Following months of rumours and speculation, Porsche has announced that the 2017 Porsche 911 Carrera has a turbocharged, 3.0L flat-six engine. Also new is a rear-axle steering option, a first for the 911.

The bi-turbo motor makes 370 hp and 331 lb-ft of torque, while the same engine in the Carrera S makes 420 hp and 368 lb-ft. Horsepower in both models is up by 20, while the turbos add 44 lb-ft to the base Carrera, and 43 to the Carrera S. As before, transmission choices in both cars are between manual and Porsche’s PDK dual-clutch automatic, both of which have seven ratios. More power means more speed: both cars are 0.2 seconds quicker to 100 km/h, the base car doing that sprint in 4.2, and the Carrera S in 3.9.

Active rear axle steering comes to the 911 from the 911 Turbo and GT3 models, and “further enhances turn-in behaviour, and makes for high driving stability when changing lanes at high speed.” More practically, it cuts half a metre from the car’s turning circle. The driver gets a choice of two new steering wheels, too: a 375-mm diameter one that’s standard, and an optional GT Sports wheel measuring 360 mm across. Also optional is a hydraulic lift system for the front suspension that raises the nose 40 mm for extra clearance over curbs and steep driveways.

There are a few cosmetic changes, too: head- and tail lights have been updated, the door handles are new, and a redesigned rear lid has vertical louvres that we’ll get used to with time… we think.

Other changes for 2017 include new headlights with four-point running lights, new taillights (including “characteristic” four-point brake lights), and a redesigned rear lid and door handles. Canadian fuel consumption figures aren’t available yet, but Porsche says the new 911 is nearly 12 percent more efficient.

Pricing begins at $102,200 for the Carrera, and $118,200 for the Carrera S; add $14,000 to both prices for cabriolet models. The 2017 Porsche 911 Carrera goes on sale in Canada in March of 2016.

2017 Porsche 911 Carrera (1)

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