Porsche 911 - Intelligent Lightweight Construction Perfected

The car’s body and chassis are the unsung heroes in vehicle dynamics. Agile, predictable handling rests on the car’s ability to let suspension, engine, steering, and brakes do their job without the body’s twisting. The challenge is to achieve this strength without adding weight—the shared enemy of performance and fuel efficiency.

The new 911 fulfills these opposing goals with its completely new bodyshell. Torsional, or twisting, stiffness has been increased up to 25 percent over its already impressive predecessor. Amazingly, this was achieved while shedding about 110 pounds (50 kg).

How is this done? Precise, innovative techniques are used to combine diverse metals, whose specific material properties are applied exactly where needed for optimal strength. Thin yet extremely rigid sheets of steel form the bodyshell. Aluminum and magnesium are used extensively in areas such as the roof, underbody, front end, doors, and rear quarters, as well as in the engine and luggage compartment lids. Lightweight magnesium is also selected for the cockpit support beam.

This intelligent blend of materials reduces the weight of the vehicle, which brings a host of benefits: more precise and predictable handling, improved acceleration, lower braking demands, and better fuel efficiency. Its excellent vibration-damping characteristics also improve driving comfort. Stability and ride quality are further enhanced by the 3.9 inch (100 mm) longer wheelbase.

Porsche 911 - Intelligent Lightweight Construction Perfected