Car and Driver recently test drove the new 2012 Porsche 911 that is in its final stages in South Africa set to debut in September. For Porsche enthusiasts, changes to a 911 could be fatal, but the 2012 seems just right. It is a bit larger and is built to accommodate a hybrid powertrain. When the magazine asked August Achleitner, the man known as "Mr.911," responsible for all 911-series cars "How will you keep the soul of the 911 intact?" he responds: "We sharpened the 911 by making it fast, more responsive, safer, and more environmentally friendly. But we didn't mess it up!" A reassuring response from the man himself.
The bodywork is stretched but still unmistakably a 911. It is 2.2 inches longer and sits on a 4 inch longer wheelbase. This makes for 2016 hybrid potential with electronic motor and components. The front and rear overhangs are shorter by just about an inch and roofline is lower by half an inch.
There are other minor changes that seem insignificant but make the entire car look a lot sleeker. The windshield is more convex, the center bottom of the glass punches out by 3.2 inches, in combination with a full-length sunroof and more shoulder room, the cabin feels much airier than before. The backseat is still only meant for small children, little cargo, or a miniature poodle.
The major interior differences are the Panamera-like door trim, gauges, and long center console, sacrificing the mechanical parking break to the electronic gods.
"Crank the key with your left hand, and the engine wakes up with a low-frequency belch and a high-frequency whine. Sort of like a mother-in-law.", says Car and Driver. There is a seven (yes, 7) speed manual gearbox of the seven-speed PDK dual-clutch automatic. The base model now has a 3/4-liter with 350 horsepower at 6400 rpm and max toruq of 280 pound feet between 4400 and 6000 rpm.
This bigger car is sure to be quicker because it is lighter. The curb weight is 55 pounds lower than the 997's due to more use of high-strength steel. The hybrid version should shave off an additional 22 pounds.
Look closely, and you'll notice that the graphics of this new 911 look surprisingly like those of the outgoing model. That's exactly what Porsche wants you to think. In a novel attempt to camouflage the new car, Porsche used photographic stickers based on current 911 lights and intakes. New rear LED clusters are visible through the adhesive disguise. Fake scoops hide the added length. And for night drives, Porsche cut holes in the headlight stickers.
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