2019 Porsche 911: First Drive Review -
It is likely the most recognizable sports car on the planet. 鈥淭he eighth generation of the 911 is even more powerful, even more emotional, and even more efficient than its predecessor 鈥?and also offers extensive digital features,鈥?said Oliver Blume, CEO of Porsche AG. Known as the 992, the latest-generation 911 gets updated styling that is wider and more aggressive. The front is about 1.7 inches wider, while the newly-developed headlights are inset into the fenders. Wide fender flares are now a feature on both rear- and all-wheel-drive variants, and for the first time the 911 has different wheel sizes at each axle: 20 inches in front, 21 inches at the rear. Door handles remain flush with the exterior bodywork until the vehicle is unlocked; handles then electronically pop from the door panels. Mirrors have been redesigned to minimize wind noise. At the rear is a variable-position spoiler and a light bar that stretches the width of the vehicle.
The vertical louvers at the base of the rear window draw air into the engine and also distinguish between the S and 4S 鈥?rear-wheel drive 911s have black louvers, while all-wheel-drive variants get chrome trim. The third brake light is nicely integrated with a vertical design that matches the louvers. Quad exhaust outlets are standard; the sport exhaust employs two larger outlets. The three-dimensional Porsche logo adds a nice classic touch. The new Porsche 911 will initially be available as the Carrera S and Carrera 4S coupes. A sneak peek of the convertible version has already been teased; the car should be coming soon. Expect the base Carrera to arrive before the end of the year, with more powerful variants arriving soon after. 113,300. Standard equipment is extensive and includes leather-trimmed sport seats, dual-zone climate control, heated seats, a rearview camera, GPS navigation, Bluetooth connectivity, a 4G LTE Wi-Fi hotspot, a 150-watt Bose sound system with eight speakers, and two cupholders. 120,600, the 911 Carrera 4S gets the same equipment as the rear-wheel-drive 911, with the addition of Porsche Traction Management with variable torque distribution between the front and rear axles.
The new all-wheel-drive system can send more power to the front axle than previous generations, aiding both low-traction situations as well as improving overall performance. For added performance and control, Porsche offers the Sport Chrono Package, which includes dynamic engine mounts, a stopwatch and 鈥?most importantly 鈥?a drive mode switch with a Sport Response button. Easily accessible on the steering wheel, the drive mode dial allows selection of Normal, Sport, Sport Plus or Wet Mode (more on this later). The selections adjust throttle response and shift patterns as well as stability control 鈥?for example, in Sport Plus the driver has more liberty and leeway before the stability management system kicks in. A button in the center activates Sport Response, which immediately resets engine and transmission variables to maximum performance for 20 seconds. Porsche offers an extensive level of customization for the new 911, ranging from performance upgrades to safety features to trim materials.
Customers may even choose seat belt color. For those ordering a new 911, it can be easy to get carried away 鈥?the price has the potential to quickly double for a fully loaded model. Like many new vehicles, the last few generations of 911 have adopted a vertical center stack for controls and displays. For 2020, the new 911 returns to its roots with a wider, cleaner dashboard similar to the original car. Unlike the original, the 2020 911 possesses a nicely-integrated 10.9-inch touchscreen display. Directly below the screen are five hard buttons for quick access to regularly-used functions. Two of the buttons are also programmable. The instrument panel features a single analog tachometer in the center with digital displays on either side 鈥?again a tribute to the original 911鈥檚 gauge cluster. As with all previous 911s, the ignition is to the left of the steering column 鈥?handy for drivers who plan to make quick LeMans-style getaways. Since all 911s now have keyless-go, a switch starts the engine rather than a key.