Showroom Spotlight: The Porsche 992
The unveiling of the 992 in November of 2018 was one of the Los Angeles Auto Show’s most spectacular events. With attendance from tennis star Maria Sharapova, and Porsche CEO Oliver Blume, the debut was as dramatic as could befit such an important event for the company. But looking back on the 992.1, what are the details behind the theatrics?
From the exterior, one of the substantial changes was the wheel arches, with the wider rear arches previously reserved for higher specification models now being standard across the range. This, coupled with revised bumpers and slick, retractable door handles, give the 992 a distinctive design difference from the 991s. Aluminum body panels were also used for weight saving and the PDK gearbox was revised as an 8-speed with new gear ratios more suited to the higher compression, turbocharged engine found in the Carrera models.
The model featured in our showroom is a Carrera 4S, the model described as “ridiculously fast and incredibly stable” by Autocar. Gaining the 4WD system and a boost up to 444 horsepower, it will do 0-60 in 3.2 seconds and will go on and on up to 190mph. But despite these supercar rivalling numbers, the C4S retains the ability to easily fit into your daily life, like many 911 before it.
As standard, the 992 C4S gets heated front seats, a leather interior, Apple CarPlay, and a “Wet mode” which can be enabled to allow the car to respond to hydroplaning in extremely wet weather. The newly revised interior is especially modern, with the previously central buttons for suspension and traction adjustment now located just above centre console as new, metallic finished physical switches. The drive mode selector, as in the 991.2, is found on the steering wheel as part of the sport chrono package selected on this car, amongst other options like a sports exhaust, BOSE sound system and a heated steering wheel. Bearing the option code “S0C” also marks this vehicle as a launch car, designed to demonstrate the best the 992 had to offer, so there is not much better of an example to make acquaintance with the 992 than this.
The driving experience of the 992 is heavily refined, in both feel and comfort aspects. Porsche’s latest version of the PADM engine mounts and PASM active suspension yet again do an incredible job at balancing relaxed cruising with sharp performance when the mood takes you. The sharp throttle response of the turbocharged engine is evident from the get-go, even if you have driven previous turbocharged Porsche’s. Ever happy to reach the redline is the new engine and once you get there, the PDK gearbox works its magic over the course of a few milliseconds to bring you into the next gear. The way these components blend to create such a compelling, rounded sports car was certainly justifying of Oliver Blume’s praise.
Around the bends the 4WD system provides subtle assistance to keep the car’s handling strong even in poor conditions, the rear bias ensuring it’s still all good fun. It never feels like it’s out of your control but still excites through a sheer ability to tackle anything you throw at it. The steering has a good connection to the road inspiring the confidence to really drive the car, then once you settle down, the steering becomes perfectly light and park assist keeps things easy, as a modern car should.
Overall, this 3-owner 992 is a great example of what may likely be the last fully combustion powered 911, as the 992.2 begins the shift to a hybrid era for the marque. At £79,995, we don’t expect it to be around for long, so to experience the latest in Porsche’s engineering legacy, you’ll have to be quick. Call Andy or Ross today to find out more about this 992, and our finance options for it, or if you have a lovely 992 of your own to sell, get in touch to find out how we can help.