911 Carrera S an impressive Porsche
Many would say the 2012 Porsche Carrera S hasn’t changed from last year. A quick glance shows the familiar rounded profile, with the long, low nose, slanted headlights and sloping rear deck, but those with a keen eye will notice many changes in this new 2012 model.
Overall length has been stretched slightly more than 50 millimetres but a bigger difference is the wheelbase, nearly 100 mm longer. Shorter overhangs front and rear and a windshield that has been pushed forward with a steeper rake provides more interior room, and even some leg room for the occasional rear seat passenger. Like the previous model, the Carrera S is a 2+2 coupe but even the extra legroom in the back seat of this longer car can only be appreciated by those of slight and nimble build.
Exterior styling changes are subtle. A sharper body line runs from the A-pillars along the edge of the roof and down the rear quarters instead of the rounded edge seen before. The rear spoiler integrates into the design with a defined rear edge to match the roof body lines, and now uses adaptive strategy to change its height and angle depending on vehicle speed. As a result, it can add a maximum of 200 pounds of down force on the rear end at higher speeds. The outside mirrors have now been moved higher to the upper edge of the door. This position helps reduce drag and wind noise.
Changes you can’t see are the extensive use of aluminum to reduce vehicle weight. Even with more features, the Carrera S is lighter than last year and gets up to 14 per cent better fuel economy. Electric power steering is new this year and the steering feel is as accurate and responsive as the previous hydraulic steering unit.
Carrera owners get a 3.4-litre engine compared to the previous 3.6 L, while Carrera S owners have the larger 3.8 L engine. Power is up for the 3.8 L opposed boxer six-cylinder engine from 385 horsepower to 400 hp. Multi-hole direct injectors optimize the fuel delivery both for power and lower emissions. Driveability has never been better. With the seven-speed PDK automatic gearbox, you can accelerate from zero to 100 kilometres per hour in just 3.9 seconds yet idle around town all day. Even with the new sevenspeed manual transmission, the car will loaf around town in sixth gear without complaining, although it feels better in fourth.
A review of the Carrera S wouldn’t be complete without mention of the wonderful 18-way sport bucket seats that are optional. Adjustable for length, side bolstering on the bottom and back, lumbar support, and heated, these power seats will adjust to fit any driver. Relax the fit for touring. Snug up the bolsters for cornering. They feel great all the time, just like the rest of the car.