Topic: Test Drive: 2012 Porsche 911 Carrera S

[Autos_Editor]

Despite the new 911's driver-selectable performance modes, it isn't really a daily driver, says Greg Wilson.

Read More...

[redman]

Nice car but a good point is made, that sadly those who can afford this (older crowd) will most likely go with the Panamera for comfort.

Lime Gold Metallic exterior paint, $3,590 come on even considering this is a Porsche 911, that price is outrages for a different albeit ugly colour IMO.

Still like to get my hands on a 1997/98 993.

[Fobroader]

So over $8 grand for ugly green paint and that flappy paddle dealy. Wow, for me, Ill take the last series of the aircooled 993s, in Carrera S trim. Save myself the cash, all the extra fluff and actually be able to work on the thing myself.

[tpl]

As I remarked yesterday I hope the Ford engineers have the software for that transmission to look at and learn from.

[aaronk]

This strikes me as the "executive" choice. Enthusiasts, especially those looking to save a few dollars, would likely choose a Cayman R. Not only would the buyer save about $40K, they'd get a more engaging experience behind the wheel. Perhaps not as outrightly fast as the 911, but more engaging.

[Snowman]

I drive a TT-RS and a S2000 and getting into and out of a modern 911 is a piece of cake in comparison. I have my TT-RS on sport mode all the time and welding my suspension down may be uncomfortable at times but as an enthusiast I do not consider it punishing. One day I will own a 911 and as I get older it will be a great time to upgrade to this couch 

[nsmyhte]

That colour is really interesting and unique and the now elegant 911 can actually pull it off.  I'm not sure I would be able to pull the trigger on that colour but it has me intrigued.

[huota]

Nice looking car, though I still prefer the exterior design of the 997. Wonder if they've cured the characteristic 911 understeer?

[Snowman]

Nice looking car, though I still prefer the exterior design of the 997. Wonder if they've cured the characteristic 911 understeer?

Yep, its called a Cayman 

[huota]

Nice looking car, though I still prefer the exterior design of the 997. Wonder if they've cured the characteristic 911 understeer?

Yep, its called a Cayman 

I know. But I've been told it's the poor man's 911.  (funny, or sad really, how these cars are nothing but a status symbol to so many people)

[Sir Osis of Liver]

Nice looking car, though I still prefer the exterior design of the 997. Wonder if they've cured the characteristic 911 understeer?

Yep, its called a Cayman 

http://www.tpcracing.net/products/TPCRacing-987-Cayman-S-Turbo-Kit/

 

[huota]

Nice looking car, though I still prefer the exterior design of the 997. Wonder if they've cured the characteristic 911 understeer?

Yep, its called a Cayman 

http://www.tpcracing.net/products/TPCRacing-987-Cayman-S-Turbo-Kit/

 

Fack  Nice gains. Guess there's a cure for everything, huh.

What was the topic again... oh yeah, the 911. I saw an 911 SC that had hit a lamp post the other day.

[2JDM]

I want it...with a 6MT and in a different color.

[G0dspd]

I want it...with a 6MT 7MT and in a different color.

Fixed!

Base + 7MT + Dark Blue Metallic = Nice!

[opg210]

As an aside, when BMW 3 Series and Porsche 911s are reviewed I notice a lot of folks post their preference for previous models. I don't share the  view that the new models are getting worse. Maybe I'm just getting old and soft.

I probably fall in the category of folks you mention - and I wouldn't call the new models "worse". By most accounts they are vastly "better" cars overall. If a new model is quieter on the highway, that's a hard thing to complain about. For me what I miss is the driver focus, the sense of control and feel you get with a machine that feels connected to you and the road. In older days that seemed more available. My first car had no power steering (Ford Capri, 2.8 German model) and though it was crappy overall it was always fun to drive. I didn't mind the lack of comfort because I didn't buy it for comfort, I bought it cause it handled!

Each new model of car keeps knocking off the rough edges, which is what I would do as an engineer I suppose, but then you do get some ridiculously capable, soulless machines out of the process. The trend is everywhere though - go watch some in car footage of Senna at Monaco 20 yrs ago, vs. what you see now. Today their hands don't even twitch. Better yet, watch the RUF Yellow Bird video at the Nurburgring (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w6Thomd4BQg&feature=related ), a legend on Youtube - if that looks like more fun to you than setting a new lap record in a computer controlled machine, then you know what I'm talking about.

[5 Wheel Drive]

I want it...with a 6MT 7MT and in a different color.

Fixed!

Base + 7MT + Dark Blue Metallic = Nice!

  Oh yeahhhhhhh.  I loved it when I saw it in person for the first time at the Montreal Auto show.   

[johngenx]

As with pretty much every car, newer equals better.  More safety features, better construction, and easier and more comfortable to drive.

But, is better always better?  Of should we say, more fun?

The newest 911 is probably the "best" 911 ever.  But, to me, were a new 911 shopper, I'd be a little disappointed in the value equation.  Yeah, I know part of the appeal of 911's to many buyers is the fact that they paid a lot, but not for me.  Every time a GT-R roasted me, I'd be sad.  Every time a TT-RS easily stayed with me no matter how hard I pushed, I be REALLY sad.  Okay, you can say that the 911 is about more than performance, but is it?

It's a gorgeous car, but if I were spending my hard earned dough, it wouldn't be at the top of the list.

[2JDM]

I want it...with a 6MT 7MT and in a different color.

Fixed!

Base + 7MT + Dark Blue Metallic = Nice!

I TOTALLY forgot about the 7MT! Dark Blue Metallic on Tan interior. 

[Snowman]

As with pretty much every car, newer equals better.  More safety features, better construction, and easier and more comfortable to drive.

But, is better always better?  Of should we say, more fun?

The newest 911 is probably the "best" 911 ever.  But, to me, were a new 911 shopper, I'd be a little disappointed in the value equation.  Yeah, I know part of the appeal of 911's to many buyers is the fact that they paid a lot, but not for me.  Every time a GT-R roasted me, I'd be sad.  Every time a TT-RS easily stayed with me no matter how hard I pushed, I be REALLY sad.  Okay, you can say that the 911 is about more than performance, but is it?

It's a gorgeous car, but if I were spending my hard earned dough, it wouldn't be at the top of the list.

I hear you John but every time I see a 997 4S I lust for it