2019 Porsche 911 (992) Unveiled
Like so many fast cars, it feels like ages since we first heard that this car was coming. And now it’s here.
Porsche is starting with the S models, saying that they sell better. The new car looks terrific. If you just think it looks the same as the old car, you are partially wrong and you can skip to the next bit about the engines.
As with the 991, the car is bigger in every direction. A new front crash structure is responsible for most of the 20mm increase in length while the new body is 45mm wider, including some lovely subtle flaring of the front wheel arches. There is now just the one body style, and they’re all the fat-bottomed kind.
The wheels start at 20-inches up front and 21s at the back. Despite the extra length partially offset by a height increase of 2mm, it looks low and fast.
I love it. And I’m not a 911-phile. I just think it looks really clean and mean.
At the rear, the new integrated wing looks the business and rises in two stages so you don’t look too stupid when getting about at moderate speeds. The high-level brake light looks part of the grille until it lights up and the new Porsche signature of full-width taillights is magnificent.
Another nice detail? The flush-fitting doorhandles that pop out when you approach. Snazzy.
Inside looks wider as Porsche takes a more horizontal approach to design. It’s all-new, of course, and looks better, less bitty than the old cabin. While you can see just one cupholder in the image behind the dinky little shifter, there’s another over pop-out jobbie in the dash against the door. In case that’s important.
Engine and Drivetrain
For the S, the 3.0-litre twin turbo remains but now with more power and torque. Plenty of detail changes, too.
Power is up by 22kW (30PS) to 331kW (450PS). 0-100km/h differs between the rear-wheel drive (3.7 seconds) and the 4S (3.6 seconds). That’s 0.4 seconds off the previous marks set by the 991.
If you want to knock another 0.2 seconds off, go for the Sport Chrono Package.
Top speed is 308km/h for the RWD and 306km/h for the 4S.
The new eight-speed PDK twin-clutch transmission is partially responsible for the 55kg weight gain. It’s always going to be a heavy thing when you add another gear to an already complex unit. It’s also interesting that Porsche has stuck with the PDK and not gone with the ZF eight-speed. Not chucking rocks, of course – it’s just an observation.
That new gearbox is meant to handle future hybrid powertrains, so keep an eye out for that in the coming months.
When?
The 992 Carrera S and 4S will start deliveries in the New Year and is on sale now. Most dealers have probably been taking deliveries for months because, you know dealers.
Australian buyers can expect to pay no less than $265,100 for the S and $281,000 for the 4S. UK buyers will be paying in the region of £93,110 and £98,418 respectively.
