Let's start by putting this new model into perspective. The new 991 911 Carrera S turned a lap time on Nurburgring's Nordschleife of 7:40. Is that good? Here are a few cars that also turned 7:40's: Lamborghini Murcielago LP640, MB SLR McLaren, and Ford GT40. The 2010 Porsche Turbo was clocked at 7:39.
Are we looking at a radical change? While the 991's appearance may seem very similar to all the other 911's to a non-Porsche person, this car is 17 seconds faster than its predecessor on the previously mentioned track. That represents light years in racing terms. Now consider that the 991 lowers both fuel consumption and emissions. Obviously, the Wizards of Weissach were not resting on their laurels.
Porsche's overview lists strengthened characteristics of the 911: superior driving dynamics and performance, lower fuel consumption and emissions, and incredible day to day usability.
Going on diet is even more difficult when vehicle safety and rigidity are being enhanced. Improved standard equipment like 19 and 20 inch wheels and tires also add weight. The benefits of increasing the contact patch, however, are better handling and traction. The new generation tires reduce rolling resistance by 7%.
A reduction of up to 99 pounds was achieved with the 991 while improving torsional and flexural rigidity by 20 and 13 percent. The "S" boasts a power-to-weight ratio of 7.7 pounds per horsepower. The body shell is now 45% aluminum.
The 991 series 911 can be summed up by an old quote, "It's everything we know, so far." A radical departure from the 997/2 was expected, possibly 80% in new and improved parts. Well, the number is 90%. Expect a whole new driving experience.
The 991's overall appearance is still instantly recognizable as a 911, but some of the dimensions suggest interesting changes. The wheelbase was lengthened by 3.9 inches creating less overhang at both the front (1.26 in.) and rear (0.47 in.). The body was lengthened by 2.2 inches, but because the U.S. has dropped the bumperettes in the rear, the overall length of the U.S. car is increased by only .98 inches.
The base Carrera engine is actually smaller at 3.4 liters, but horsepower is up to 350 with torque at 287 lb/ft. Redline is now 7,800 rpm up 300. The 3.8 liter "S" jumps to 400 horsepower and 324 lb/ft of torque. Both engines are running a compression ratio of 12.5 to 1. Amazingly fuel consumption is down.
Electromechanical power steering probably strikes fear into purists. It takes courage to abandon a system that has been massaged into perfection. Journalists have always praised Porsche for creating steering nirvana. Expect this new system to have figured out the drawbacks and left the precise amount of road feel. It does compensate for different friction levels right and left by generating a steering impulse keeping the driver informed.
Speaking with an engineer who has driven the 991, the report is that the steering feel has actually improved. That's very difficult to comprehend, but good news none the less.
The front track has been widened by 1.8 in. on the Carrera and 2.04 in. on the "S". This will enhance stability and roll control, but the optional Porsche Dynamic Chassis Control (PDCC) on the "S" will take that one step further.
When ordering, consider Porsche's alphabet soup of acronyms. The blistering time recorded at Nurburgring was much more than the 15 horsepower added to the Carrera S.
The Sport Chrono Package now includes dynamic engine mounts previously found only on GT's and Turbos. Porsche Torque Vectoring (PTV) is mechanical with manual transmission cars and electronic (PTV+) with the PDK.
Brakes, always a Porsche strong suit, are now even better. The Carrera S receives a six-piston caliper in front with 13.4 in. diameter rotors. Also contributing to stopping distance will be the taller and in some cases wider tire combinations. Sometimes it is easy to forget that ultimately the brakes are limited by the tires.
What about price and value? The overall price of the Carrera goes up 3.9% and the "S" increases by 4.9%. However, product content (standard equipment) brings that down to 1.1% for the Carrera and 1.4% for the Carrera S. What are you waiting for?