reached and maximum possible grip is available. The system is deactivated and the bars are hidden when the winter tyres are fitted.

In combination with the manual transmission, the Sport Chrono package also offers an automatic rev-match function. When the driver shifts down, this function automatically opens the throttle momentarily to increase the engine speed and adapt it to the higher gearbox speed in the lower gear for smooth downshifts, thereby preventing load change effects. The package also includes other sporty ingredients such as dynamic engine mounts, PSM Sport mode, the mode switch on the steering wheel with the modes Normal, Sport, Sport Plus, Wet and Individual (for an individual set-up), as well as a stop watch and the Porsche Track Precision App.

The 911 Carrera S with manual transmission accelerates from zero to 100 km/h in 4.2 seconds and reaches a top speed of 308 km/h. The DIN kerb weight of the 911 Carrera S Coupé with manual transmission is 1,480 kilograms – which is 45 kilograms less than the version with PDK.

In the 911 Carrera for the first time: Porsche InnoDrive and Smartlift
The new model year sees the inclusion of Porsche InnoDrive in the list of 911 options. On the variants with PDK, the assistance system extends the functions of the adaptive cruise control system by predictively optimising the driving speed for up to three kilometres in advance. Using the navigation data, it calculates the optimum acceleration and deceleration values for the next three kilometres, and activates them via the engine, PDK and brake system. The electronic co-pilot automatically takes into account corners and gradients, and also speed limits if wished. The driver has the possibility of individually defining the maximum speed at any time. The system detects the current traffic situation using radar and video sensors and adapts control accordingly. The system even recognises roundabouts. Like with conven-tional adaptive cruise control, InnoDrive also continuously adapts the distance to the vehicles in front.

The new optional Smartlift function for all 911 versions allows the front end to be lifted automatically at corresponding locations where the vehicle is driven regularly. With the electrohydraulic system on the front axle, the ground clearance at the front apron can be increased by around 40 millimetres. The system saves the GPS coordinates of the current position at the push of the button. If the driver approaches this position from both directions again, the front of the car will lift up automatically.

Leather package 930 in the style of the first 911 Turbo
The leather package 930 introduced with the 911 Turbo S is now optionally available for the 911 Carrera models. This evokes the first Porsche 911 Turbo (Type 930) and is characterised by a coordinated interplay of colours, materials and individual enhancements. The equipment package includes quilted seat centre panels at the front and rear, quilted door panels, as well as other extensive leather trims from the portfolio of the Porsche Exclusive Manufaktur.

Other new equipment options
New lightweight and noise-insulated glazing is now also available for the Coupés in the 911 series. The weight advantage compared to standard glazing will be over four kilograms. The improvement in indoor acoustics achieved by reducing rolling noise and wind noise represents a further advantage. This is a lightweight laminated safety glass used in windscreen, rear screen and all door windows. The Ambient Light Design Package includes ambient lighting that can be adjusted in seven colours. A touch of colour is also added by the new exterior paint finish in the special colour Python Green.