PORSCHE 991 CARRERA 2 (SOLD) (2012)

BACKGROUND

Remarkably for a sports car that is nearly 60-year’s old, the 991 version of the 911 – launched in 2011 - is only the third all new re-working of the iconic design. Carrying virtually nothing over from the 997, in terms of engineering, the 991 does, of course, continue the 911’s and Porsche’s stubborn rear-engined ideology. And that’s why we love it. Oh, and there’s no mistaking exactly what it is, either. Well ditching the 911 silhouette, would be to destroy all that history.

So the 911 evolution continued and needless to say, Porsche wasn’t going to drop the ball. The 991 carried on the good work. Customer demand dictated a 911 that was bigger than the 997, but still (just) compact enough for our small island and of course with all the day-to-day practicality that make a 911 such an effective touring machine, too.

The 991 launched in standard Carrera and Carrera S form, with 3.4 litre, 350bhp and 3.8-litre, 400bhp engines respectively. Four-wheel drive versions followed, as did the Cabrio and Targa, plus Turbo and halo GT models.

There was a wait for a 7-speed manual version, over the standard PDK. For once, we’re not going to wax lyrical over manual being best. The truth is – it’s not one of Porsche’s finest self-shifting experiences.

The Gen2 991 that followed in 2015, effectively spelt the end of the naturally aspirated 911, as eco and emissions compliant turbo engines became standard across the range, save for the GT3.

GREY MATTER

Which brings us neatly to this excellent example of the 991 era 911 Carrera. In smart Agate Grey metallic, with contrasting black, 20” Carrera S alloys, this is an early 2011 car, first registered on 29/12/2011.

In two-wheel drive form, this is the spec that’s close to our heart, and as per the above observation, the 7-speed PDK gearbox is not a drawback.

The 3.4-litre, 350bhp, direct-injection, flat-six likes to rev and tops out at 180mph+, while 0-60mph is a sub 5sec formality. Typically, though, it will deliver an easy 35mpg on a light throttle/run.

Extras extend to PASM (Porsche Active Suspension Management), with Sport Chrono plus. Full extended, black leather interior, electric tilt/slide sunroof, Bose speaker upgrade, heated seats and parking sensors front and rear.

With four previous owners, the current mileage stands at just 61,200-miles. As you would expect, it has a full service history, carried out with a mix of Porsche Centre and respected Porsche specialists. Likewise, in view of mileage and age, work performed has been routine, with no major issues to report. In-short, the model of Porsche dependability.

ON THE ROAD

Wow! This is a modern Porsche 911 all right! It gets to the point very quickly indeed. The engine is super-responsive to the throttle, even more so in Sport mode, while Sports Plus is probably best left for the track. Likewise the PDK gearbox is seamless and adapts to your mood/driving style. Take it easy and it will short-shift to seventh almost imperceptibly. Want to press on and in Sport or Sport Plus it will rev out and shift with race car vigour, and work the throttle on the downshifts, too. The perfect combo, for Brit roads is Sport for throttle response, with the dampers in their normal setting. But that’s just us.

And when you’re not using it as a 911 should be used, then this 991 becomes the perfect touring companion, with that added space and comfort over the previous 997 generation.

IN SUMMARY

What’s not to like? The last of the normally aspirated 911 Carrera 2s, in a desirable colour and with all the right options. The modern 911 sweet-spot? We wouldn’t argue with that assessment.

SPECIFICATION