Driving the new 991

[craigyirush]

Had a drive in the new 991 yesterday courtesy of Circle Porsche in Long Beach.

Some impressions - it's a beautiful car, even better looking than the 997. I particularly like that '911' appears on the rear for the first time since the mid-70s (I think).

On the road, it feels less raw than the 996 and 997. More like a luxury car. Having said that, the power on tap is impressive. And when the sales rep allowed me to punch it in a tunnel, the sound was intoxicating.

I still wouldn't pay 124K for one, though (the price of the demonstrator I drove - an S with PDK). I wonder, though, what effect its arrival will have on the price of 997s?

On the way home, my old 3.2 Carrera, once the symbol of yuppie excess, felt like a stripped out racer by comparison. Which on reflection is no bad thing as I'm not sure I'd trade it for a 991 even if money were no object.

[tazzieman]

Well if 124k is a bit steep , you wouldn't pay north of $300k - which is the starting price downunder! Sounds like the perfect yuppie car for the 21st century. It's always interesting to speculate how many will be working well in 25 years time!
I have to wait til next month to check out the latest from Stuttgart.

[grant 911]

I just saw the 991 at the Philly Auto Show, and I was blown away. I had the chance to only sit in it, and it felt great. I don't like how it was cluttered with electronics. That was the only real downside. I'm a fan of having the bare minimum in a sports car. It's unreal how Porsche has kept the 911 evolving through the years. No other car like it.

[billh1963]

I wasn't sure that I would like the car; however, after seeing it I think it's growing on me!

[KNS]

Of all those people standing around the car I can't find one that is smiling...

Just saying

[tazzieman]

Originally Posted by KNS

Of all those people standing around the car I can't find one that is smiling...

More proof that alcohol and vehicles are a poor mix.

[billh1963]

I think they were still in sticker shock!

The black car had very few options and was around $95k. The silver was $124K. Sunroof is optional with the 991.

[Paul K]

Originally Posted by tazzieman

It's always interesting to speculate how many will be working well in 25 years time!

All that technology when it's 25 years old? No thanks.

[pegasus9]

That's an interesting point about not seeing anyone smiling. Sticker shock is right.
It's not a yuppie car anymore. It's for snobs.

I like the front.. and that's about it.

[porschenut]

Every time I look at it I get more disappointed. The 997 looked better, especially from the rear. And the sunroof! Foolish! That should always retract into the roof, not over it. What a horrible look for a $100k+ car. That design is reminiscent of clunky 80's American cars.

I could write a book on everything I hate about this car, and the direction that the 911 evolution has taken. Wrong, Porsche. Wrong, wrong, wrong. Wrong AGAIN.

Ferrari and Lamborghini now how to make cars that inspire passion. Every Ferrari 8-cylinder they ever put out looked better than the one that preceded it. Porsche did an about-face after the 993.

[Evans, Marv]

I really like the looks of it, and I might consider one if I had unlimited resources - which I do not. I agree about the electronic gadgets 25 years from now. Just think about trying to DIY that car in 25 years. It just means everything is leaning more & more toward planned obsolescence. Glad I snagged a '69.

[Tidybuoy]

Someone with PhotoShop skills should slap a jaguar logo on the rear deck and see if it fools anyone.

The head on shot looks like it's at the dentist with something stuck in its mouth.

The black side shot looks like an Astin Martin in the rear and a Panamera in the front.

My guess is that the 997 will "appreciate" in the very near future.

[winders]

Do you guys want any cheese with your significant amount of whine?

You are perfect examples of how people hate change.

Scott

[tazzieman]

Originally Posted by winders

You are perfect

I'm a glass half full sort of person...

[will hung]

I just saw one at an unveiling this past weekend. It looks great in person, sounds great in person, and I've read from many sources that the car drives fantastic. Having said that, the effect it will have on the prices of 997 will probably get me into a 997-2 GT3 some day.

[uwanna]

Originally Posted by winders

Do you guys want any cheese with your significant amount of whine?

You are perfect examples of how people hate change.

Scott

Could not agree with you more! The term Luddite comes to mind!

[andyt11]

Originally Posted by porschenut

Ferrari and Lamborghini now how to make cars that inspire passion. Every Ferrari 8-cylinder they ever put out looked better than the one that preceded it. Porsche did an about-face after the 993.

Beauty is a matter of opinion. For me, it's the first good looking 911 SINCE the 993.

Not that it's a concern for me one way or the other since I will not be able to buy one!

[porschenut]

Originally Posted by winders

Do you guys want any cheese with your significant amount of whine?

You are perfect examples of how people hate change.

Scott

Hate change? Hardly. We need a lot of it. Do you think every change is good?

I stated my opinion without attacking another's. It's a shame that so many others can't do the same.

[porschenut]

Originally Posted by uwanna

Could not agree with you more! The term Luddite comes to mind!

Huh? I criticized its looks, not its technology.

[nesslar]

I'll second (or beyond) criticism of the looks, in one word. Ick. At the very least, Porsche needs to totally rework all the lights front and rear. Awful stuff.