PORSCHE 911 (992) Carerra S

Hardly anything has changed in the engine, only the torque is 20 Nm lower than in the GTS, a tribute to the environmental regulations and the resulting petrol particulate filter in the current 992. It is common knowledge that this does not necessarily have a positive effect on the sound, but Porsche has nevertheless managed to create a thoroughly appealing sound! Speaking of responsiveness: The two turbos work so sensitively that you almost think you are in a car with a naturally aspirated engine and extremely high torque. The engine revs up willingly and literally catapults the Carrera S forward. The PDK also works perfectly. Compared to the steering of its direct predecessor, the 991.2 Carrera S, the steering in the 992soll be about six percent more direct in conjunction with the optional latest-generation rear-axle steering. A stiffer torsion bar provides improved response and higher precision. The package works flawlessly, even if not quite at the level of the GT versions! But considering that the Carrera is primarily driven on the road, this is a compromise without any real sacrifices! In direct comparison to the GTS, it is of course noticeable that the overall concept is designed more in the direction of an all-rounder that should convince as many customers as possible. The PDK shifts perfectly as usual, but a little softer, the steel brakes decelerate directly and in typical Porsche fashion, but also feel a little softer, which ultimately applies to the overall impression of the vehicle.

The improved aerodynamics are difficult to assess at the Pannonia Ring, but the improved driving stability is: the mixed tyres with 20-inch wheels on the front axle and 21-inch wheels on the rear axle of the S, used for the first time on Carrera models, and the wider track width allow the 911 to lie firmly on the road, even if it does not turn in quite as precisely as the 991.2 GTS. One is almost inclined to say: "The 992 handles everything a little more comfortably"... if it weren't for one decisive factor! The lap time of 2.06,9! This takes exactly one second off the 991.2 GTS, which was after all chasing times on Pirelli P Zero, while our current candidate is on Good Year Eagle F1.

CONCLUSION: The Carrera S is one of the biggest "surprise candidates" for me. Basically, I can repeat my statement about the GTS 991.2 almost 100%: It is currently the most coherent 911 for me. It is incredibly fast, offers complete suitability for everyday use and also feels more than comfortable on the racetrack. Taking into account that the test car was not fitted with semis, but with a Good Year Eagle F1 compound, the Carrera S is not only faster than the 991.2 GTS at the Pannonia Ring, but also faster than the pre-FL GT3 RS 991 and about as fast as the stronger, but also significantly heavier Turbo S. For me personally, this is currently the best choice from Porsche if you're not necessarily looking for a hardcore track tool like the current GT2 RS or GT3 RS... And: it's also significantly cheaper! However, if you don't just want to be fast, but are also looking for the "feeling of being fast" and want to perceive speed and precision with all your senses, you will be happier in the previous generation GTS... at least until the 992 GTS is on the market...