A cult model
The Porsche 911 has never been in the wake of trends. This is perhaps why it transcends fashions and survives by always representing a true evolution of the original concept, created 56 years ago. Some of its design and engineering elements were problematic right from the start, and that’s what pushed Porsche to go beyond the usual limits and create what is arguably the most revered sports car in the world. .
Such a success did not happen by accident. As part of an in-depth presentation on the all-new eighth-generation Porsche 911, the 992, I was able to attend several workshops that allowed us to understand why this car has become a cult model. More importantly, I’ve also seen what makes the new 992 the most complete and extraordinary variation ever built.
High quality and structural novelties
Porsche has invested a lot of time and attention to detail and quality control in the production of this car, and this process started very early in the development phases. From the first glance, it is obvious that the 911 has risen to a higher level.
Think of it as a familiar but advanced shell mounted on a chassis and powertrain of a very high standard. The new SEM platform opens the door to new possibilities thanks to its lightweight materials, new assembly methods and a 5% weight reduction compared to the previous generation 991.
Several structural changes are appearing in the 992. The most interesting is probably the fact that the engine is now mounted directly on the frame rails rather than a crossbar. This apparently innocuous change has important repercussions since it limits the transmission to the chassis of oscillations coming from the engine. The engine has also been shifted 20 cm forward to emphasize mass centralization.
More luxury touches
There are also significant improvements in the revised interior, and still impressive. The previous generation was the first to offer luxury touches in addition to the high-end features that are normally found in this model. The great success of the 991 proved to Porsche that there were advantages to be inspired by certain aspects of Panamera and Cayenne.
Some purists may disagree with the new appeal of the 911. But certainly, they will not have to worry about a decline in performance or compromise. In fact, in the purest Porsche tradition, the new powertrain is not only more efficient than ever, it is also more powerful.
Power, performance and efficiency on the rise
The 3.0-liter twin-turbo six-cylinder is still in the station, but it has had a series of improvements that would be too long to complete. Here are the most important: new larger symmetrical turbochargers, larger mid-mounted intercoolers, higher compression ratio, reduced friction, improved cooling, and more efficient fuel delivery system with piezo injectors. In the end, we get 443 horsepower at 6500 rpm, and a 390 lb-ft of torque between 2300 and 5000 rpm.
This engine is connected to a new eight-speed dual-clutch PDK transmission. But do not worry, the seven-speed manual will be back! The PDK transmission is a centerpiece for the present and the future of the 911. It is designed to withstand a torque of 800 Nm (590 lb-ft) and, most importantly, to be paired with a hybrid powertrain. Yes, there is a 911 hybrid on the horizon; we have not been given technical details, but we can expect it to be very efficient.
I did not drive the 992, but I still had the opportunity to discover it as a passenger on a portion of the circuit Hockenheim, Germany. The experienced Porsche driver wasted no time in making me feel the management response and the benefits of Bilstein’s new chassis and superior adaptive dampers.
