The Porsche 911 celebrated its big Five-Oh a couple of years back, and not only is it still going strong, but it even resembles the original (unlike the equally successful and even older Chevrolet Corvette). As you?d expect, the 911 has profited from countless upgrades scattered over roughly seven generations. The new-for-2017 mid-cycle refresh applies to the 991 generation introduced in 2012 and is referred to as 991.2 in Porsche circles.
Unlike most cars that rely on altered sheetmetal creases or rejiggered grilles to energize mid-cycle sales, the 991.2 got a major redo. The most important was a new flat-six engine, downsized to 3.0 liters for both the Carrera and Carrera S models. Fitted with twin turbos, these engines provide a 20-hp bump for each model as well as vastly more torque at much lower rpm. A revised seven-speed manual transmission with a dual-plate clutch and taller gears is tailored to the greater torque. And, in the comprehensive Porsche way, these latest models also get a revised suspension with wider rear tires and stronger brakes. A new infotainment system with an upgraded screen improves the interior, while Porsche Active Suspension Management (adjustable dampers) has been made standard. The car also gets rejiggered grilles?front and rear.
This is normally where we?d tell you, hypothetically, which options we?d choose were we looking to buy a new 911. But, in this case, since my 2007 BMW 335i was getting long in the tooth, I ordered a 991.2 as my 65t...