Porsche recently released information regarding what they’re calling their next-generation 911. In fact, as Porsche has done throughout the 911s forty-plus year history, these recent changes reflect more of an evolution over the existing model – but an important one nonetheless.

Both 911 engines, the 3.6-liter and 3.8 liter flat six, get direct injection technology. Porsche first introduced direct injection on its Cayenne range of SUVs a year ago. Expect the Cayman and Boxster to follow suit in the near future. Direct injection typically increases power and fuel economy while reducing Co2 emissions. In this case, emissions are reduced by up to 15%. On the power front, the 3.6-liter engine of the Carrera gets 20 more horses, taking its total up to 345bhp. The 3.8-liter engine of the Carrera S gets 30 more horsepower, taking it to a very respectable 385bhp.

Both the Carrera and Carrera S, along with their four-wheel drive counterparts, also have the option of a new seven-speed dual-clutch transmission, which Porsche calls Doppelkupplung – suffice to say we’ll refer to it simply as PDK. This provides shift times 60% quicker than Porsche’s previous generation Tiptronic. A Carrera S with PDK accelerates to 100km/h in just 4.5 seconds – that’s a staggering .8 seconds faster than a previous generation Carrera S Tiptronic. And with the optional Sport Chrono pack, which features launch control, the 0-100km/h time drops to just 4.3 seconds. Two years ago, a 911 Turbo lapped the original Nurburgring circuit in 7 minutes 49 seconds. More recently, a 911 Carrera S PDK covered the same ground just one second slower, which is very impressive indeed.

Other revisions include new front and rear lights that feature LED technology, as well as a new Porsche Communication Management (PCM) interface, which now features an easy to use touch-screen for audio and navigation controls. In order to meet tough emissions targets set by the EU, Jaguar Land Rover is investing 700 million Pounds Sterling in sustainable technologies to improve the environmental performance of their entire range of automobiles. As part of that program, they’re looking to fill 600 new positions – the majority of which will be in engineering, but will also include finance and HR. As part of technology and product development programs aimed at reducing Co2 emissions, certain vehicles in their range will feature start-stop systems in the near future. Engineers are also needed to continue development in future models such as the Land Rover LRX concept, which could make it into production as early as 2010.

Priya Singh wrote this article on behalf of Car Reviews. For more information on Auto news car market tips for visiting car magazine you can visit at autox.in