The 3.0-litre boxer-six takes up most of the rear half of the car and has been significantly updated as well. Now a pair of larger turbos are uniquely positioned to spin in the opposite direction to optimize air-flow and, in turn, improve performance. The precision of the valves with stepped lift at lower revs and electrically controlled wastegates bring a sea of changes in the flat-six. Even the engine mounts have been moved from behind the unit to its sides for the sake of refinement.
All these enhancements have pumped up the power output to 450 hp and 530 Nm now, which is an increase of 30 hp and 30 Nm over the previous 991.II version. To keep a leash on the performance, the Porsche 911 992 employs a new eight-speed Porsche doppelkupplung (PDK). This dual-clutch automatic transmission not just drives the rear wheels but also preps up the Porsche for the future electrically assisted powertrain revolution.
The Porsche 911 992 is not just more eager on the track, but also remains surprisingly collected on the road. What impresses immediately is the level of grip and the eagerness from the front end as it glides through turns. The wider wheel-tracks give it stunning cornering limits as its nose dives from one apex to another. Let me remind you that I’m driving the more road-biased Carrera S, which on the racetrack almost seems to offer GT3 level of grip and stability. The cheerful pops from the exhaust note, teasing twitches from the rear, snappy gearbox, and the spontaneous power delivery make the Porsche 911 992 properly fun to drive. Precisely why people buy 911s.
The firmer springs and specially developed Pirelli tyres are a perfect combination for the track as well as fast lane-changes on the autobahn. You have the option of the Sport Chrono package which further stiffens up the springs and lowers the body. And there’s even a four-wheel steering on offer, all for extra money, of course.
The electrically assisted steering has been tweaked to become more responsive. The feedback is precise and the response sharp. The communicative front end adds to the newfound grip and balance and beautifully disguises the size of the Porsche 911 992, which, on paper, seemed larger, wider, and heavier than before.
Rear-engine cars obviously are a lot of fun, but they can be a handful if you don’t plan your turns well. Ever entered a corner too hot, only to realize it a fraction of a second too late? You lift off, try to correct, and end up being a motoring version of a fidget spinner. Thankfully, the Porsche 911 992 has you covered with some clever electronics and sublime weight distribution that make it a lot more forgiving than the older versions. Tricks such as these are reasons why we were giggling like kids every time we made the 911 playfully swerve out of fast bends. It gracefully only kicks out a bit and then regains control effortlessly.
And then there’s the increased top speed when we came pretty close to the “no restrictions” section of the German highway. With the Sports Chrono, the Porsche 911 992 pounces to 100 km/h in 3.5 seconds flat and hits double ton in just over 12 seconds. Both comparatively quicker than the outgoing model. The top speed has also been boosted a couple of notches to 308 km/h which it does in sixth gear itself.
The downforce from the rear active spoiler ensures that the Porsche remains stable and composed even at these insane speeds. Talking about active safety, the Porsche 911 992 gets a Wet Mode as standard now. Porsche engineers have installed acoustic sensors in the wheel-arch which can “hear” water splashes. It then processes the intensity of rain and the car’s speed and advises the driver to deploy Wet Mode. The clever system adjusts the stability management, eases the throttle input, and commands the rear wing to rise… all to keep the car under control on roads drenched in water.
Equally smart is the eight-speed PDK which does a splendid job of supplying creamy torque as you cruise along, no matter what the speed. It’s only during forced downshifts that you miss the lighting fast reactions of the older seven-speed box. The mild hesitation of the PDK is barely noticeable on the road. However, having an extra gear comes with its own advantages and fuel efficiency is one of the major ones. Also, the fact that it provides seamless power delivery makes the 992 apt for the track while inching in bumper-to-bumper traffic.
The new model does push the 911 bar even further. It’s more practical, faster and more fun, looks stunning, and is a lot safer too. This gives this Rs 1.82 crore sports car a wider appeal. One that will attract new buyers towards Porsche showrooms. Precisely what the company wants to do in India.
