Porsche has refined its updated 911 with subtle changes that leave a strong impression. The Carrera is now more power and has added attention to the detail, which makes it more desirable than ever -although it is now approaching the 170,000 € brand as a convertible.
The lack of power was never a problem for the Carrera S., but since the new GTS model now benefited from a T-hybrid and an electrical turbocharger, Porsche also had to give Carrera S volume sales. Instead of the 290 kW / 394 PS and 450 Nm of the Carrera T, the S now offers 353 kW / 480 hp and 530 Nm torque – just like the previous GTS. It is controversial whether drivers will ever notice these improvements in the measurable performance on the street. The acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h takes 3.7 seconds – slightly faster than before – and 200 km/h arrives in 11.6 seconds. Perhaps impressive numbers are, but it is unlikely that they are important for someone as a stopped enthusiast.
The Carrera is the scale of all sports cars. With top speeds of 308 km/h, it is now carried out at a level as soon as Turbo models are reserved. Nevertheless, it is everyday user -friendliness and effortless mobility that make the latest Carrera so desirable. Ideally, this would be reinforced with the variable all -wheel drive from Porsche, especially for all this performance on wet or uneven roads. However, the 4S all-wheeler variants are later released in typical strategic Stuttgart fashion. At the moment, enthusiasts of this sharpened version with rear wheel drive and the excellent PDK gearbox have to make do with eight speeds. The AWD option is expected later this year.
Even without four driven wheels, the Carrera S dominates its 480 hp in a dominant manner, whereby the strong range and sublime steering feeling, which does not match in this segment, does not match. The 4.54 meter long Cabriolet is a pure joy-especially if the fabric roof folds at the press of a button at speeds of up to 50 km/h behind the small rear seats and fills the cabin with light and air with leather circuits. These rear seats are more for luggage than passengers and also necessary, since the front boot only offers 135 liters of storage space-even in this rear drive. But freight volume was never the attraction here. It is the excellent seats, the digital measuring devices, the tactile steering wheel with retro-blave digital and functions such as the electrical wind turbine and the optional sound system with which the Flat-Six turbo sing that is tailored to the mood of the driver.
There are only smaller handles. The center console does not feel busy, and it is high time that Porsche introduced a real head-up display-otwas overdue. Yes, the instruments are clear and stylish, but it would be a considerable step forward to project important information into the driver’s line of sight. At least the chassis updates make up. There is now a 20/21-inel wheel setup, GTS-Spec bremen, a torque vectoring system that sets the power supply via the rear axle and the popular sports deduction all standard. The result is a dynamic package that exceptionally hides the 1.7-ton weight of the car, with spin steering, impressive switch-off and output performance that inspires in every bend.
The upcoming all-wheel drive version will undoubtedly further improve, especially when the front-end grip is transferred under pressure. The 10-millimeter sports suspension does not have to be decided for convertible buyers, since the standard setup has a brilliant balance between mobility and comfort-Perfect for open top drives in the sun. In this price range it is recommended to tick the extended leather interior option, as it improves important surfaces such as the glove subjects, door panels and seat bases and gives a feeling of wealth in the cabin.
Summer can come – preferably tomorrow.
