Excess. That’s what the automotive world revels in, but sometimes less is indeed more. The new 992.2 911 from Porsche is an example of that philosophy. The 911 Carrera does not get the fancy hybrid tech which is in the GTS, and neither does it have a dinner table rear wing as the GT3 RS, but it is a pure driving experience nevertheless. The 3.0-liter flat-six is fitted with twin turbos and develops nearly 400bhp, which is a bit more than before. However, the numbers are irrelevant as it’s the driving experience that matters. The lightness and the typical 911 balance feed your driving soul with a delicate precision, thanks to the connected steering. It’s telepathic, and the 911 dances to your inputs with glee while there is enough power to complement this chassis.
Dial it up a notch via the steering modes, and the acceleration is hard, along with a grin-inducing soundtrack while the dual-clutch automatic hungrily laps up the gears. In short, the 911, even in Carrera form, is a beautiful sports car and is more than enough to satiate any driving enthusiast. However, where the 911 also excels is in the boring everyday stuff, where others falter. The ride is firm but not unforgiving, and it is easy to drive with good visibility. The ground clearance is also quite good, and you do not need the axle lift at all. It is not a diva, and the cabin has decent space as well, while the design is sombre but functional. Sure, the classic key start is no longer there, replaced by a button, but there are enough physical buttons rather than jabbing at a touchscreen, plus the seats offer terrific comfort too.
Like any Porsche, prices have crept up, and the power figure is not a lot when electric sedans offer more power, but that is missing the point. The 911 Carrera is more than just about numbers and represents perhaps one of the purest driving experiences within the 911 range. The new 992.2 also looks a bit sharper and yet is still a 911 with the silhouette not changing at all, and thank God for that! Upwards of $127,000, the 911 is now more expensive than ever, and the base 911 Carrera is a serious proposition. Do not believe the hype, and go beyond the numbers is what we would say!
