A Superb Sporting Nature That Moves the Soul

When you drive a Porsche "911," you truly feel that this is all you need. It encapsulates almost everything a sports car should be. Recently, Porsche announced its plan to develop a next-generation sports car that drives all four wheels with electric motors, dubbed "Mission E."Mission EWhile I want to support Porsche's new direction, I also want to enjoy the 911 just a little longer. Furthermore, the charm of the current 911 (before the turbocharging) is something that can only be truly appreciated right now.Mission EWhile I want to support Porsche's new direction, I also want to enjoy the 911 just a little longer. Furthermore, the charm of the current 911 (before the turbocharging) is something that can only be truly appreciated right now.

The current model of the Porsche 911 (known by enthusiasts by its code name "991")was announced in 2011.As the previous 911 ("997" model) shared its chassis with the 911 model before that ("996" model), the current model's greatest appeal lies in its significant technological leap.

The chassis uses lightweight materials such as aluminum, reducing its weight by up to 60kg. Meanwhile, the wheelbase has been extended by 100mm, and the rear engine mounting position has been revised, leading to improvements in the suspension layout.

Porsche 911 Carrera

The engine is based on a newly developed flat-six engine prepared for the latter half of the "997" series. It features direct fuel injection and Porsche's variable valve lift and timing system, dubbed "VarioCam." The unit for the base "Carrera" and "Carrera Cabriolet" models has been downsized from the previous 3.6 liters to 3.4 liters, improving fuel efficiency. However, its output has increased by 5ps.

The 911 is a large family, with nearly 20 models currently available in Japan. The "911 Turbo S Cabriolet" carries a price tag approaching 30 million yen. If you have a deep wallet, the choices for enjoyment are vast. Nevertheless, the core appeal of the 911 can be fully experienced in the 911 Carrera.

The most basic 911 Carrera (though still priced at 11.78 million yen), equipped with a 7-speed manual transmission, possesses a superb sporting nature that truly moves the soul.

The Core of the 911 Lineup

The "Carrera," positioned at the most basic level of the 911 lineup, is the name that symbolizes the 911. Readers will already know, but it originates from the "Carrera Panamericana México," a road race in which Porsche was active in the 1950s, and is Spanish for "race." It was used as a sub-name for the 356 model and has been used for the 911 since 1984 (except for the Turbo models).

For this reason, I believe the 911 Carrera remains the core of the 911 lineup. It's not a model set up for ease of purchase due to its lower price or performance figures. Its rich content becomes immediately apparent when you drive it.

Two models are currently available for the 911 Carrera: one with a 7-speed manual transmission and another with Porsche's twin-clutch 2-pedal system, called PDK. Both have their merits, and some may prefer the PDK, as it allows for faster and sportier gear changes than a human operating a clutch pedal. While that may be the case, it's never too late to try the manual transmission before making your decision.

Porsche 911 Carrera

The Carrera is fundamentally a well-executed car. Its maximum torque of 390Nm is generated at 5,600rpm, a perfectly sporty setting. It delivers ample practical torque from low RPMs, pushing the car forward with seamless acceleration as the engine speed rises. Although the engine sound is considerably muted, the high-frequency components are skillfully extracted, providing a pleasant auditory stimulus. This acceleration sensation is truly exhilarating.

Although the engine is smaller, it's still 3.4 liters. It produces abundant torque, and from just under 1,000rpm to just before the red zone, you can experience sharp acceleration without any hesitation across all RPM ranges. This is where the advantage of a naturally aspirated engine, as opposed to a turbocharged one, lies. Given Porsche's high level of technological prowess, including the perceived performance of their turbocharged cars, I'm sure a turbocharged version would also offer a captivating experience.

The manual transmission pairs well with the wide torque band of the naturally aspirated engine. Its advantage over the PDK, in terms of sensation, is the feeling of being in control. Porsche's ability to precisely interpret the driver's input on the accelerator pedal for acceleration and deceleration is exceptionally skillful. In reality, the driver controls the car's movements with every part of their body, and it feels incredibly natural. Consequently, you can enjoy the car's dynamics simply through shifting gears up and down.

Porsche 911 Carrera

For a sports car, the ability to change gears with just a wrist movement is a "must," and in the 911 Carrera, the range of motion, both up/down and left/right, is extremely small. However, the gears have a distinct gate feel. After starting in first gear, located in the conventional front/back position, shifting up feels smooth and satisfying as the gear slots into place with minimal movement, as if being drawn in.

The clutch engagement point is also well-calibrated, making it easy to handle even for inexperienced drivers, and you'll quickly get used to it. Given its substantial capacity, shifts are incredibly smooth even when downshifting after revving high. The same applies to downshifts. The enjoyment of rev-matching and downshifting while listening to the mechanical and exhaust notes of the flat-six engine behind you is a unique pleasure of sports cars.

As a side note, I believe gear changes can be made more quickly with the dominant hand. Since the steering wheel position can be chosen, I personally would opt for the left-hand drive specification for this car.

The "fearsome" aspect of the 911 is that there's always something more. That's the "911 Carrera 4 GTS." Porsche describes it as a model for drivers seeking joy that cannot be found elsewhere.

The Pinnacle of Porsche's Advanced Technology

We've established that starting with the Carrera is the way to enjoy the 911. Further enjoyment comes from the richness of the lineup. Porsche's marketing, ahead of its competitors, has expanded the model range to allow customers to choose according to their desired style. The fact that the technical content is genuinely substantial, not just the level of equipment, is something rarely achieved by manufacturers other than Porsche.

A prime example is the "911 Carrera 4 GTS." It is characterized by its blend of luxury and sporty performance reminiscent of a circuit. Compared to the "Carrera S" with its 3.8-liter engine producing 294kW (400ps), the GTS features a body with rear fenders widened by 40mm and, despite the same displacement, a specially tuned engine producing 316kW (430ps), an increase of 22kW (30ps).

Porsche 911 Carrera 4 GTS

The character of the GTS is akin to high-performance sportswear. It enhances athletic function without restricting movement, and this sensation is present in its handling. The feeling of acceleration, as if speed were increasing infinitely, is like dreaming that your athlete's legs have sprouted wings and you're soaring into the heavens.

While there are no complaints about the acceleration, handling, or braking of the 911 Carrera, the GTS makes you feel that there is something more. This is where the pinnacle of Porsche's advanced technology lies. The price difference of approximately 6 million yen is not just for features like the "Dynamic Light System," which selectively avoids illuminating oncoming cars when detected by high beams, or the Alcantara-covered seats derived from race cars.

The GTS is equipped with numerous features that enhance sporty driving, such as the "Active Suspension Management System" that allows for adjustable suspension stiffness and the "Sport Chrono Package." Above all, the meticulously tuned brakes that offer exquisite feedback, feeling almost directly connected to the driver, and the precise steering that allows for millimeter-perfect line changes—these are undoubtedly where Porsche engineers' know-how is concentrated. I believe this is the greatest value of the GTS.

Porsche 911 Carrera 4 GTS

The model I test drove was the Carrera 4 GTS, equipped with a four-wheel-drive system. Combined with the "Traction Management System," the electronic control of the multi-plate clutch manages the front-to-rear torque distribution. Porsche also highlights its high level of safety on snowy roads by varying the torque distribution according to road conditions and driving modes.

As this was a limited test drive, my time on the highway was restricted, and I couldn't experience surfaces with varying coefficients of friction. Therefore, I couldn't fully appreciate the true value of the Carrera 4, which can be described as a versatile grand tourer. Its character also differs in sporty driving situations, such as on a circuit. Experiencing its natural driving feel, I found myself contemplating whether I would choose two-wheel drive or four-wheel drive. The difficult choices seem endless. I wonder if Porsche will forever keep me in this delightful dilemma.