Porsche 911 Carrera S PDK

Before we tell you what it’s like to drive, we take a closer look at what lies beneath the evolutionary design of the newest Porsche 911 AN exciting place for a motoring enthusiast to visit on any occasion, it’s impossible not to experience a heightened sense of anticipation among the workforce at Porsche’s headquarters in Zuffenhausen during my visit in December 2018. As the company prepares to enter unchartered territory with its first all-electric vehicle, the Taycan, it’s simultaneously putting the finishing touches to the eighth iteration of the hallowed model it’s built its reputation on: the 911.

A PLATFORM FOR THE FUTURE

The 992-generation 911 debuts the brand’s new MMB platform engineered to accommodate various drivetrain configurations, including electrification. Weighing 240 kg, this modular mid-engine platform is split into three ports and will also underpin the next-generation 718 Boxster and Cayman derivatives, as well as future models within the Volkswagen Group.

EFFICIENT BRAKING

An advanced EBB braking booster complements standard 350 mm diameter brake discs at each corner. Offering both improved response times and feel, the brake pedal in the 992 was lifted from the 918 Spyder hypercar and is 71% lighter than the one featured in the 991. While in the interests of efficiency this new braking system does away with a traditional vacuum pump, it is also capable of supporting battery regeneration.

CONNECTIVITY

The 10,9-inch infotainment screen offers touch-, voice- and gesture-control functionality and is configurable through any number of display preferences. While online radio is available in supported markets, both Apple Carplay (including Siri) and the Porsche Connect app add to the system’s bouquet of modern functionality.

MOUNTING POINTS

In pursuit of even greater levels of precision, the 911’s flat-six engine is no longer mounted to a dedicated blade housing but instead directly to the chassis. Positioned 168 mm further forward and 113 mm wider in the engine bay, with the (14% larger) intercooler moved to a new position above the exhausts, the 992’s rear end is more rigid than any 911’s before it.

NEXT-GENERATION PDK

Debuting in the Panamera, Porsche’s PDK II dualclutch transmission has been optimised for more efficient shift patterns through various driving conditions, including a new wet mode. Able to accommodate hybrid technologies, this fully shiftby-wire eight-speed ‘box features direct oil injection and can handle more than 800 N.m of torque.