by Turo
posted on May 25, 2019
The Porsche 992 keeps its cool for a new generation
The Porsche 911 is a classic.
In the 1960s, the first-generation Porsche 911 (originally designated as Porsche 901) became the “it” car of the Hollywood elite. Unlike other flashier exotic brands, the Porsche 911 had a way of projecting confidence and sophistication yet low-key enough to be cool, like Janis Joplin cool.
Seriously. She said it in her own lyrics, “all my friends drive Porsches” in her 1971 song “Mercedes-Benz.”
And for millennials who may not have grown up with Janis Joplin blasting on the radio, the Disney movie Cars gave us Sally Carrera, Radiator Springs’ very own Porsche resident, probably one of the coolest Porsche 911s you’ll meet, tattoo and all.
Today, there’s a new generation of Porsche 911 fresh off the assembly line (for Porsche newbies, Porsche 992 is the internal name for the eighth generation of the rear-engine sports car). But is it possible for Porsche to update a classic without losing its original cool? The answer is yes.
Maintaining the classic 911 look
Whether you’re a Porsche enthusiast or know very little, chances are you’re familiar with the distinct shape of the Porsche 911.
The Porsche 992 keeps that same rounded-back silhouette that originated with the Porsche 356 (the Volkswagen Beetle, really), making only small adjustments like widening the rear bodywork and the front track and adding matching wider front fenders. The wheelbase is unchanged, but overall length grows by about an inch because of a more rounded nose.
The 992 is also a little bit heavier than the previous model. According to Car and Driver, the 992 Carrera S is 163 pounds heavier than the old car, and the 4S carries 158 more pounds. But taking into considering the increases in width and the length of the Porsche 992, the vehicle is a lighter, more agile car.
Porsche also made some adjustments to reduce the drag coefficient by adding a massive active rear spoiler to cover the outer edges of the taillight. The rear spoiler retracts in stages, taking it from casual drives down Main Street to reaching its top speed on the freeway.
Updating the Porsche 992 interior
Aside from the larger, 10.9-inch touchscreen pulled right from the Panamera and Macan inside the Porsche 992 interior, much of the cockpit remains unchanged.
A traditional five-dial instrument remains, but only the tachometer keeps its old school mechanical needle and its position behind the wheel. The one on the left shows a traditional-looking speedometer or displays the various driver aids now optional on the 992. Once again, new and old are merged to create something unique for the 2020 Porsche 911.
Speed and specs
The 2020 Porsche 911 goes from zero to 60 mph in four seconds (4.2 for the Porsche Carrera Cabriolet) with the twin-turbocharged flat 6 in the rear. The new 911 Carrera is tuned for 379 horsepower, impressive numbers for the base model.
The Porsche 911 boasts exceptional power across the torque band. The latest model is responsive with a wide torque plateau, a true descendant of the 1960s classic.
No word yet on when the Porsche 992’s manual transmission will make its debut. Porsche has promised seven-speed manual transmission for the Carrera and the Carrera S.
Even if these updates were all Porsche did to this classic ride, it would already be an upgrade. But Porsche being Porsche, it upgraded the new 992 with a little extra.
Porsche 911 named 2019’s “most profitable car”
The eighth generation of this classic sports car was officially named “Most Profitable Car” by Bloomberg Intelligence after accounting for nearly 30% of total Porsche AG earnings in 2019 with a high profit margin. The Porsche 911 beat out big names, including the Ferrari F8 Tributo, Aston Martin DBX, Mercedes-Benz GLE, and BMW X5.
And people aren’t just flocking to buy the base model of the Porsche 911. They’re purchasing models with upgrades, leaving the base model the least profitable version of the car. As the saying goes, go big or go home. With sophisticated upgrades and more power, the new 911 will be no exception.
What to expect for the 2020 Porsche 911 Turbo
The regular 911 has been turbocharged since the 2016 model year, but the new 992 Turbo will get a significant upgrade. With 600 horsepower said to come from the twin-turbocharged flat-six, the new Turbo model should leave the current and past Turbo 911s in the dust.
All-wheel drive will be standard, as will Porsche’s new eight-speed PDK transmission, and a slew of dynamic aids like rear-wheel steering.
The 992 Turbo model is set to come out by the end of 2019 with a price tag starting at $161,000.
A Porsche 911 for everyone
The Porsche 911 has long established itself as a classic choice for anyone looking for speed and sophistication. And there really is a Porsche 911 for everyone.
But if you don’t believe us, read up on all the different Porsche 911 models of the outgoing generation. Chances are you’ll find one that was made specifically with you in mind.
And when you’re ready, take one for a spin yourself and see what the fuss is all about!
