For 1970, the standard engine was enlarged to 2195cc. Power for the 911 T went up to 125bhp, the 911 E to 155bhp and the 911 S to 180bhp. Power could have been boosted much further, were it not for the increasingly stringent US emissions regulations. Already high-revving, the stretching of cylinder bore from 80mm to 84mm was an easy modification, however, and the '2.2' engine revved even higher. It was not relaxing to drive; in combination with, for the first time, low-profile tyres, the 911 was now less of a GT and more of an uncompromising sports car. Though this probably suited many buyers, no doubt feedback from customers hastened further upgrades in 1971.
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The new 911s, with strengthened transmission, were badged '2.4', though in fact their engine was just 2341cc, achieved by lengthening each cylinder's stroke from 66mm to 70.4mm. This upped power slightly for each model, the 911 T now giving 130bhp, the E 165bhp and the S 190bhp. The main difference was in the torque: although in theory little quicker off the line, the new engine was much more flexible, and the mid-range 911 E was actually faster from 0-60mph than many of its more exotic contemporaries, such as the Lamborghini Miura and the expensive Jaguar E-Type V12. Top speed was just under 139mph, and 0-60mph acceleration less than 6.5 seconds. The most convincing Porsche supercar came along in 1973, though: the first Carrera, named after the Carrera Panamericana road race.
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The Carrera model was intended as a homologation special, conforming to the regulations for production car races, where models competing have to have a closely-related version on general sale. The 911 Carrera RS 2.7 (2687cc, 210bhp) was the road-going relative of the 2.8 RSR (2806cc, 300bhp), both models featuring aerodynamic body kit, massively flared bumpers, larger wheels and a ducktail rear spoiler. Just 1800 RSs were made - and any number of lesser models were kitted up in imitation.
Minor tweaks in late 1973 added side impact beams and, for US models, bumpers to meet the latest federal safety standards. Targa models received improved fibreglass roof panels. The Carrera RS and RSR's engines grew to 2994cc, delivering 230bhp and 330bhp respectively. All the mainstream models received the 2.7-litre engine, with the bore enlarged to 90mm. Bosch K-Jetronic fuel injection was now standard, and the line-up consisted of an entry-level model simply badged '911' (150bhp), 911 S (now 175bhp) and Carrera, 210bhp; this model was one of the fastest production cars around, doing 0-60mph in 5.5 seconds, and capable of 150mph. The 2.7-litre cars were higher-geared and more relaxed than their predecessors, but just as quick. And a works RSR won the Daytona 24 Hours and the Sebring 12 Hours, with another car winning its category in the last-ever Targa Florio road race, Sicily.
1970 911 Coupe
1975 911 Turbo
1974 911 Targa S
