The New 2020 Porsche 911 Is The Greatest Ever

Porsche has gone to incredible length to make the new 992 generation 911, the 8^th of its name, the greatest ever. And by greatest, I’m only partially referring to performance. The Carrera S and 4S, are the first versions of the new 911 to be released and yes, they are ballistically fast.

From the passenger seat

I know this because I was served a few hot laps around a portion of the famous Hockenheimring racetrack. For those serious about pushing the boundaries of physics, the new 911 will deliver something fierce. The power and transmission are two elements that will juxtapose reality and the limits of sanity in the right hands.

To say the 2020 Porsche 911 Carrera S grips the road like no one’s business is no surprise. While I was not driving, the immediacy of the chassis’ and related mechanicals’ responses to every input threw me for a curve, from the passenger seat. While on the topic of the drive, the new 911’s platform and specifically adjustable dampers are all designed to take the edge off the driving experience without, for a moment, compromising handling. The ride now provides a greater spread between comfort and compliance for both front and rear axles.

This is a partial result of Porsche’s gargantuan efforts in relation to quality, in every respect. I’ll await for a future test drive and further report on what it’s like to sit behind the wheel.

Luxury to meet all expectations

The previous generation 991 Porsche 911 was arguably the first to combine true luxury features and technology for those that seek to be associated with the brand’s ever so desirable image and to own the perennial Porsche without setting aside their desire to be pampered. A 911 has always delivered, but never pampered. The 991’s success demonstrated to Porsche that there are many potential new customers to gain by catering to a larger audience.

The new 911 takes serious inspiration from the Panamera flagship on numerous levels including when it comes to interior accoutrements. Cabin surroundings quality has always been high in a 911 but this is the first time where surfaces are designed to be both luxurious and functional. The larger interior is more welcoming with its 10.9-inch screen, lovely materials and attention to details.

For the 2020 model year, the 911 becomes a little more “GT” than it ever has. The precise attention to how the occupants feel beyond the elation that comes with driving a 911 has never been more in focus. Factor in the performance, styling and a Porsche’s undeniably intoxicating aura one begins to understand why this will be the greatest 911 ever.

It’s all in the details that will never fully be appreciated

And yet, it’s more than this, it’s more than what is visible. Sadly, most of the details will be lost on almost all owners. For example, the way the engine is now mounted to the chassis’ longitudinal members instead of on a crossbar. This change has drastically limited engine oscillations that are typically transmitted to the car. The stronger connection to the chassis limits the effects of engine weight transfers in spirited driving instances. As well, the engine is now 20cm further forward…

There’s much more to share on the new 911 however what’s evident after the two-day-long deep dive is that the level of engineering and planning that went into this new generation 911 is astounding.

All that remains now is to drive it. We. Can’t. Wait.