Porsche 911 2017 Review

Porsche 911 Carrera S
Quick Spin

What’s it all about?
The evolution of this iconic sports car continues with the arrival of a new twin turbocharged six-cylinder engine to hang beyond the back axle of the Carrera models, including the hyped-up S we are testing here.

Driven by ever-more stringent global emissions testing, the new 9A2 engine’s move from natural to forced induction is the latest in a series of fundamental changes under the distinctive skin that have included swapping from air- to water-cooling and hydraulic to electric-assist steering.

While 3.0-litres rather than its predecessor’s 3.8-litres, the new engine manages to pump out 15 more kilowatts (now 309kW) and 60 more Nm (now an even 500Nm), accelerate faster and use less fuel.

The new engine is at the core of the 991.2 911 update, which also includes standard adaptive suspension (PASM), bigger brakes with six-piston front callipers, wider rear tyres, better aerodynamics and upgraded infotainment including Apple CarPlay.

There are myriad options including a PDK dual-clutch transmission ($5950) to replace the standard seven-speed manual gearbox, and the performance-enhancing Sports Chrono package ($3890) that now brings with it a Ferrari Manettino-style mode adjuster on a new multifunction steering wheel.

This switch even includes a ‘push to pass’ function (our descriptor not Porsche’s) that provides 20 seconds of maximum acceleration.

Our test car also came with rear-axle steering ($5490), an option which has trickled down from the 911 Turbo.

It’s important to note you only get access to adaptive cruise control and autonomous emergency braking (AEB) if you option PDK. That’s a major disappointment.

How much will it cost?
It’s a 911 so it costs heaps. Try $252,500 for the S, which is a rise of about $7000 over the old model.

As we’ve detailed above, there’s a fair amount of change that’s gone into the car to justify that price rise. But nevertheless, as we also point out here often, Australian 911 prices are among the highest in the world.

But, argues Porsche, so are the equipment levels.

So apart from those new big ticket items, what is on the standard equipment list? ‘S’ highlights includes 20-inch alloy wheels, torque vectoring, bi-xenon headlights, dual-zone climate control, front and rear parking sensors and a reversing camera, fully powered sports seats, six airbags, two ISOFIX mounting points in the rear seat, and BOSE surround sound.

Of course, being a Porsche there are myriad options and accessories. Apart from the ones already mentioned, our test car included a special colour leather interior ($9630), full leather interior ($8140), sports exhaust ($5890), powered sunroof ($4990), black-painted wheels ($3890), SportDesign exterior mirrors ($1290), Light design package ($990) and GT Sport steering wheel ($660).

Total price before on-road costs? $296,760.

Why should I buy it?
Is the 911 Carrera S good value? The answer is clearly no, because for the vast majority of everyday tasks most passenger cars are asked to do most of the time it’s actually not that much chop.

Even in its most pliant suspension setting its hard-riding (albeit improved), it generates massive amounts of road noise off its gigantic rear tyres (albeit less than previous 911s), there’s minimal storage and getting in out of the thing requires an amount of agility my ageing bones are starting to complain about (although once you’re in there the seat is superb and the driving position brilliant).

A Mazda 2 could do the same job at a saving of around $235,000 (before options).

So, back to the question, why should I buy it?

Because to drive this thing is to understand how enjoyable a past-time that can be.

The 911 Carrera S is a beautifully complete car to drive. Every touch point – steering wheel, pedals and seat communicate clearly what the engine, gearbox, brakes, suspension and tyres are doing all the time.

In the right moment, on the right road, it is an intensely enjoyable and focusing experience.

The gearshift is a ka-ching delight, the engine cuts up and down the rev range like a dorsal fin through the ocean, the brakes allow you to balance the car with the confidence of a high-wire walker.

The new engine doesn’t have turbo lag. It will trickle along at 1800rpm in top gear at 100km/h, then rev like a mad banshee well past 7000rpm if you want it to. In those upper ranges it still sounds like a Porsche flat six too, which is important.

When is it available in Australia?
The 911 Carrera S Coupe is available now. Other models in the 991.2 range with the new 9A2 engine also on-sale are the entry-level Carrera coupe and the equivalent 911 and 911 S Cabrios.

The all-wheel drive Carrera 4 and 4S and Targa 4 and 4S are also on-sale.

Who will it appeal to?
Two distinct groups enjoy 911s; posers and drivers. Hey, if you’re a poser who loves to drive or a driver who loves to pose, even better.

Don’t believe any one who says they bought it as a family car, the 2+2 classification of this car is a contravention of advertising standards.

Where does it fit?
In its own little corner of the car market, carved out over 53 years of continuous production, development and improvement.

The 911 is all about automotive excellence in the traditional sense. It doesn’t do autonomous, it doesn’t even do Android Auto, it simply does driving.

Is that enough these days? Well if you can afford one of these you’re probably smart enough to decide for yourself.

2017 Porsche 911 Carrera S pricing and specifications:
Price: $252,500 (plus on-road costs)
Engine: 3.0-litre six-cylinder twin-turbo petrol
Output: 309kW/500Nm
Transmission: Seven-speed manual
Fuel: 8.7L/100km (ADR Combined)
CO2: 199g/km (ADR Combined)
Safety Rating: N/A

Also consider:
>> Audi R8 (from $354,616 plus ORCs)
>> Jaguar F-TYPE SVR (from $289,590 plus ORCs)
>> Mercedes-AMG GT S (from $299,000 plus ORCs)