2012 Porsche 911 (991) Carrera S - Manual and PDK tested!

One of the most anticipated sports cars of 2011 left our garage last week. The all-new 2012 Porsche 911 (991) Carrera S showcased its abilities to our team and it is time for us to report on our findings. Since its debut in 1963, the 911 has been one of the benchmarks in the world of sport cars and the vehicle has often been referred to as a dream for many petrol heads across the globe. After decades of development and six different generations the Germans have finally revealed the new 991, the seventh generation.

Following the era of air-cooled models before 1998 and the liquid-cooled models – the 996 and 997 – Porsche developed a brand new platform, fourteen years after the release of the 996. The all-new 991 platform represents a complete redesign of Porsche’s rear-engined sports car focusing on greater performance and lower emissions, as well as finely resolved handling. The combination of aluminum and steel make an ideal mix of strength and lightweight construction, which will also be used in the upcoming Boxster and Cayman models.

At first glance it may be difficult to spot the differences with the previous 911, which raises the running joke that the design department is on of the laziest in the industry. For Porsche-lovers this may feel a little offensive as they know that this particular brand favours refinement; following the traditions of a decades-old shape while trying to move the overall design forward. For those people not capable of seeing the differences, we are happy to point them out.

First of all, just five percent of the parts from the previous-generation 997 were re-used. The 991 is longer, wider and lower than its predecessor. The wheelbase is close to four inches longer with a little more than two inches added to the width. The wheels have been pushed further out too, which makes a great-handling car perform even better. The rear wheels are closer to the engine, improving the balance and further reducing the effect of the rear-biased weight distribution. The front bumper received larger air-inlets, LED running lights and the remodeled exterior mirrors are now attached to the side panels again. The easiest way to recognize the new 991 is at the back, where thin LED rear lights are found below an automatic or manually-operated rear wing.

The Carrera and Carrera S are the first versions available in the 991 lineup. We drove two different models of the Carrera S; one with the seven-speed manual transmission and one with the automatic PDK-transmission. Both gearboxes are linked to the same incredibly responsive 3.8 liter flat-six engine producing 400hp at 7400rpm, and 325lb-ft of maximum torque at 5,600rpm. The 911 Carrera S with PDK manages to accelerate from naught to 100km/h in 4.3 seconds. Pressing the Sport Plus button on the optional Sport Chrono package cuts that to 4.1 seconds (add 0.2 for manual cars). The top speed is 304km/h.

Read more: Road Test: 2012 Porsche 911 (991) Carrera S

 

fix the typo's. LOL

 

Nice read. She's a beauty.

 

I love the stance of the new 911 in this image.

 

Feel free to share any you may find. Our editorial team from the UK checked the story, but maybe overlooked some things you may have find. Feel free to share them, and I will fix them.

MR

 

It's 'typos', genius.

 

great set of pics!!!

 

Good read. The 991 Carerra is awesome but I can't wait for the Turbo and GT3.

 

Nice writeup!

 

Liking the 991 more and more.