The new Porsche 911 arrives; Purity meets Modernism

If there's one iconic sports car that takes us down memory lane, then, unquestionably, it has to be the sensational Porsche 911.  When we met with the participants of the Himalayan Challenge 2018 some months ago, we were giddy with excitement. Not because we were looking for content but because encountering those classic masterpieces was eerily reminiscent of the Need-for-Speed era! In the five and a half decades since the 911 debuted, the German masterpiece still stands as the embodiment of car design and it is still the quintessential example of visual aesthetics meets functionality.  It continues to set the standard when it comes to exclusive sportiness.[gallery size="full" ids="6638,6639,6637"]Although the eighth-gen Porsche 911, dubbed the 922, is refined and modernized, the basics have remained the same - boxer engine, the purist design language, and that sweeping silhouette.  The next generation of flat-six turbocharged engines has been further developed and is more powerful than ever before, with 450 PS in the S models. The power is delivered by a newly developed eight-speed dual-clutch transmission.The exterior design is completely new and emphasises the leap in performance for the 911 type 992. Significantly wider wheel housings arch over the 20-inch front wheels and 21-inch rear wheels. The rear end is now the same width across all models, highlighting the slimline centre section.[gallery size="full" ids="6645,6646,6647,6648"]At the front, the body is 45 mm wider. Flush integration of the electrical pop-out handles in the doors emphasises the tapered and smooth side contour. Between the new LED headlights, a bonnet with a pronounced recess evokes the design of the first 911 generations. The rear is dominated on all models by the significantly wider, variable-position rear spoiler and the seamless, elegant light bar. Apart from the front and rear sections, the entire outer skin is now made from aluminium.[gallery size="full" ids="6632,6643"]The completely new interior is characterised by the clear and straight lines of the dashboard with recessed instruments. The 911 models from the 1970s provided the inspiration here. Alongside the central rev counter – typical for Porsche – two thin, frameless freeform displays supply information to the driver. The centre screen of the PCM is now 10.9 inches, and can be operated quickly and without distraction thanks to the new architecture.[gallery size="full" ids="6642,6641,6640"]Located underneath this there is a compact switch unit with five buttons for direct access to important vehicle functions. In terms of digitalisation, the 911 takes the next step into the future with permanent connectivity as well as new functions and services. The standard PCM features include online navigation based on swarm data as well as Porsche Connect Plus.[gallery size="full" ids="6634,6636,6633"]In a world first, Porsche has developed Wet mode, included as standard. This function detects water on the road, preconditions the control systems accordingly and warns the driver; the driver can then adjust vehicle settings for a particular emphasis on safety at the push of a button, or by means of the mode switch on the steering wheel (optional Sport Chrono Package). The camera-based warning and brake assist system, also fitted as standard, detects the risk of collisions with other vehicles, pedestrians or cyclist and initiates a warning or emergency braking if necessary. Night Vision Assist with a thermal imaging camera is optionally available for the 911 for the first time. The adaptive cruise control option includes automatic distance control with stop-and-go function and reversible occupant protection.The 911’s features are rounded off by three exclusive digital offerings: the Porsche Road Trip app for extraordinary tours, the Porsche 360+ personal assistant, and the web-based Porsche Impact emissions calculator for neutralising your individual carbon footprint.