Breakdown: 2012 Porsche 911 Carrera

Perfecting perfection

Breakdown-2012-Porsche-911-Carrera-Diagram-Gear-Patrol Porsche
breakdown-2012-porsche-911-gear-patrol-lead

Another Porsche 911? Really? What else can they change with this automotive icon? Prepare yourself. No miniscule aesthetic changes such as little headlight and taillight tweaks. That’s for sure.

This new version — known inside Porsche as the 991 — is different beyond expectations. 90% of the new car is reworked. With a stretched wheelbase and lower roofline, the car is larger. Expect handling to be more neutral and less “blow you into the weeds if you can’t drive” with an overall increase in performance and agility. Of course, the shape is still quintessential 911, but you definitely take notice of the changes. The car boasts increased fuel efficiency and an all new suspension system, so it’s not only more drivable, but also more practical. A 3.4-litre flat six with 345 ponies comes standard, while the Carrera S bumps things up to a direct injection 3.8-litre flat six engine with 395 hp. Look for the a beastly turbo, of course, and other tasty variations soon to follow. Any way you slice it’s still all Porsche goodness.

You’ll find our breakdown of this fresh young Vollbluthengst after the break.

Breakdown-2012-Porsche-911-Carrera-Diagram-Gear-PatrolPorsche

A. Light & Tight: all-new aluminum and steel body cuts weight by nearly 100 pounds.
B. Slippery Slope: increased aerodynamic efficiency aids in handling and performance.
C. Driver’s Den: modeled after the sick Carrera GT supercar, the cockpit is now more driver-focused with a higher mounted shifter and a high-visibility center console.
D. Wide Load: with a wider stance, the car handles better, clocking a 13 second reduction in the Nürburgring lap time, compared to the previous model.
E. Power to the (rich) People: 350 hp 3.4 liter flat six engine in the base car — smaller, lighter, more fuel efficient and faster.
F. Longer=Better: 100mm increased wheelbase and elongated body allow for a more aggressive profile and an instantly recognizable new look.

Buy Now: $82,100 (Carrera)

2012-Porsche-911-Carrera-Gear-Patrol-1_
2012-Porsche-911-Carrera-Gear-Patrol-2_
2012-Porsche-911-Carrera-Gear-Patrol-3_
2012-Porsche-911-Carrera-Gear-Patrol-4_
2012-Porsche-911-Carrera-Gear-Patrol-5_
2012-Porsche-911-Carrera-Gear-Patrol-6_
2012-Porsche-911-Carrera-S-Gear-Patrol-1_
2012-Porsche-911-Carrera-S-Gear-Patrol-2_
2012-Porsche-911-Carrera-S-Gear-Patrol-3_
2012-Porsche-911-Carrera-S-Gear-Patrol-4_
2012-Porsche-911-Carrera-S-Gear-Patrol-5_