Recent first road tests

pwebb · Nov 16, 2011

Here's a few first impressions - plenty of ammunition for those who prefer their 911 to be analogue. Yet more electronic trickery than even the 997 and mixed messages on the new steering, the one area that everyone has been holding their breath for! Generally positive from the reviewers though, particularly the first one. The Evo piece is very limited, hoping they'll give it some proper driving before next month's issue.

http://www.autoblog.com/2011/11/11/2012-porsche-911-carrera-s-first-drive-review/

http://www.evo.co.uk/carreviews/evocarreviews/275107/driven_allnew_porsche_911_carrera_s.html

http://www.caranddriver.com/reviews/2012-porsche-911-carrera-s-first-drive-review-with-this-quick-experience-it-seems-good-especially-if-youre-getting-older-page-2

http://www.motorauthority.com/news/1068461_2012-porsche-911-first-drive

Lancerlot · Nov 16, 2011

Thanks Peter,

Interesting articles. The last one (Motorauthority) was particularly informative.

Main points that struck me were that PDK seems to be the preferred option over 7 speed manual (no surprises there), the jury is still out on the new steering mechanism ( sounds a might quirky to me) and the parity of prices in USD and GBP (although, of course, British cars will have a much higher spec. and be excellant value at the 50% higher premium! [8|]!)

Regards,

Clive.

tscaptain · Nov 16, 2011

Another good review here
http://www.autocar.co.uk/CarReviews/FirstDrives/Porsche-911-3.8-Carrera-S/259965/
but there is an expanded version in this weeks mag which, overall, gives it a big thumbs up. Active roll control - mmmmmmmmm.....[

]

lamboman · Nov 16, 2011

ORIGINAL: Lancerlot

the parity of prices in USD and GBP (although, of course, British cars will have a much higher spec. and be excellant value at the 50% higher premium! [8|]!)

US prices are quoted before sales and state taxes. Their VAT is much less lower than the UKs. This accounts for much, but not nearly all, the price differential.

pwebb · Nov 18, 2011

Here's a couple more reports

http://www.excellence-mag.com/of-note/first-drive-in-the-new-911
http://www.insideline.com/porsche/911/2012/2012-porsche-911-carrera-s-first-drive.html

isuk · Nov 19, 2011

CHRIS HARRIS: NEW PORSCHE 991, BRIEF THOUGHTS...

Chris Harris:

"Porsche has become adept at parrying criticism of the obvious kind "" that's my lasting impression from driving the new 991. Well, that and learning California has some sparkling roads.
Here's how it works. I think the 991 has become unnecessarily big, but it is now so much more refined than the 997 "" and I mean almost beyond comparison in terms of NVH and especially tyre noise "" that it feels like a GT car. This is good for people who buy 911s for very different reasons than I would "" which, I suppose, potentially makes it a bad thing for me.

But it's hard to bemoan extra width when that itself brings the biggest improvement in the car as a driving object. The extra front track width, combined with the vast increase in wheelbase gives the 991 a superb chassis. Far less understeer, much more balance and, of course, the inherent traction benefits of being rear-engined remain. So see what I mean here? It's bigger and far more comfortable "" it's a better cruiser, but it's also a far, far better sports car to drive as-fast-as-you-dare. I didn't expect that.

The new PDK calibration is way more immediate than before, with a much better balance of seamlessness and kick-in-the-back. The Carrera S motor is smooth, rev-hungry and yet can return over 30mpg at a fast cruise. The quality of trim and materials in the cabin makes a 997 feel like a Ford Ka.

So, much as I want to complain at the creep of everydayness, I just can't in light of the surprising improvement in raw driving.

Expanded thoughts in the mag next month..."

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A8xWxoxsJHY&fea.

samg · Nov 22, 2011

Afternoon All,

All the reviews I've seen so far concentrate on the C2S with only a passing mention of the C2's differences. Has anyone come across a review of the C2?

Thanks, Sam