2012 Porsche 911
By Ted West
On Sale: February 2012
Expected Pricing: $82,100 for Carrera, $96,400 for Carrera S
It isn't, of course. Yet the impression has substance. The 991's overall length is only one inch greater than before, but its wheelbase is stretched four inches, with the front wheels pushed 30 percent closer to the bumper. That's enough to make the highly sensitive Porsche shape look bigger, longer, more securely planted. A longer wheelbase should make this very fast coupe more stable at high speeds we never see in North America.
But what of Porsche's famed agility? Is it being compromised? Not at all. Pushing the front wheels forward, and widening the front track by 1.8 to 2 inches, will reduce understeer and improve front grip. A longer wheelbase should also reduce porpoising over wavy surfaces.
This change in proportions is in keeping with the 991's more luxurious, roomier interior. The driver, in particular, is allotted more space. And the optional, fully external 991 sun roof allows a larger opening and better headroom. Inch by inch, the 911 is subtly becoming a grand touring car, which Porsche feels is appropriate to a sports car that can cost nearly $100,000. Porsche may not forego its trademark sporty handling, but a look at the 991's chic external styling, highlighted by new 19- or 20-inch wheels, gives it a more high-style persona than before.
Aiding handling and stability, Porsche Torque Vectoring is standard in the Carrera S, optional in the Carrera. Sport Chrono, which prevents the engine mounts from rolling during cornering, is standard.
The 2012 Porsche 911's performance and fuel efficiency are aided by a package that is 99 pounds lighter than on the 2011 models. Porsche said the 400-bhp 3.8-liter Carrera S accelerates to 60 in 4.3 seconds (PDK transmission), 4.1 sec. (manual) and 3.9 sec. (PDK Sport Chrono). The 350-bhp 3.4-liter Carrera reaches 60 in 4.6 sec. (PDK), 4.4 sec. (manual) and 4.2 sec. (PDK Sport Chrono). Top speed for the Carrera is 179 mph, and the Carrera S peaks at 188. Both the PDK and manual transmission are 7-speeds, the latter derived from the PDK. Top speed is achieved in sixth gear, with the seventh speed acting as a tall-overdrive economy gear.
Several new technologies are incorporated in the new 2012 Porsche 911, including auto start/stop with both transmissions to conserve fuel. The PDK has an automatic coasting function; with the driver's foot off the gas at 72 mph or above, the transmission immediately decouples and freewheels. Also saving fuel, the power steering is entirely electro-mechanical, with no hydraulic boost needs. However, the system remains reassuringly mechanical, while resulting in a 1 percent to 2 percent reduction in fuel mileage. The alternator is charged by stored brake energy, further reducing belt drag on the engine. When needed, the alternator charges in the old-fashioned way using belt drive.
One of the keys to appreciating this new 991 is letting yourself luxuriate in its more elaborate interior furnishings and grand-touring appeal. Porsche spokesmen say many of these cues are taken from the big Panamera four-door. Yet there are sure to be Porsche purists who will look askance at this posh interior. They will say the 991 could have saved a good deal more than 99 pounds if some of its interior frippery had been left out. But Porsche people are the most devoted of car critics. They look at any changes to their beloved automotive formula with skepticism, and very soon, annoyance. It goes with the territory.