What they said when the Porsche 911 was new… (Aug 30 2001)
IF it’s true that power corrupts, then the Porsche 911 Turbo should have been locked up years ago.
Unlike supercars which have been launched with a flourish and then faded away, the big-Porsche is a story of steady evolution, of building on success after success.
A good deal of that has been on the endurance racing circuits of the world. What happened on the track yesterday is on the Porsche road car today.
No other manufacturer can claim to have so single mindedly applied sporting technology to its production models in the way that Porsche has done for over 30 years.
Of course, it helps if you have a good design in the first place, but Porsche cannot claim that because the early 911 series cars were notoriously hard to drive enthusiastically, although they are today among the most civilised and safest sports models.
So the success of the series is down to remarkable refinement and the application of knowledge and experience gained both on the road and track.
Each successive new version is more powerful and economical than its forerunner - there are few near 200mph supercars which can easily return almost 25mpg.
The horizontally-opposed six-cylinder engine packs enormous punch through its twin turbo-chargers and you can accelerate through the gears or floor the throttle with confidence in any gear and feel a tremendous surge of power. You might notice a slight hesitation from standstill or at walking pace, but otherwise it's power all the way.
Such responsive and massive power means you cover ground very quickly and the legal limits seem pedestrian. On a very long cross-country journey the enormous reserves of power and its instant delivery on demand make driving the 911 Turbo a very enjoyable and an extremely safe experience.
The engine is matched to a light action but direct six-speed gearbox which indicates nearly 30mph/1,000rpm in top which provides snappy ratios for overtaking and a long legged ability as well - a feature which also explains the relatively modest fuel consumption.
Massive anti-lock brakes haul down the speed without drama but with a lot of progressive power and the steering communicates excellent feel and feedback. I was, however, very surprised by the extremely weak handbrake.
Compact but clear secondary controls and instruments are close to the wheel and directly in front of the driver and the entire relationship of controls to controller feels absolutely correct and reassuring.
Heating and ventilation is excellent and the amount of oddments space very good, even if the compartments are on the small side. With such poor bootspace, many items have to be stowed on the folded seat-backs of the rear occasional seats.
Legroom is poor in the back, but those in the front seats have plenty of room to stretch out and all the seats are figure hugging and supporting.
Ride quality is distinctly firm but over a long journey it is not tiring or jarring and the 911's suspension copes extremely well with bad surfaces crossed at speed.
Body roll and pitch are non-existent and the tenacious grip from the massive tyres front and rear keeps the car glued to the road while the traction control and ABS help keep you out of trouble as well.
Technically and dynamically it is an inspiring car to drive.
Less pleasing is the rear visibility, which hinders safe reversing, and the continuous road rumble, although the exhaust noise is pleasant by contrast.
But the Porsche 911 Turbo has few failings and much to praise and admire.
For the driver who demands instant performance, inspiring handling, and relishes reliability with rock solid residuals, the Porsche 911 T is the only choice.
Words: Robin Roberts
Copyright