Porsche 911 Review, Specs & Performance

Porsche 911 in a nutshell

With this new '992' Porsche 911, Porsche has provided anything you could want from a sports car. They have you covered, from a classic rear-wheel drive Gran Tourer to a fire-breathing 600ps+ track annihilator. So sit back, buckle up and enjoy; you will not be disappointed with Stuggarts latest creations.

Porsche 911 - Engines & Performance

Power & Choice

The new Porsche 911 offers a wide range of performance, but every model has thrills aplenty. The Carrera model uses a turbocharged 3.0-litre engine that delivers 385 bhp. Helping propel the 911 to a 0 to 62 mph sprint time of 4.2 seconds, and there's a sport pack that will shave the .2 seconds from that figure. The car's top speed is 190 mph, with fuel economy of 28 mpg. Torque stands at 450Nm with an awe-inspiring performance in the mid-range revs. To help underpin the car's performance, it's available in either two- or four-wheel drive but we found that the two-wheel drive model delivers grip and it's impressive with Porsche's new wet driving mode offering confidence on wet or slippery surfaces. The all-wheel drive version does help show what the car can do, however, and the performance gets slightly better too.

Those needing more performance than above are spoiled for choice. The immediate upgrade would be the Carrera S model, which has a significant uplift in power from 385ps to 450ps. As a result, the 0-62mph leaps from 4.2 seconds to 3.7 seconds, the mid-range pull is enhanced too, with more torque, now up to 530nm. The GTS makes an appearance again in the new 911 line-up; now sporting a thumping 480ps and unique GTS styling it strikes a fine mid-point between extreme performance (0-62mph in only 3.4secs) and still managing to be useable, comfortable and individual.

And yes, you know where the endpoint lies. We know for the Porsche purists among us, we have the track-orientated GT3 and GT3 RS animals that provide ultimate track day thrills and even the lesser lightweight 'T' model for those wanting a purer 911 for less money than the GT's above. They do have it all. The standard Carrera, Carrera 'S', and GTS can be ordered in a Cabriolet or 'Targa' top version, allowing you to match your performance thrills with your kind of open air driving. This all being said, we know only too well that a 911 needs a 'Turbo' after the name for those seeking the ultimate drag strip crusher. And as is typically the case with Porsche, that box is suitably ticked.

Porsche 911 - Turbo

Boost

The Porsche 911 Turbo has a solid 580ps and can see off 62 miles per hour in a quoted 2.8 seconds. On its way to a hypercar challenging 199 mph top speed. And this should be enough for most, but some people just need the ultimate top-of-the-tree Porsche 911, and nothing else will do, and track models notwithstanding the 911 Turbo' S' is it.

With a skull-crushing 650Ps of power and 800nm of torque, the Turbo' S' is one of the fastest performance cars out there.

However, the 0-62mph time is quoted as 2.7 seconds. This guise of 911 is often recorded at less than 2.5 seconds. The unique thing about the 911 Turbo S, however, is just how usable it is daily; it's comfortable, the grip levels phenomenal, and it looks understated and classic.

We're always excited by a new 911 Turbo' S' and are delighted to say this iteration is all we could have hoped for.

Porsche 911 - Space, Equipment & Handling

Handling

For many drivers, the handling of a Porsche 911 remains one of the finer things in motoring. A phenomal sports car with the engine slung low and out over the rear overhangs. It's something to behold, if not handle.

An iconic sports car choice, and so it should be ; Porsche has done an incredible job in making this rear-engined, rear-wheel drive (in standard trim) classic so relevant in today's modern world. This still feels like a nimble car to drive, although it is slightly wider than the previous model, so a little more care is needed when parking.

Rear-axle steering helps to underpin the driving pleasure by providing a crispier response to the handling. Considering the kind of car you're driving, a relatively small turning circle makes this an easy car to manoeuvre.

As expected, the driving position is excellent, with good forward visibility from slim A-Paillars.

As with previous Porsche 911's, it uses a broader wheel for its rear wheels than at the front to provide sharper steering and plenty of rear wheel grip. On winding country roads, the seats, as well as being aesthetically pleasing, in true Porsche fashion, are equally as functional, offering a snug fit and allowing you to focus on the job at hand. But for true comfort we would recommend the 14 adjustable sports seats, just to ensure comfort.

Space and Equipment

The 911, for long enough, has been one of the more accommodating sports cars; this latest version has more interior space than the old one, which makes it even better for longer trips. The boot space is 132 litres under the bonnet, which isn't massive, but it should take a decent weekend bag, and the rear seats will take another weekend bag or two or a brace of small children.

There is a lot of equipment onboard, with a new 10.9-inch touchscreen for the infotainment system. There are also two 7-inch displays; the only analogue dial is the stand-out central rev counter in the instrument binnacle.

The latest 911 has a refreshed interior and is suitably logical and functional in its layout. Good use of soft-touch materials and leather adds to the sense of occasion. Drivers also get satnav and smartphone connectivity and on track days, there is telemetry to record lap times and performances which most enthusiasts will enjoy.

Safety

The 911,  feels cossetting and safe through its substantial construction, and because it will sell in small numbers, it's unlikely that it will be crash tested by Euro NCAP.

Safety features include a more substantial body and high-tech safety systems like autonomous braking, blind spot monitoring, lane keep, and night vision assist.

Summary

We feel that the 911 firmly retains it's crown as the swiss army knife of the sports car world. Still offering 2WD and 4WD, Coupe, Targa or Cabriolet a range of power outputs and trim levels Porsche goes to great legnths to keep their icon, iconic. Not many can compare, but not for the want of trying. You may want to think about the the Jaguar F-Type, Audi R8, Lexus LC, Lexus RC F or Nissan GT-R when considering alternatives.