New Porsche 991 S Test Drive.

[Luis]

I heard that the new 991's arrived in MN last night so I decided to take a run over to Carousel Porsche to check it out today. I have had the opportunity to drive every type of Porsche going back to some early 356's. As one would expect, every new car from the 911 that replaced the 356 to the new 991 replacing the 997.2 has been an improvement over the outgoing model. The 991 is no different.
The car I drove today was a Basalt Black 3.8L Carrera S with the optional PDK transmission. (7 Speed Manual is also available)



It had the 20" wheels on it which were wrapped in snow tires. The roads were plowed pretty well so I was able to open it up and see what all of the hype is about.



This new model is wider, has a longer wheel base and is shorter than the outgoing 997.2.
It is also lighter, has more hp (400hp @ 7100 RPM's) and gets better gas mileage. Pretty much a big improvement in every aspect. As a result, performance #'s are also improved (0-60 in 4.3 Sec with a top speed of 188mph).
The PDK transmission continues to be my favorite dual clutch gearbox. The shifts are much more precise than any e-gear or F1 transmission I have driven in the past (I have yet to drive a 458 or Aventador but from what I hear those are great as well). Night and day better than the tiptronic (which is just an auto trans).









The interior has also received a nice make over which carries over some of the Panamera queue's (Arguably one of the best car interiors out there IMO). The center console is completely redesigned. Ergonomically, this is night and day better than any other 911. Any button you would want to touch is right there in a convenient spot. After getting used to it, you will not need to take your eyes off the road to do anything.





They also had an Artic Silver S inside. The car will look great in any color as far as I'm concerned.







In the end, this is just a fantastic car. Porsche's 911 evolution continues to impress me in every way shape and form. People that do not understand the brand will continue to say that they can't tell the difference between this and any other 911. This is a completely new car.
The Cabrio version should be here in a few weeks. The C4 and C4S will be next. Look for the Turbo and GT3's to arrive stateside in the end of 2013 as 2014 models.
If you have the opportunity, I would highly recommend a test drive!

[BimmerTim]

The profile is very Panamera.

It looks really nice. Great review Luis.

[SLK]

Jealous.

[Majend]

this is the first 911 in a while that i can really tell that it is a totally new model, awesome review!

[DubsMcGee]

that last shot reminds me of an eclipse.

[MisdemeanorMatt]

Great review, however I'm in that group that will never understand.

I love my porch.

[moacur]

Very nice Luis. You should have picked me up

[Jack]

I'm not sure if I like the extra badging on the rear. It looks goofy to me.

[sprstu]

It looks much more like the Cayman than an older 911. I think its great looking.

[JUSTION337]

I certainly wouldn't kick it out of my garage.

[derp]

i would, at every opportunity.

and then i'd drive it. hard.

[JUSTION337]

Truth.

[schwabo]

you lucky SOB ... i'm jelly ... I've never driven a Porsche ... my goal is to have one as a weekend cruiser at some point in my life.