A Rare Opportunity to Experience the Evolution of Porsche

In my twenties, I worked for a local automotive magazine in Fukuoka and had the chance to test drive Porsches from the 930 era, including the "911 Carrera," as well as tuned Porsches by Ruf and Gemballa. The 911s back then had heavy clutches, and operating the clutch and shifting gears was difficult; it was simply a challenge to get used to driving them. I recall never quite mastering the 911's driving dynamics during that time.

For me, Porsche, with its simple design and glorious racing history, was an object of admiration since childhood. Becoming a driver who could handle a 911 as if it were an extension of my own body was my goal back then.



Since starting OPENERS, I've had opportunities to drive Porsche press cars for photoshoots, and I've driven the latest 991 generation 911, specifically the Carrera and Carrera 4S. Although these were brief test drives, I was astonished by how much more comfortable and easier to drive they were compared to the 930 era 911 I experienced previously. However, to be honest, they had evolved so much that I didn't feel the quintessential "Porsche-ness" as strongly.

This event featured a long course, a round trip from Porsche Japan's headquarters in Minato-ku, Tokyo, to Lake Nojiri via Karuizawa, allowing for in-depth test drives of four latest Porsche models over two days. It even included the most powerful 911 in the lineup, the 911 Turbo S, and the newly debuted Carrera T. It was truly a unique opportunity to experience the evolution of Porsche firsthand. I headed to Porsche Japan with the excitement of a child going on a field trip.

The Perfect Entry into the Porsche World: The 718 Boxster

We drove the 718 Boxster from Porsche Japan's headquarters in Minato-ku to the Karuizawa Marriott Hotel. After approximately 180 km of driving, encompassing city streets in Tokyo, the Shuto Expressway, the Kan-Etsu Expressway, and the winding roads of Karuizawa, my impression was that the 718 Boxster is the perfect car as an entry model to Porsche.



Beyond its relatively affordable price within the Porsche range, this open-top two-seater encapsulates Porsche's charm. It features a flat-four engine with a moderate 300ps—adequate power for a modern high-performance car—offering satisfying sound and response as the heart of a sports car. Its nimble and smooth handling, unique to mid-engine models, further enhances its appeal.

If I could go back to my single days, I would take out a 72-month loan and become a Porsche devotee with this car.

A Sports Car in SUV Clothing: The Macan Turbo

We drove the Macan Turbo from Karuizawa to Lake Nojiri via the Joshin-etsu Expressway. I had never driven a Macan before and only had the impression of it being a smaller sibling to the Cayenne. However, when I actually got behind the wheel, I was surprised. Despite its SUV appearance, its driving performance was that of a pure sports car.

The sharp engine response of the 3.6-liter V6 twin-turbo when accelerating, the acceleration reminiscent of a 911, and the feeling of cornering with the agility of a sports car, hugging the road – I was deeply moved by how Porsche can transform even an SUV into a first-class sports car.

The driving position is natural, visibility is excellent, and the operation of various controls is intuitive. Combined with its moderate body size, it's very easy to drive, making it perhaps the perfect family car for a car-loving dad.

A Glimpse into the World of Racing Cars: The 911 Carrera T

On the night we arrived at Lake Nojiri, we stayed at "Hotel El Bosco," a resort hotel nestled by the lake. It was a charming hotel that seemed to appeal to novelists and cultural figures, the perfect place to calm my exhilarated mind after a day immersed in Porsches. However, the next morning, my emotions soared to a peak in an instant. It was when I gripped the steering wheel of the 911 Carrera T.



Perhaps because of this, the car's response to steering inputs is sharp, and its movements are incredibly light. With significantly reduced sound insulation, the engine sound directly stimulates the eardrums. It gives a feeling akin to the gateway to a racing car. Without fear of misunderstanding, it possesses a directness that reminds me of the 930-era 911 I drove in my youth, and it was the model that most closely matched my image of a 911.

Well Worth its 30 Million Yen Price Tag: The 911 Turbo S

It was simply a magnificent car. Whether on winding roads, highways, or city streets, it was so easy to drive in every situation that I almost forgot it was a 580ps monster. The ride quality was substantial, feeling like a luxury sedan compared to the Carrera T I drove earlier.



Yet, when you press the accelerator deeply, it unleashes breathtaking acceleration. Furthermore, for instance, the way the engine blips with a "fwoomp" sound during downshifts in manual mode—such "devices" designed to delight the driver are incorporated throughout. Whether cruising through the city or attacking a winding road, it simply makes the heart race. The test car, with options, had a price tag exceeding 30 million yen, but after gripping the wheel of this car, I was convinced it was fully worth the value.