TurboCharging the Future 991.2 Carrera S

Have the Turbos spoiled all the fun? The answer is…no. They made things even better! Before digging into the details of our short, yet very intense test of the new Porsche 991.2 Carrera S, let me write a disclaimer: nothing can match the purity of a pre 991 GT3 and air cooled-manual Porsche but we need to be conscious people. We’re Porsche fanatics at heart and we need to set things straight: the new 911 is one of the most engaging cars we ever drove. It’s Escape on Wheel’s favorite cars and still, the 911 we all know and love.

Like all 911’s (except for the track ready GT’s) is a very real world sports car, usable and ever-so-engaging to drive.

The new 991.2 is perhaps the clearest way of stating the world of classic sportscars just how different the word “turbocharging” means in 2016: it’s no more the bold statement made with the original 930 series Turbo of 1976 but a new call for efficient and greener performance. Nevermind, the car just goes like hell and we love it.

As much as we would like to have the original 911 back, we’re more than happy to accept the compromise of the new forced induction system.

The 911 made it to 2016 and we still have the same driving dynamics that made countless people fall in love with it through the years but upgraded to look forward. The response of the engine is of course similar to tha naturally aspirated 991 engine and max torque is available below 2000 rpm. It does feel turbocharged but the typical progression of a Porsche flat 6 engine is all there. Popcorn will erupt at (almost) each downshift while the sound permeates the interior with the distinct melody of the flat six boxer.

The ride is supreme, the new active suspension management system just mutes every vibration coming from the road. When set in Sport, the 991.2 becomes the nimble and agile sportscar that made a name for itself through the decades. The rear axle steering previously offered as standard feature on the GT3, RS and R models is now available as an option for the regular production models: the advantage in handling is enormous.

The excellent job of the engineers is evident throughout the cabin’s fantastic noise insulation and overall comfort. Despite not feeling any rattle and vibration, you’re still able to build a direct relationship with the car, which gives you plenty of confidence while driving.

So much technology for a driving experience that still appears pure and untouched throughout the years. While driven mostly by computers, the new 911 is still the German sportscar we all know and truly love, even with greener twin forced induction in its lovely boxer engine.

Long Live the 911, turbos or not.