2013 Porsche 911 Carrera S Review

Just looking at the lines of the all-new Porsche 911, many will snidely remark that little appears new at all. The same basic shape. The same headlamps. Where's the "new" in this new car?

First, it's important to acknowledge that it's supposed to look similar. In over 100 years of automotive history the 911 might just be the most recognizable and consistently exceptional vehicle ever made. Its design is a thing to be cultivated, not rethought. The Porsche 911 is a brand unto itself.

Drive the latest generation 911, heck, even just sit in it, and the improvements are dramatic. From an all-new Panamera-inspired interior that brings 911 luxury to a new level, to the overall feel of refinement. Sit in the previous generation 997 car, which we did for our video review, and a one year old Porsche with just a few thousand miles on it feels a decade old.

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Produced By Chris Blanchette Written/Hosted By: Colum Wood

[arunrai]

love reviews that compare the old with the new gen. always good to know what you are losing and gaining.everything you need to know. good job

[seinsmeld]

Nice high quality review Colum. I've been on that track, that wall is scary. Love the new 911. The previous generation blue colour is the one I would choose.

[MagicAyrtonforever]

The strip is still there!!!! It's on all 4 wheel drive models.

[mxhong]

The reflective strip between the tail lights is one of the unique features of a Carrera 4 since the 996. Hence being featured on the blue 997 Carrera 4 featured in the video. The new 991 Carrera 4 will have the strip. Narrower but the strip returns. BTW, this is the second Canadian review of the 991 I've seen with a more aggressive lower front lip. Is that unique to the Canadian market?

[romulus]

The man. The legend. Love the reviews. Interesting to hear that the GT-R isn't more driveable than the 911. I suppose besting it in interior room, trunk space, etc. will have to do.

[marshknute]

Thanks for the video tip. I'm a nostalgic old timer at heart, even though I'm actually a college student. I realize that manuals will likely be gone by the time I can afford a respectable car, so I'd like to maximize my time with them while they're still with us. While PDK's are objectively superior to manuals, they lack the subjective love/hate relationship of rowing your own gears, similarly to how Equestrians insist that the car could never replace the relationship b/ween man and horse.

[slabsides]

Good reveiw. Can't wait for the 2014 GT3 reveiw. All wheel steering:)

[BrantFortunate]

"Autocar" did their review of a 7 speed manual Carrera S a LONG time ago. Only problem they had with it was that you can only shift into 7th gear from 5th or 6th. The reason people review the PDK almost exclusively now is because it is just a superior transmission. It's WAY faster and more fuel efficient.

[TwoHawksHunting]

The 911 is a true sports car. Handling, performance, and comfort. An extreme car that's not too extreme. It's not for everybody, but for those that can afford it, enjoy the ride.

[emevr]

i really really love the new 991's. 997 were great, but i have the 993 above it, and the 996 (because of the danger factor lol.)

991s seem to retract back to the roots of the 993, driving first, everything else second. Can't wait for the new 991 turbo to come out, god i hope it comes out soon!

[roninremix]

you filmed the segment inside the car outside square one?

[columwood]

It is TMP! Come on out any say hi any time. We've got a few more shoots planned!

[TheDx]

I realized it since I watched them for the first time.. its obvious from the way they say "out" or "about" :P

[BrantFortunate]

I agree. I hope manufacturers can find a balance between making classic sports cars with manuals/ naturally aspirated engines/ etc . . . and making supercars with the most advanced technologies.. Peace :)

[Carphile]

got rid of the reflective strip, good job "auto Journalist", they are ONLY on 4 wheel models, so they are on the 991 4 wheel models

[SilviaDrift]

What kind of lap times were you running at cayuga?

[StealthPerformanceMS]

Is there a manual transmission option?

[cb]

2 inches wider wheel to wheel is not called wheelbase, it's called track.

[MagicAyrtonforever]

Saw one in the flesh, it looks fantastic.

[reevsaj]

Reflective strip on the rear is still there on the new 911, but only on the Carrera 4 and 4S.