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Honestly it feels as if you could put a kindergartner behind the wheel and she'd still knock off perfect runs.
Any fears that Porsche might screw up its iconic 911 with the new 991 generation are completely unfounded. The 911 remains an extraordinary car, but now it meets an even higher standard of handling and delivers even more cornering grip.
Steadier steering and improved stability make the 2012 Porsche 911 less stressful to drive, especially at higher speed, which should play well with the vast majority of buyers who just want a fast, thrilling car that won't kill them.
Grade changes, camber changes, throttle changes-nothing upsets the 991.
Meanwhile, the new Carrera is more comfortable and transits quickly, more securely, and with less of the white-knuckle body heaving and tail twitching that has long defined the 911’s unique character.
PERFORMANCE | 10 out of 10
Expert Quotes:
Honestly it feels as if you could put a kindergartner behind the wheel and she'd still knock off perfect runs.
Inside Line
Any fears that Porsche might screw up its iconic 911 with the new 991 generation are completely unfounded. The 911 remains an extraordinary car, but now it meets an even higher standard of handling and delivers even more cornering grip.
Edmunds
Steadier steering and improved stability make the 2012 Porsche 911 less stressful to drive, especially at higher speed, which should play well with the vast majority of buyers who just want a fast, thrilling car that won't kill them.
Kelley Blue Book
Grade changes, camber changes, throttle changes-nothing upsets the 991.
Automobile Magazine
Meanwhile, the new Carrera is more comfortable and transits quickly, more securely, and with less of the white-knuckle body heaving and tail twitching that has long defined the 911’s unique character.
Car and Driver
The Carrera and Carrera S are the only models updated to the new 991 basis thus far--the Cabrio, Turbo, GT3, and other variants are yet to come. Changes for 2012 include a wider front track for better grip, a slightly longer wheelbase that increases high-speed stability, a new electric power steering system, a seven-speed manual transmission, a re-tuned seven-speed PDK transmission, and a new base engine, plus upgrades to the Carrera S's engine.
The base engine, a 3.4-liter flat six, packs 350 horsepower thanks to direct injection and a free-revving nature. The Carrera S sticks with a 3.8-liter six good for 400 horsepower. Either can be paired with either the seven-speed manual or the PDK transmissions. With the PDK, the Carrera gets to 60 mph in just 4.4 seconds, while the Carrera S does it in 4.1 seconds.
Add the Sport Chrono package, which adds launch control, and you'll take another 0.2 seconds off either car's 0-60 mph run. Top speeds clock in at 179 mph and 188 mph respectively. The PASM (Porsche Active Suspension Management) system, optional on base and standard on S models, offers dynamic suspension response to the road and driving conditions through a series of settings from Comfort to Sport Plus.
Porsche's advanced Dynamic Chassis Control (PDCC) is also available on the S model. The PDCC system adjusts the car's roll stiffness through the use of anti-roll bars. The Sport Chrono package is also available on the base Carrera--and as the name indicates, a key element of the package is a stopwatch on the dash that ties into the car's computer to enable lap timing and other functions.
Handling is excellent, with less of the 911's historical tail-wagging antics and slightly more understeer despite the wider front track. Losing 100 pounds from the previous 911, the 2012 model feels nimble, easy-to-place, and is stunning on the brakes. Our one quibble with the new 911's package is the electronic power steering, which, while the best implementation of EPS we've driven, still comes up short of traditional hydraulic systems in terms of feel and communication.
Conclusion
Quick, efficient, and more capable than ever, the 2012 Porsche 911 raises the bar for the brand and its competitors.
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