Porsche 911 Carrera

The article was originally produced on July 8, 2020, some facts and prices may have changed since then.

The Porsche 911 continues to impress and after test driving the latest generation 992 I am speechless.

The history of Porsche's legendary 911 is so long that this article is not long enough to describe it. The model has been around since the sixties and is now in its twelfth generation, with the internal model designation 992. What all generations have in common is the tail-mounted boxer engine. So an engine with a flat horizontal cylinder construction that is placed behind the rear axle. I have test driven most versions of the 911 and now also the entry level model 992 Carrera and I can only say wow!

The Porsche 911 continues to impress

Each generation comes in many different versions. The entry-level model is called Carrera. Then you fill up with the Carrera S, which is a bit stronger. The Carrera 4 is four-wheel drive and the notch above it is the Turbo. Both Carrera 4 and Turbo are available in S versions and all mentioned so far can be had as a convertible or Targa. The Targa is a model with a partly glass hard top that can be opened up, for those who think the convertible is too open.

Then we have the GT models: GT3, GT3 RS and GT2 RS. These are adapted for racing tracks but can be driven on public roads. When the generation is at the end of its life, a GTS version is also released as the icing on the cake. Porsche is also good at releasing various special versions such as the Speedster, but this article would be too long to cover these.

Something that impresses every time a new generation is presented is how much better and faster they managed to make it. Porsche engineers have once again managed to turn, twist and improve the design. For example, it is quite common that the new entry-level versions are faster around the Nürburgring than the GT3 model from the previous generation.

Faster around the Nürburgring than the GT3 model

Only a trained eye can tell the difference between the latest 911 generations. Generation 992 is similar to the previous generation 991, but a wider front and beefier rear set them apart. The 911 also grows with each generation. From being a fairly small car, the 911 has become quite a large colossus.

The interior of the car has also been updated and the number of physical controls has been reduced in favour of touchscreens where you control the car's systems. However, an analogue tachometer has been saved, which feels stylish and retro.

Feels nice and retro

Another thing that has also been saved is the ignition lock, which of course remains on the left side of the steering wheel. However, you no longer start with a key because the car has a keyless start. When you turn the starter knob, the boxer six wakes up with its characteristic sound. A sound that conveys strong emotions to those who have heard and experienced a 911 before.

At low speeds such as in town, the car feels as usual. Silencers and noise level are as they should be, hard and a bit loud. The 911 is easy to drive and has every modernity in the way of technology you can imagine. But touch screen joys aside, it's when you get out of town and the road starts winding that you really get the real wow factor. Porsche's fine steering in the 911 is a wonder. It is direct and conveys unfiltered what is happening below the decks.

The 911 is easy to drive

After a day of active driving, I am convinced. The Porsche 911 is one of the best sports cars ever built. It may not be the most exciting and also relatively common. But if you're thinking of treating yourself to something you absolutely won't be disappointed with, a 911 is definitely the way to go.