Porsche 911 (992) Carrera - first drive | Motocaina.pl

The weather around Stuttgart alternated between warm sunshine and rain clouds. The route was through winding mountain roads, so we had the perfect conditions to test the Carrera's capabilities, including the new Porsche Wet driving mode. It is supposed to increase stability and keep the car traction even on very slippery surfaces. It prompts the driver to adapt the style to the road conditions, increases the alertness of the assistance systems and changes the brake characteristics - the pedal becomes harder and can no longer be pushed to the floor as easily as in other modes. Such control of the braking force will help us avoid skidding. From what I've seen, Wet mode controls a lot of small details that can make a huge difference in the end.

It was good, it's better

It's been seven years since the debut of the 991 generation, so some styling changes must have occurred. However, Porsche would not be itself if the new Carrera did not resemble its predecessor. The front air intake has been enlarged, and the wheel arches have swelled a bit, so the front of the car seems to be more massive. Dynamic embossing appeared on the hatch, and the LED headlight lenses were slightly flattened and seem to be set deeper than in the previous generation. The back has also grown, now its silhouette is more inflated. The lamps have been reduced to the form of a single bar neatly emphasized on the sides, and the active air intakes above the engine are separated by a vertical brake light. The overall impression of muscularity is also underlined by the newly designed two large exhaust pipes, which are positioned on the sides of the license plate holder. The new 911 looks very elegant, sporty and modern at the same time.

The combination of tradition and modernity can also be seen when the engine is started. We have a start/stop system here, but the ignition procedure is initiated by a knob located on the steering wheel simulating a key. In fact, I wonder why not use the standard, "inserted" to start the car? When we start the engine, the car responds with a strong growl, then calms down a bit and purrs pleasantly, waiting for further commands. The exhaust system with active flaps has a thick, bass timbre. Unfortunately, it can be enjoyed by people behind the car, because half of the sound coming out of the pipes does not reach the driver. You can hear that there's a lot going on in the back, but we don't know how loud this event really is. Porsche decided to use wheels of different diameters, which improves driving characteristics. So we have 19- or 20-inch wheels at the front, and 20- or 21-inch wheels at the rear. The new Carrera shows what traction really means. Even on the most twisted switchbacks, at high speed and driving aimed at provoking loss of grip, the car sticks to the road like mad. The Carrera has rear-wheel drive, which seems to be absolutely sufficient in all conditions. The PSM stabilization system can be set to sport mode, where interference with driving is limited. It can also be turned off completely, but even then it is difficult to "cast back". The base 911 drives like glued to the road, despite the powerful engine. The suspension in sport mode is, of course, hardened, effectively enough to maximize the joy of driving fast, and at the same time it was still possible to drive around the city. The balance of the car is brilliant, and incl. thanks to the McPherson at the front and the multi-links at the rear with anti-roll bars, there is no rollover. Carrera gives the impression that it is a car for everyone. It's not trying to kill us, and it's not complicated. The excellent support systems and suspension system suggest that the first random person will be able to drive it without any problems.

No fairs yet

So far, the offer includes two body versions - Coupe and Convertible. It is possible that Targa will be added to the range in the future. The differences between a convertible and a coupe are basically symbolic. The former is a bit louder, and with the roof open, the sound of the Boxer working behind our heads can be tiring in the long run. Other than that, however, everything is basically the same, including the amount of space in the cabin and the driving characteristics. The frame of the convertible is pleasantly rigid, as if the entire body was made of one piece. As a curiosity, I will add that according to our measurements, opening the roof takes about 12 seconds, and with the windows closed - 16 seconds.

The effective taming of the car is ensured by ventilated and drilled brake discs with a diameter of 33 cm, with four-piston aluminum calipers. The six-cylinder 3.0 Boxer Biturbo generates 385 hp and 450 Nm of torque in the basic version, available in a wide range of 1950-5000 rpm. Thus, the power has increased by 15 hp compared to its predecessor. However, we are not allowed to see the engine, because after lifting the hatch, we can see a plastic cover with the liter mark, cooling inlets, fluid tanks and basically everything.

The sprint to hundreds takes Carrera 4.2 seconds, with Porsche using the worst measurements obtained in tests for official data. This means that if the conditions are favorable to us and we have the right skills, we can accelerate even faster. The redesigned 7-speed PDK automatic transmission works very smoothly, shifting gears instantly, and thanks to the express downshift, it allows you to use the full potential of the engine. It is also adapted to work with a hybrid system. It is possible that in the future the 911 will receive such a drive, but already now the fuel consumption is not bad. On a distance of 100 km, covered quickly and in sport mode, fuel consumption was 13 liters. According to Porsche, the average fuel consumption in the combined cycle is about 9 l/100 km and for me this result is probable.

Wonderful shapes and even better grip

The new Porsche 911 is wide (1,852 mm), quite long (4,519 mm) and low (1,300 mm). The eighth generation is 45 mm wider than its predecessor, while the track on the rear axle is less than 4 cm narrower than the front one. Of course, looking at the body, no one will notice it, thanks to the brilliantly designed rear wheel arches. The Carrera has wide hips that look very attractive and catch the driver's eye when looking in the side mirrors.

The car received electronically controlled door handles, which are one with the rest of the body, and when the locks are unlocked, they slide out, allowing the doors to be opened. Our 911 can be a driving classic or have a more flashy body. During the presentation, we got, for example, the red coupe with golden rims visible in the pictures - in my opinion, a combination not very successful and a bit ostentatious, but who likes it. For balance, the range includes e.g. the phenomenal Crayon gray special paint and the traditional Canary Yellow Racing Yellow. For an additional fee, we can also choose any color "on request".

The driving position is very low, so we sit deep, with our legs almost flat. I always set the seats to the minimum height and this is probably the first time I literally sank in a car. The ventilated sports seats are also very well profiled - they do not hug us from all sides, but they sit comfortably and stably. In the richer version, they can be adjusted in up to 18 ways.

Almost perfect

The quality of the materials used to finish the interior is at a very high level. Depending on the version, matt steel is mixed with metal engravings, leather, wood, carbon and alcantara. The latter material can also be used to cover the steering wheel, which then probably makes the best impression. You can control the multimedia from it and - using the knob - change the driving mode. However, regardless of the finish, it lies well in the hands and even in normal mode it walks with a slight resistance. The controls are precise and allow you to gracefully swallow successive arcs.

At this point, however, there is a scratch on the glass - in virtually every setting, the steering wheel covers our clocks. On the sides of the centrally mounted, analog tachometer, we have two digital screens with the ability to customize the information displayed on them - it can be, for example, the traditional five clocks (including the tachometer) or navigation displayed on one of the segments. Unfortunately, each time in the fight to see all the data, we are in a losing position. Next to it, a second 10.9-inch display, known from other brand models, appeared on the console.

The boot holds 132 liters of cargo. It is drawn on a cuboid plan, so we can fit a smaller suitcase in it. If necessary, we can lower the backrest of the rear seat and thus creating a shelf under the rear window, we increase the overall load capacity of the car to over 250 liters. So it's at least a little practical.

The price list for the Porsche 911 (992) starts at PLN 520,000 for the Carrera Coupe, while the convertible is priced at PLN 589,000. Both are available for sale now, with an all-wheel drive version soon to follow.

In our opinion

Actually, regardless of the version and year - the "911" is a car that everyone would like to have. When presenting the new Carrera, Porsche did not intend to break the rules and propose a completely redesigned car. It is rather about striving for perfection, and thus perfecting what is already there. Thanks to the character it has and how well it drives (apart from the price) - in fact, everyone can have it.

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Technical data of the Porsche 911 (992) Carrera: