My three-year-old son loves the new Porsche 911. He likes the way it looks, he likes the sound, he really likes the way it goes and turns, but he is in love with riding along in his booster seat. This is the first 911 with a remotely usable back seat and that's one of the Camry-style strengths that makes the car more than just a selfish go-faster sports car.
It's still fast and sharp, but you can drive the latest 911 on a long motorway haul without hating the road noise and developing a migraine, the electric power steering means you don't feel like every corner could become a contest with the car, and the cabin finally has enough space, style and technology for people who really shop the opposition instead of just signing up for the next 911 in advance. As for kids, you don't always have to leave them behind.
VALUE
The new 911 is not remotely cheap, with a starting sticker of $263,100 for a Carrera S without any optional extras, but it's more than just a one-trick pony and the tricks it does are still some of the best in the business. It's hard to value that, particularly when a Porsche buyer could also be looking at a Ferrari, a top-end Jaguar, an Aston Martin or even a lovely new McLaren MP4-12C.
You get a lot more for a little more on and in the new 911, a typical approach from most carmakers in 2012. The base price is up from $259,600 for the previous model, but there is more performance and equipment, and even the pricetag for the optional PDK double-clutch gearbox is down from $6800 in the superseded car to $5950, despite the upgrade from six to seven speeds.
So the price of the 911 is pretty good, unless you're considering a Nissan GT-R road rocket at $180,000, which is quicker than the German speedster but nowhere near as sophisticated or enjoyable.
TECHNOLOGY
The new 911 has everything from an all-new body - with an extra 10 centimetres in the wheelbase that helps open up that toddler space - to upgraded engines, better safety equipment, and a that seven-speed PDK gearbox. It's a highlight and its popularity means Porsche has no plans to continue with a manual shift - also with seven speeds - in either the 911 Turbo or GT3 road rocket.
The Carsguide test car arrives as a Carrera 2, which means rear-wheel drive and a 3.8-litre flat-six engine with 294 kiloWatts and 440 Newton-metres of torque. The top speed is claimed at 304km/h, not that it's remotely tested, but the 4.3-second time for a sprint to 100km/h feels right and we get reasonably close to the 8.2 litres/100km economy target - managing 9.4 with a bunch of freeway running - helped by Porsche's stop-start system and other economy boosters including the electric steering.
The brakes are the usual brilliant four-wheel discs, although not the hugely expensive carbon ones, the suspension is independent at each corner and the new body has a lower drag co-efficient.
Since the test car is eventually heading to a customer it arrives with a bunch of extra options, from dynamic lighting at $1690 and front/rear parking radar at $890 to tyre pressure monitoring at $1590.
DESIGN
The 911 is a 911 and you can pick it from hundreds of metres away. But the closer you get the more you seen the detail changes, from the longer side profile to the daytime running lamps, and rear-view mirrors that have migrated to the doors to cut drag and noise.
The cabin has more obvious changes, from a centre console inspired by the Panamera - with a high-quality look and classy switchgear - to the larger front and rear seats.
The dials stay much the same as before, with the tachometerstill holding price of place, but the overall feel is more substantial and the 12-centimetre colour display screen is a welcome addition.
SAFETY
We have to assume a five-star ANCAP rating because the 911 has not been independently crashed, but the proof comes in front-side-head airbags, ABS and stability control. There is also a new torque-vectoring differential to make cornering safer and more secure. The new 911 also has Isofix child seat anchorages in the rear, which are ideal for a three-year old although taller kids might be cramped for headroom.
DRIVING
When I first drove the new Porsche in the USA last year I was very impressed. The car felt as fast and secure as I expected, with more space, quality and comfort, so well worthy of wearing a 911 badge.
On home ground, the new 911 is even better. It easily conquers my favourite driving road, running quickly and secure at a pace which would have left earlier cars - and a range of rivals including an Aston Martin or Maserati - trailing well behind.
Some people have criticised the new steering because it's not as 'involving' as earlier 911s, but for me it's 90 per cent as tactile without all the nasty wobbling and kickback. The car also sits flatter on the road, not porpoising along over bumps, and is more secure under heavy braking.
But it's the comfort and security of the Carrera that really resonates. Yes, I'm getting older - not old - but the traffic and road rules in 2012 mean there is less and less chance to cut loose in a 911 without heading to a racetrack.
I know this car is fast, and I can feel it every time I tickle the accelerator, but it's also a joy when I want to go slowly or have a chat with the smiling toddler who straps into the back for every drive.
There are some things I don't like, including the multi-function steering wheel - even though 80 per cent of owners prefer it - that means the test car is missing flappy paddles. The dash can be a bit confusing, and the car gets thirsty when you want to get going.
But the new Carrera is a wonderful thing, and I cannot tell you how much more enjoyable it becomes when you can have your best mate along in the back to share the enjoyment. The new 911 gets nine out of 10 from me. So I'm not sure what I'm going to do when the Turbo and GT3 arrive.
VERDICT
A landmark sports car that changes the game, as well as adding some overdue practicality.
Porsche 911 Carrera 2
Price: $279,050 (as tested)
Warranty: 3 years/unlimited km
Resale: 57 per cent (Glass's)
Service Interval: 15,000km/12 months
Safety: 5-star ANCAP (forecast)
Engine: 3.8 litre in-line six, 294kW/440kNm
Body: Two-door coupe
Dimensions: (l) 4491mm, (w) 1808mm, (h) 1303mm, (wb) 2450mm
Weight: from 1415kg
Transmission: 7-speed PDK, rear-wheel drive
Thirst: from 8.7L/100km, PULP, 205g/km CO
Porsche 911 2012: Carrera
Engine Type | Inline 6, 3.4L |
---|---|
Fuel Type | Premium Unleaded Petrol |
Fuel Efficiency | 9.0L/100km (combined) |
Seating | 4 |
Price From | $75,900 - $87,230 |