The purist is back

With the launch of the new 911, Porsche shows how an almost perfect sports car can be improved

April 2012 - From the Print Edition

One of my most anticipated test drives of the year was the new Porsche 911. The icon of all sports cars was a special treat for me and I dedicated time to driving it in different conditions to feel the car’s potential.
The version I tested was the more powerful Carrera 911 S, which delivers 400 hp and an acceleration figure of 4.3 seconds from 0 to 100 km/h. This 911 is all new, longer, wider, lighter and of course faster than the outgoing model. The body lines of this new vehicle obviously follow the same pattern as any other 911, so there is no way to mistake it. With sleeker lines and the extensive use of LED lighting, the Carrera is a good looking car from every angle.
The interior was also changed dramatically, following the Porsche design line that can be found in the Panamera and Cayenne too, with a massive central console that wraps the driver in a cockpit full of dials and switches.

So, how does it drive?

The car is amazing, not only for its great performance, as there are plenty of sports cars that can do better in the acceleration department, but for its overall driving capabilities. You can really use the Porsche 911 on a daily basis, in the city and on the highway with no problem.
In normal driving mode, the 911 is a sleeping beast, with gentle responses and giving a smooth ride. Once the Sport or the Sport Plus button is pushed, the beast comes alive and becomes an adrenaline shot. The exhaust gets louder, the car revs up to the red zone and acceleration of the flat-six engine makes the car worth the money. Even accelerating hard, the car feels perfectly under control and the grip of the tires is phenomenal. The new PDK gearbox has seven speeds and works well, with the option of a manual gear change from the gear lever or the paddles on the steering wheel.
As anyone will tell you, one can only feel a Porsche by driving it, so I can only advise you to grab one even for a short test drive. If you’re considering buying one, the cheapest Carrera 911 is around EUR 97,500 including VAT.