- Doors and Seats
2 doors, 4 seats
- Engine
3.6TT, 6 cyl.
- Engine Power
309kW, 560Nm
- Fuel
Petrol (98) 14L/100KM
- Manufacturer
4WD
- Transmission
Auto
- Warranty
2 Yr, Unltd KMs
- Ancap Safety
NA
Porsche 911
A bleak peak-hour traffic jam may not seem the best way to acclimatise yourself with Porsche's sixth-generation 911. After all, this is a car that's built its reputation on blistering performance and limpet-like handling.
But the latest version of this classic is an absolute cinch to drive around town, with a progressive clutch, silky manual gearbox and unfussed engine. It's also brilliantly practical, provided you don't consider it a four-seater, because in the rear there's minimal head room and zero leg room.
Up front, the space is generous, and under the bonnet (the only cargo area) is a deep cubby hole that will swallow a weekend's worth of gear. The slinky cupholders and lidded door pockets complete the picture.
The so-called 997-model of the 911 is a heavily revised version of the outgoing 996, both of which are clearly from the same mould. Rounder headlights and curvaceous styling tweaks create a more muscular shape. The entry-level Carrera tested here - there is also an "S" with a bigger engine - is the start of many variants that will incorporate turbo, convertible and all-wheel-drive derivatives.
Inside, though, it's all presented in a far more upmarket manner than any 911 before it. Stitched leather surrounds the dash and the adoption of a colour screen that houses the sound system, phone and satellite navigation controls make for a refreshingly friendly interior.
In tune with the performance theme, the tacho dominates the circular cluster of gauges that greet the driver. There's digital and analog speedos; Messieurs Bracks and Batchelor would be horrified to see it stretches to 330 km/h, but Porsche doesn't hide the fact the 911 oozes performance.
Which brings us to the core of the 911, which not only is easy to live with day-to-day, but is also one of the best driving vehicles on the road.
The rear-mounted engine is familiar - a 3.6-litre six-cylinder with a horizontally opposed lay-out, emitting a characteristic growl befitting the whole 911 experience - along with a rough idle. The 239 kW peak output teams with a relatively lightweight body to deliver potent performance; the 100 km/h mark arriving in five seconds flat.
There's also ample flexibility, thanks to 370 Nm of torque, meaning you don't need to mash the right foot to evoke a spritely response.
Backing up the delectable drivetrain are some of the best brakes in the business. Loaded with bite and resilient to punishment, they dig deep into the bitumen, providing repeated reassurance. Unsurprisingly, the substantial rubber - the rear tyres are wider than the fronts - provide glue-like cornering grip, and the 911 maintains its poise impressively through corners. The steering, too, is wonderfully direct, constantly engaging the driver.
Despite its weight in the back, the latest 911 is very alert and predictable, ensuring its high limits can be confidently explored. It maintains its composure on ordinary roads, recovering expertly from successive bumps. But tyre roar is noticeable at freeway speeds.
Still, the 911 requires respect. Hard acceleration out of a corner transfers weight to the rear, lifting the nose and allowing the car to run slightly wide. Again, it all happens progressively and predictably.
Plus, there is an electronic stability system, which helps control a slide, as well as front, side and side-curtain airbags.
Helping justify the near-$200,000 price is a generous amount of gear, encompassing some leather, electric seats, a satellite navigation system and an excellent Bose sound system.
There's the occasional gripe, such as the remote button that is the same for lock and unlock, so it's sometimes a lottery to know what you've just activated.
But picking faults in the 911's highly capable armoury feels like splitting hairs. Yes, the tyre roar can get annoying on coarse chip surfaces, and the rear seats are cramped.
But the everyday sublime driving experience of what is an extremely accomplished sports car makes the 911 hard to resist. It's rare we get so excited about a car, but the 911 is a real dream machine. Time to start saving.