The 992-generation Porsche 911 may not look very different to its predecessor, but the new sports car is loaded with advanced technologies that make it far superior to the 991. Among these technologies is an advanced active aerodynamics system.
Found in the front bumper of the new 911 are active air intakes featuring horizontal shutters that can be opened and closed. When the new 911 is traveling at speeds below 70 km/h (43.5 mph), the shutters remain open and direct air around the front wheels.
When the sports car exceeds 70 km/h, the shutters close completely to reduce aerodynamic drag.
As the vehicle’s speed climbs past 90 km/h (56 mph), the rear spoiler partially deploys to its ‘Eco’ mode setting to further reduce drag. The front shutters and rear spoiler remain in these positions all the way until 170 km/h (105 mph) when the shutters re-open and the spoiler is deployed slightly higher to provide the best possible driving dynamics.
Porsche claims that these aerodynamic aids alone save four seconds a lap around the Nurburgring.
The active aero components also come in use in a number of different driving scenarios. For example, the rear spoiler is deployed when the driver activates the 992’s new ‘Wet Mode’. This mode also sees the car increase power distribution to the front wheels, reduces engine torque build-up, and triggers other aero flaps to increase downforce and reduce the risk of aquaplaning.
In addition, the new 911’s rear wing functions as an air brake under rapid deceleration.