2009 Porsche 911 - First Drive

cpruitt submitted on 06/24/2008 Official AutoSpies Timestamp: 12:42 PM
from: www.motortrend.com

Tags: 2009 Porsche 911, First Drive

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2009 Porsche 911

First Drive

2009 Porsche 911 - First Drive

Consider the 2009 911 a brand-new car, even though the basic structure remains essentially the same as the outgoing model's. Two entirely new and more powerful engines and a new twin-clutch automatic transmission are the major refinements to Porsche's 45-year-old model, but there's much more to the transformation than the powertrains.

Suspension, brakes, lighting, interior and exterior styling all were massaged for the Carrera and Carrera S, and the process has resulted in the best 911 yet. We drove both models on a drizzly day over autobahn and narrow German back roads, and all we could do at the end of the drive was shake our heads in admiration: They've done it again. They've built a better 911. Arriving at North American showrooms in September, the lineup is a base Carrera Coupe, outfitted with a 3.6L, 345-hp boxer six and mated to a revised six-speed manual, at $75,600. The base Cabriolet and Carrera S Coupe, which is powered by a 3.8L six with 385 hp, are both $86,200, while the Carrera S Cabriolet is $96,800.

Both models boast more power, bigger brakes, more athletic suspensions, and a clean and classic exterior rehabilitation, but arguably the most significant aspect of the oh-niners is Porsche-Doppelkupplungsgetriebe (say PDK to avoid lingual strain), the new twin-clutch gearbox that replaces the generally unloved Tiptronic S. Read Article

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TurboSpyder - 6/24/2008 2:57:14 PMView My AgentSpace

+8 Boost

I'll take a Carrera S please.

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Kraut_god - 6/24/2008 3:34:09 PM

-11 Boost

slow

pcar4evr - 6/24/2008 4:13:16 PM

+6 Boost

slow?

R&T lists the manual 355 hp Carrera S at 0-60 in 3.9 and 1/4 mile in 12.3@115 mph. New car has 385 hp and more torque (and PDK with the the launch control option shaves nearly 0.5 sec off of the 6 speed's time.).

audirevolution - 6/24/2008 4:58:07 PM

+8 Boost

Faster than your certified pre-owned 1987 Corolla.

ThierryHenry14 - 6/24/2008 5:39:21 PM

+5 Boost

let me guess, Kraut God...

GT-R is faster, LF-A will destroy it, NSX is much better with its V10 (or V8, which ever one they choose)

Agent63 - 6/24/2008 7:35:10 PMView My AgentSpace

+5 Boost

Henry, that's what them fanboys always do.

Porschinator - 6/24/2008 8:29:57 PM

+6 Boost

Naw...kraut is just here to annoy...mission accomplished =) Nuff said...

t_bone - 6/24/2008 10:46:13 PM

+4 Boost

Honestly, I would have to go with the base car now. Nearly as fast as the current S, plus save a bundle of money on the car and the gas. I've talked to a few of my friends and they are saying the same thing.

TurboSpyder - 6/25/2008 1:06:50 AMView My AgentSpace

+4 Boost

"Faster than your certified pre-owned 1987 Corolla."

LMAO!

GTR35 - 6/24/2008 2:59:00 PMView My AgentSpace

+3 Boost

I can see a few differences especially the rear lights, Porsche is sure playing it safe. I would not call it a brand new car though, despite having new engines/trannys
Like always they will not find it hard to sell them.

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Heyhuub - 6/25/2008 10:53:50 AM

+2 Boost

Thats because it's a facelift.

pcar4evr - 6/24/2008 2:59:54 PM

+2 Boost

I just ordered a 09 Carrera S, but was really unsure about PDK. There's nothing as sweet rowing the gears of a Porsche 6 speed equipped with the sport shift option.
I had an Audi with DSG and after the novelty wore off, I was just bored. What would you do? PDK or manual?

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TurboSpyder - 6/24/2008 3:10:32 PMView My AgentSpace

+3 Boost

I agree with you that the manual would be more fun and I think high-performance cars sound better (starting off, for example) with a manual but if you do a lot of commuting, the PDK would probably be an acceptable compromise and it does, ultimately, produce better acceleration numbers.

07mcs - 6/24/2008 7:11:00 PM

+2 Boost

if you get bored with the auto get the manual. the auto is .2 seconds faster to 62mph than the manual and it offers a launch control too.

Jaybrn - 7/23/2008 2:09:05 PM

+1 Boost

Id have to try the PDK as well, I recently test drove a E92 M3 coupe and would have to go with the stick if I bought one, its just too delicious to row through the gears and then hit M mode to notice the increased throttle response and other do-dads. If I had the extra dough, Carrera please, and if I hit mega million jackpot this week, than maybe an S Cabrio with 20K in the usual options.

jochet - 7/24/2008 9:55:00 PM

+1 Boost

PDK

ubercool - 6/24/2008 3:40:31 PM

-10 Boost

Boring car, needs restyling...

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Porschinator - 6/24/2008 8:34:55 PM

+4 Boost

LOL...I guess you have not noticed the other models. 911's are supposed to be an ever evolving/improving sports car. They are not going to drastically change its looks or anything down that line like some Toyota, but make what is great even greater. Its a pursuit to making the best from its base design. Can't wait to get one...

autopro - 6/24/2008 3:58:30 PMView My AgentSpace

+5 Boost

I sold these back in 1985 through 1990.Nothing else feels like a Porsche.

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ThierryHenry14 - 6/24/2008 5:38:06 PM

+6 Boost

People who thinks this car's styling is boring has no appreciation for Porsches.

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Porschinator - 6/24/2008 8:38:08 PM

+7 Boost

I don't mind people not appreciating Porsches since no ride fits all tastes. But when someone says that they need to completely change the Porsche 911 on the lines of Nissan 280Z to the 300Z is rediculous. The 911 lines are timeless. My only gripe is the long hangover the rear. Can scrape, but besides that minor worry...ALL GOOD!!!

ThierryHenry14 - 6/25/2008 1:47:24 AM

+3 Boost

I absolutely agree. I can't go to certain shopping plazas by me because the way down is too steep of a incline...

But yes, you are 100% correct.

MadibaP - 6/26/2008 3:20:24 AM

+1 Boost

They simply need a hydro lift system surely?

Batman219 - 6/24/2008 6:15:36 PM

+4 Boost

I'll take mine Carrera S black/black.

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EL34 - 6/24/2008 6:18:20 PM

+4 Boost

That's my next Porsche!

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07mcs - 6/24/2008 7:11:58 PM

+5 Boost

only when the housing market gets better in OC.

nsmatt - 6/24/2008 7:17:26 PM

+4 Boost

It takes a truly special car design to live this long.

I am thoroughly in love with the Carrera.

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Agent63 - 6/24/2008 7:37:45 PMView My AgentSpace

+5 Boost

Always have and always will love this iconic 911. Porsche sure knows how to use their power and have made it a sure footed and well planted car generating numbers that cars with bigger engines and more power can produce.

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LexSucks - 6/24/2008 8:10:02 PM

-7 Boost

Why do we keep giving Porsche a pass? Are they incapable of creating a new design for their flagship? Enough of this 1950's VW beetle inspired crap already.

Ferrari doesn't seem to have a problem creating new designs. I guess that's why Porsche isn't Ferrari.

Oh yeah, I'd gladly love to own any recent 911. But that is despite of the design, not because of it.

Let the deboosting begin.

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nsmatt - 6/24/2008 8:36:50 PM

+7 Boost

If it ain't broke, don't fix it.

Agent63 - 6/24/2008 9:54:52 PMView My AgentSpace

+6 Boost

It's what you call a timeless design. Iconic look that defines Porsche. If you change the 911 it will loose the heritage that the 911 built for Porsche. If they started building cars that looked like Ferrari people will just call it a Ferrari "wannabee". With the Carrera GT they came out of tradition but the engineering is still superb.

There's a reason why their such a successful company. They're not only marvels in the automotive industry but their executives know how to run a company. Afterall it is a business.

Porsche is nothing like Ferrari or Lamborghini despite many enthusiasts who say they are at the same level. I think they are very well capable but why mess with a good thing?.

Unlike Ferrari and Lamborghini Porsche isn't owned by a parent company like BMW or Volkswagen(Audi). Porsche owns a good stake VW and that shows a lot about a company's financial status. I guess if you want the crazy styling with performance go by a Ferrari. If you want understated yet recognized and respected go buy a Porsche. Different tastes and desires for different types of consumers. Both are equally deep pocketed if you ask me.

ThierryHenry14 - 6/25/2008 1:51:51 AM

+4 Boost

Well stated Agent63...

Besides, you are absolutely right, that is why Porsche is no Ferrari... Not taking anything away from Ferrari, but Porsche is not about show, its all about proven success, and when you are the most successful performance car in the history of performance car, you don't need to conform to what people like you LEXSUCKS, have to say, because they will always have loyal followings...

Htay7500 - 6/24/2008 8:49:34 PM

+4 Boost

I liked the older tailights (red and white). but nonethless, its ok.

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mpls - 6/24/2008 9:21:11 PM

-8 Boost

Meet the new Porsche.. same as the old one..

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nsmatt - 6/24/2008 10:05:13 PM

+5 Boost

Are you illiterate, or just blatantly ignorant?

ThierryHenry14 - 6/25/2008 1:53:12 AM

+3 Boost

blatantly ignorant... and needing attention to his post...

auto001 - 6/24/2008 11:28:07 PM

-8 Boost

and the most boring cars of the year goes to... Porsche, Porsche and more Porsche!

Porsche's are so boring, I'd rather stare at a minibus :)

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ThierryHenry14 - 6/25/2008 1:54:03 AM

+3 Boost

Obviously, you have never owned one, let alone driven one, not to mention rode in one...

pcar4evr - 6/25/2008 4:27:05 AM

+2 Boost

Looks are subjective so your opinion, though in the minority, is valid (to you). But anyone who has driven a 911 knows that there are very few cars that have the balance, handling, steering, braking, connection to the road, and acceleration of a 911 while at the same time offering comfort and reliability. And, it's been like this for many years - boring to you is iconic to most enthusiasts. One reason to hate Porsche is if you can't afford one, which is most likely your situation.

mwrmmg - 6/25/2008 6:20:46 AMView My AgentSpace

+3 Boost

can't wait for the new turbo / GT3 rematch with GTR.

I suppose these are still technically revised 997?

And when are we seeing 997 replacement?

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ajax - 7/23/2008 5:31:44 AM

+1 Boost

Wow. Such beauty in such simplicity. I am in love. And despite the similarities to all 911's, this new one really does bring subtle, yet noticeable aesthetic enhancements to the table.

Not to bash any other car (I myself have an M3), but in comparison, most other sports cars at the moment look like they are just trying too hard compared to the powerful simplicity of this new 911.

Or maybe I'm just in love.

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mini22 - 7/23/2008 12:58:39 PM

+2 Boost

The M3 is certainly a technical marvel. But so is the new 911. There is no other sports car out there that goes from 0-60 in the low 4's and gets almost 29 MPG on the highway. That is really quite amazing to me.Porsche's are overpriced but I'd have to go with the 911 on this one.

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Audiphile - 7/23/2008 1:37:29 PM

+1 Boost

This is one sweet drive. If I ever win the lottery, I think either the Audi R8 or this new Carrera would definitely be on my "short list" for a "commuting track car".

I should qualify that last statement. I haven't driven a 911 in ten years, and it was a bit cramped back then. Hopefully the new Carrera will have a little more headroom and legroom than the 1998 model.

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