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Forced induction has wormed its way into the venerable Porsche 911 and some purists may be up in arms. However, the updated 911 still excels as a driving machine, and this new package ups the level of refinement, usability and performance even more. It exhibits all the driving qualities of its predecessors, but is certainly faster, more accessible, and arguably more capable than ever.
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Porsche purists purr wistfully about the venerable 911, touting it as the greatest sports car ever made, with its pure driving sensation, sublime style, and the kooky placement of the engine behind the rear axle that the company has somehow made work.
More than 50 years since the very first 911 was produced, this newest, latest model may be the most controversial yet, for one very simple reason - turbocharging. While turbocharging has been featured on Porsche's higher-performance models before, this is the first time that forced induction engines are found on base models.
Turbocharging has no doubt altered some elements of the fabled 911's driving sensation. Most notably, the screaming roar of the flat-six Boxer engine is now replaced by a slightly more subdued soundtrack. However, what the German marque has done is make the sheer performance of the 911 that much more accessible.
This improved accessbility also means it's easier for drivers to exploit the car's immense handling prowess. Because you don't have to concern yourself so much with working the engine hard, it's easier to appreciate the 911's cornering stability and balance.
A new powertrain aside, the car retains its iconic good looks, premium interior and quality driving experience. And, even as this monumental wind of change passes, the end result is something entirely familiar. The 911 Carrera is still a supreme driving machine - an iconic sports car.
Porsche, not for the first time in its history, took something 'wrong' and somehow made it right. The brand continues to defy expectations and prove cycnics wrong, setting a clear benchmark for performance cars. It's for reasons as such that the Porsche 911 Carrera is our best coupe this year.
More than 50 years since the very first 911 was produced, this newest, latest model may be the most controversial yet, for one very simple reason - turbocharging. While turbocharging has been featured on Porsche's higher-performance models before, this is the first time that forced induction engines are found on base models.
Turbocharging has no doubt altered some elements of the fabled 911's driving sensation. Most notably, the screaming roar of the flat-six Boxer engine is now replaced by a slightly more subdued soundtrack. However, what the German marque has done is make the sheer performance of the 911 that much more accessible.
This improved accessbility also means it's easier for drivers to exploit the car's immense handling prowess. Because you don't have to concern yourself so much with working the engine hard, it's easier to appreciate the 911's cornering stability and balance.
A new powertrain aside, the car retains its iconic good looks, premium interior and quality driving experience. And, even as this monumental wind of change passes, the end result is something entirely familiar. The 911 Carrera is still a supreme driving machine - an iconic sports car.
Porsche, not for the first time in its history, took something 'wrong' and somehow made it right. The brand continues to defy expectations and prove cycnics wrong, setting a clear benchmark for performance cars. It's for reasons as such that the Porsche 911 Carrera is our best coupe this year.
