Jump directly to the content
Road Test
Fast, epic and eye-catching

We review the Porsche 911 Carrera from price to economy and all its features

IMAGINE answering a knock at the door to find Kate Upton "cat daddy" dancing beside a crate of beers. (Google it.)

Or, for our women readers, a hunky fireman holding an armful of rescued puppies.

5

 

I get a similar feeling when I'm handed the keys to a 911.

I get a gentle stirring downstairs.

5

The 911 was my poster hero as a kid and, if I had the money, I'd buy a new one today.

But would I spend £145,000 on a 911 Turbo S? Nope. There's no need. I'd settle for the 911 Carrera at almost half the price because you still get the same kicks.

Porsche has now turbocharged the entry 911 — all in the name of improved efficiency — with a downsized 3-litre twin turbo flat six. Some say it has ruined the howling exhaust note we all know and love.

But don't let them put you off. There are upsides.

5

It means more POWER, right from the off — 450Nm of torque from 1,700rpm — and you still get a nice roar midrange.

There's also a nifty BOOST button on the steering wheel, providing 20 seconds of brutal acceleration for overtaking, which you can use as often as you like. So I did. I love that button more than my first girlfriend.

This red rocket (the A 911 number plate is worth £200,000-plus) has the slick seven-speed PDK transmission with paddles honed from Le Mans racers.

Shorter shifts, no interruption in the flow of power and it helps fire you from 0-62 in 4.2 seconds, 99mph in 9.2 — all the way up to 182mph.

5
5

I nudged 150mph on a wet test track before running out of road.

But the thing is, the 911 is just as brilliant at 15mph, you can shoehorn the kids in the back and with auto-start/stop, Porsche quotes 38.2mpg (I got 22mpg driving like a loon).

It's the complete sports car. Drive it at 4,000 revs and you feel like a superstar ... but drive it beyond that and it's epic.

 

Pitch it into a corner and it feels amazing.

Porsche has also sharpened the front and rear, updated the cabin with 7in touchscreen and more connected tech and added adaptive suspension as standard. All this on the basic 911.

Why spend your money on anything else?

VERDICT: Intoxicating

Key Facts

  • Price: £78,000
  • Engine: 3-litre twin turbo (370hp) with 7-speed PDK
  • 0-62mph: 4.2 secs
  • 0-99mph: 9.2 secs
  • 50-75mph: 2.7 secs
  • Top speed: 182mph
  • Economy: 38.2mpg
  • CO2: 169g/km
  • Rivals: Jaguar F-Type, Aston Martin Vantage V8
Topics