Model 992 CARRERA S Year 2022 Acquired DECEMBER 2021
As I’ve now driven nearly 1,000 miles in my new 992, it’s share some impressions. And the news is very good indeed. The turbocharged 3.0-litre engine is rated by Porsche at 443 BHP and 529Nm of torque, but it feels more like 500bhp. Coupled with a 1,490kg curb weight, this torque-rich engine provides prodigious passing power without any discernible turbo lag at any speed while still revving freely all the way to 7,500rpm, with that flat six howl reminiscent of the best normally aspirated 911 engines.
Some folks have suggested that the S model is even overpowered and the base Carrera is more fun because you have to work it harder, but I’m glad to have chosen the S. I love how it delivers that power even at low speeds. In addition, the S comes as standard with the larger ‘big red’ brakes with their ‘hand of God’ stopping power, as well as Porsche Torque Vectoring that adds uncanny traction and stability in corners.
As ever, the PDK transmission is magical, and while some may prefer the manual seven-speed for greater involvement, I enjoy the ability to concentrate on braking and cornering, and rarely feel the need to use the paddles, so intuitive is the system’s ability to shift up or down at exactly the right time. In combination with the four drive modes (Normal, Sport, Sport Plus and Wet), this transmission enables the car to be everything from a smooth daily driver to a track-day monster.
Because I live in the Pacific Northwest that gets more than its fair share of rainy and occasionally snowy weather, a high percentage of 911s sold here are the 4S models. But I always prefer the better steering feel and lighter weight of a 2S, and placed my bet that in combination with the new ‘Wet Mode’ I would be just fine without a four-wheel drive system. And I was right – Wet Mode is fantastic! You know what happens in really heavy rain? Nothing! No rear end wiggles, and no perceptible loss of traction, even when pushing hard out of corners. When I head to the track later in the year it’ll be interesting to see if the system is too intrusive in heavy rain situations, but in everyday driving it certainly instils great confidence without spoiling the fun.
This new, slightly larger (but lighter) car feels agile and very much a sports car.
It’s nothing like a “GT cruiser” as some had feared. Credit the rigid body structure with a low centre of gravity, the wider front (by 45mm) and rear (by 44mm) tracks along with the 20/21-inch wheels that create greater contact patches, dynamic engine mounts, excellent PASM suspension tuning and superbly quick and accurate electric steering.
This 992 is the best 911 I’ve ever owned. It’s a true sports car and a major leap forward in all areas. We all owe a debt of gratitude to August Achleitner, the head of 911 product management for decades whose final car before his retirement in 2018 was the 992. In my opinion, he saved his best work for last.