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Home | Porsche | Review All New 2012 Porsche 911 Coupe February 19, 2012

Review All New 2012 Porsche 911 Coupe

The all-new, 991-type version of the 2012 Porsche 911 is powered by a rear-mounted, horizontally opposed six-cylinder engine, continuing a tradition that goes back 48 years to the first 911. The new 991 models feature a standard seven-speed manual transmission. A seven-speed dual-clutch automated manual (known as PDK) is available as an option.

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The 991 Carrera sports a 3.4-liter engine producing 350 hp and 287 pound-feet of torque. Porsche estimates it will go from zero to 60 mph in 4.4 seconds for the PDK. The Carrera S is powered by a 3.8-liter engine that makes 400 hp and 325 lb-ft of torque. In Edmunds performance testing, a manual-equipped Carrera S went from zero to 60 mph in 4.6 seconds, while PDK should shave several tenths off of that.

Most of the 997 models that carry over are offered with a six-speed manual transmission, while PDK is standard on the Turbo S and optional on all but GT3 models. All-wheel drive is included on the Turbo, Turbo S and any model with 4 in its name.

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The Carrera and Targa get a 3.6-liter unit with 345 hp and 288 lb-ft of torque. The S models get a 3.8-liter unit with 385 hp and 310 lb-ft of torque. This engine gets bumped up to 408 hp in the Carrera GTS and Speedster or when equipped with the Carrera S Powerkit. Expect these 911s to go from zero to 60 mph in about 4.5 seconds or less. Fuel economy for these engines is quite strong for a sports car, averaging 21 or 22 mpg combined.

The Turbo has a twin-turbocharged version of the Carrera S engine that produces 500 hp and 480 lb-ft of torque. An overboost function cranks the torque output to 516 lb-ft. In Edmunds performance testing with a PDK-equipped car, this engine was enough to hit 60 in a staggering 3.2 seconds. The Turbo S should be even quicker, with 530 hp, 516 lb-ft of torque and standard PDK.

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The GT3 reverts to a naturally aspirated 3.8-liter good for 435 hp and 317 lb-ft of torque. As in all the high-performance GT 911s, a six-speed manual is mandatory. In performance testing, it hit 60 mph in 4 seconds flat. The GT3 RS gets a bump up to 450 hp, while the GT3 RS 4.0 gets a 4.0-liter flat-6 that produces 500 hp and 339 lb-ft of torque.

Finally, the GT2 RS gets a version of the Turbo S engine, but with a whopping 620 hp. Given that it only has the rear wheels for traction and the manual standard, expect it to be about equal to the Turbo in a straight line.

Whether you’re looking into the new 991 Porsche 911 or the outgoing 997 generation, exceptional build quality and superior materials are consistent throughout the varied lineup. Leather surfaces are top-notch and plastics are convincingly grained to match.

The redesigned 911 interior features a center console that sweeps upwards, creating a unified bridge between the center armrest and dash that’s similar to the design Porsche uses for its Panamera sedan. The upside is that the gearshift is conveniently placed closer to the steering wheel; the downside is that the cabin feels less open and spacious than before. The new car’s longer wheelbase also translates to added legroom, but only by 1 inch for the front seats. Rear seats also benefit from added legroom, but are still barely suitable even for small children. Realistically, their flip-down seatbacks create a useful parcel shelf big enough to hold a golf bag.

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Either 911 generation provide supportive front bucket seats that do a great job of holding both driver and passenger in place while cornering. Roomy footwells and a tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel mean the 911 can accommodate drivers of nearly all sizes. Interior controls are relatively simple to operate, and items like navigation, Bluetooth, the iPod interface and ventilated seats help make this sports car a viable daily driver.

Every 2012 Porsche 911 comes with antilock ventilated disc brakes, stability control and front, side and side curtain airbags. The new 991 models also include knee airbags for the driver and front passenger.

In Edmunds brake testing, the new 991 Carrera S came to a stop from 60 mph in an exceptional 102 feet. Despite being of an older design, the 997 Carrera 4 and the Turbo still stopped in 104 feet. The GT3 stopped in 99 feet. Given this excellent performance, you’d only need the available ceramic composite brakes if you frequent high-performance driving events.

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