Porsche 911 - Should you buy one?

If you weren't a 911 brand loyalist, you might not necessarily notice the changes that designate this eighth generation model but for admirers of this car, they'll be uber-significant. The 'narrow' body of the previous 911 Carrera 2 has been dropped so that these days, all 911s have the broader wheel arches and more aggressive stance that used to be reserved for the all-wheel drive 4S and the more powerful variants at the top of the range. Other than that, you'll notice the glittering all-LED headlights and the full-width LED light panel that runs across the entire width of the rear end. More significant is the extensive use of aluminium in the bodywork this rime round, which saves 12kgs but isn't enough to stop this car weighing in 55kgs heavier than the previous generation model.

Grab one of the newly motorised door handles to gain access to the cabin and you'll find the usual disciplined high quality Porsche interior. The brand hasn't followed its rivals by switching to a fully-digital instrument cluster, but most of what's on offer in the binnacle uses this technology, though the rev counter still retains a classic analogue dial. The seats remain beautifully comfortable and supportive. Plus, as ever in a 911, the rear pews are suitable only for tiny children or designer shopping bags. And the boot space is split front and rear.

Market and Model
As ever, the 911 Carrera S range includes both coupe and convertible body shapes and two wheel drive and four wheel drive options. Prices start at just over £93,000 for the Carrera S coupe or around £103,000 for the Carrera S Cabriolet. Add around £5,500 to each of these figures if you want the Carrera 4S variants.

Most buyers will want to pay extra for the usual 'Sport Chrono package which includes a steering wheel-mounted mode switch including a 'SPORT Response' button. This enables you to choose from five driving settings - 'Normal', 'Sport and 'Sport Plus', as well as an 'Individual' mode and the new 'Wet' mode which helps to support the driver in the wet. The 'SPORT Response' button sets both engine and transmission for the fastest possible unleashing of power for 20 seconds - ideal for quick overtakes.

Standard is the latest 10.9-inch 'PCM' ('Porsche Communication Management') centre-dash touchscreen with the usual navigation and smartphone-mirroring functions. Plus of course there are leather-upholstered sports seats and a grippy multi-function sports steering wheel. Popular options include front axle lift, a sports exhaust and ceramic brakes. As you'd hope, Compared to its rivals, Porsche isn't big on camera-driven safety, including a multi-collision braking system and even a driver training course at the Porsche Experience Centre at the Silverstone racing circuit.

Cost of Ownership
Porsche has done its best to make running costs affordable but you're still going to need very deep pockets to run one of these. As usual, we'll quote what we've been given - fuel figures conducted under strict WLTP-testing and CO2 readings based around the rather less stringent NEDC cycle. The 2WD Carrera S coupe manages up to 28.5mpg on the combined cycle and 205g/km of CO2. The 4WD Carrera 4S coupe manages up to 27.2mpg on the combined cycle and 206g/km of CO2. If you specify optional Adaptive Cruise Control, further efficiency gains can be made via a 'coasting mode' added into the PDK auto gearbox which seamlessly disconnects the engine from the transmission at a cruise.

Summary
The 911. Whether you've a classic model or this eighth generation '992'-series variant, it's an automotive icon that's globally loved. Which is why though this version has been substantially re-designed, Porsche hasn't messed with the fundamental formula. In other words, if, like us, you've always loved this car, then you'll love this one.

There are surely lots of reasons to. The Carrera's latest six cylinder twin turbo is efficient, yet sonorous and gloriously tractable. Plus the cabin's more up to date and the infotainment's been brought up to scratch. In addition, like its predecessor, this 911 is practical and easy to use - and remains satisfying to drive in a way that rivals can't quite match. In summary, what we have here is a worthy evolution of the world's longest running sports car dynasty. Porsche is banking on the fact that the excellence of this 911 will help to simplify the decision over whether to commit to the significant outlay involved in buying it. If over half a century of development has taught us anything, it's that you wouldn't bet against them succeeding in doing just that.

[petedavis]

Beutiful car, I’ve had a couple but these days the roads are too busy and to be frank I’m too old to use it properly

[dannykl]

I bought 991 ... same silver with black wheels combo it’s ace ... buy one if you can’t afford the 992

[billymania]

It comes down to practicality. If the car is too extreme...performance, size, maintenance, price, etc. then you end up regretting the purchase. I know a lot of guys who enjoyed their dream cars in the first few years but then figured out they had no place to store the vehicle or keep it insured. Certain cars like the BMW M cars are still practical but retain the performance and excitement that made them initially attractive. That is my two cents and your mileage may vary.

[MrVoayer]

Even without driving the new Porsche 911 it is obvious that one detail is considerably improved: design ! Engineering, execution and performance go with the badge !
Highly desirable car !

[thewatchguyinc.]

OSV, what should I pick this or an R8 second gen?

[carreralicious]

Heck yeah you should! Any 911 for that matter!

[oeiras]

I have the cash in the bank to buy a 992 but I also have a naturally-aspirated 991 which in MHO is better designed with less bling, more compact size, a proper shifter and who could give up the sonorous sound of that non-turbo flat 6? Right now, not me.

[Sams]

too late... I already did... a 4S to the tune of $178900 USD

[isaachiew]

well i only wanted to have one when i turned 30, talk about mid age crisis.

[freeyourmind]

What a pity people on the roads today are just Savage animals

[RatimirRS]

You're the only journalist mentioning the huge amount of that awful, cheap looking plastic front and rear. A shame really for such otherwise nice looking car. It truly looks, as you said, less elegant than before. I would call it ugly!
I don't know if pretty much every other journalist is blind, or just too afraid to mention it. I applaud your bravery!

[waynebeale]

Give me car that'll accelerate global warming any day.

[markjurczyk]

No you shouldn't, buy Chevy instead, stupid question !