We drove the Carrera S, which is powered by a 400bhp 3.8-litre flat-six, and there really is nothing to complain about. It’s smooth, has plenty of power through the rev-range and the acceleration from 30-60mph in second-gear is exhilarating.
Perhaps the most controversial part of the overhaul is a new electromechanical steering set-up. Some of the more subtle feedback from the steering wheel has been lost, but it’s still the best electrically assisted system we’ve used.
Porsche puts the 0-62mph time at 4.5 seconds for our manual-equipped model, but it feels far quicker than that. The new 911 is longer, wider, lower, lighter and more technically advanced than ever, and it promises better ride comfort and a sharper drive. It all made sense when we drove the car abroad, but now we’ve had our first go on the UK’s rough roads.
The pin-sharp handling of previous 911s is most definitely intact. Turn-in is more instant than it has been before, and the wider track has boosted grip. There’s an element of maturity about the way the 911 corners, too, with the sense it’s far more forgiving than some older versions.
The gearbox itself is special because it’s a seven-speed manual, and although most cars sold will be equipped with the PDK semi-auto, the manual is a treat to use. The shift is direct, and has just the right balance between being notchy and light. At one point early in our drive we found seventh when looking for fifth, but soon got used to the layout.
That seventh gear is useful for lowering emissions. Paired with fuel saving technology and a lightweight body, Porsche claims our manual model can return 29.7mpg, while PDK-equipped models are even more economical at 32.5mpg.
Perhaps the most controversial part of the overhaul is a new electromechanical steering set-up. Some of the more subtle feedback from the steering wheel has been lost, but it’s still the best electrically assisted system we’ve used.
Porsche puts the 0-62mph time at 4.5 seconds for our manual-equipped model, but it feels far quicker than that. The new 911 is longer, wider, lower, lighter and more technically advanced than ever, and it promises better ride comfort and a sharper drive. It all made sense when we drove the car abroad, but now we’ve had our first go on the UK’s rough roads.
The pin-sharp handling of previous 911s is most definitely intact. Turn-in is more instant than it has been before, and the wider track has boosted grip. There’s an element of maturity about the way the 911 corners, too, with the sense it’s far more forgiving than some older versions.
The gearbox itself is special because it’s a seven-speed manual, and although most cars sold will be equipped with the PDK semi-auto, the manual is a treat to use. The shift is direct, and has just the right balance between being notchy and light. At one point early in our drive we found seventh when looking for fifth, but soon got used to the layout.
That seventh gear is useful for lowering emissions. Paired with fuel saving technology and a lightweight body, Porsche claims our manual model can return 29.7mpg, while PDK-equipped models are even more economical at 32.5mpg.
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