2016 Porsche 991.2 Carrera S PDK

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 makes 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 GT models. While some lamented the loss of the normally aspirated flat-sixes, the new 3-litre twin turbo flat-sixes brought extra power, the base Carrera 2 and 4 producing 370bhp and the Carrera S variants 414bhp. It wasn’t that along that the 996 and 997 Turbo produced similar power. Perhaps more significant was the increase in turbo torque over the normally aspirated 991.1 engines. Significant, because it made a much better job of overcoming the 991s eco and emissions mandated tall gear ratios. And Porsche being Porsche, and the master of the turbo installation, the engines remained ultra-responsive and free-revving.

Black On Black

Which brings us neatly to this prime example of the 991.2 era 911 Carrera 2 S. In smart Jet Black metallic, with contrasting Silver, 20in Carrera S alloys, this is an early 2016 car, delivered to Porsche Centre Cambridge and currently with just 14,000 miles showing. The original bill of sale is present and correct and with options, this car cost just under £100,000.

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 3.0-litre, 414bhp, direct-injection, twin turbo flat-six likes to rev and tops out at 190mph+, while 0-60mph is a sub 5 sec formality. Indeed some particularly skilled operators have managed sub 4 secs! 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. PTV (Porsche Torque Vectoring) rear-diff animates the rear end, for quicker turn in, and PADM (Dynamic engine mounts) keep the weight of the engine under full control. In short, this car has the full gamut of Porsche’s dynamic driver aids.

Full extended, black leather is the desired interior choice, with Alcantara headlining, complimented by fully, 14-way adjustable, hard-backed Sports seats. Cruise control takes the sting out of a motorway slog and parking sensors the stress out of, well, parking!

With just one previous owner, ultra-low mileage, and full service history, maintenance has been entirely routine. To all intents and purposes, this is a new car and as such a rare opportunity.

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? In super desirable black on black, plus all of Porsche’s modern 911 chassis advancements and in Carrera 2 S spec, this could convince even a bunch of classic 911 fans like us. The modern 911 sweet spot? We probably wouldn’t argue with that…

Emission standard (Code: 7MV)

Emission standard EU6 ZD/E/F

Exterior mirror adjustment (Code: 261)

Electrically retractable exterior mirrors with automatic dimming and memory

Left exterior mirror (Code: 264)

Left exterior mirror glass, convex

Right exterior mirror (Code: 285)

Right exterior mirror glass, aspherical

Park distance control (Code: 638)

ParkAssist, front, rear and reversing camera

Electric interface for external use (Code: UI2)

2 X USB/IPOD interface

Vehicle tracking system (Code: 7I2)

VTS security package (with PCC)

Sound insulation measures for interior noises (Code: 170)

Acoustic package RoW

Cruise control system (Code: 456)

Automatic distance control (ACC)

Moulded headliner (Code: 594)

Alcantara rooflining

Main headlamps (Code: 601)

Xenon lighting system

Breakaway interior rearview mirror (Code: 276)

Automatic anti-dazzle interior mirror

Compass/road sign display (Code: QR5)

Sport Chrono Package Plus

Refrigerant (Code: KK1)

Refrigerant R134a

Steering wheels (Code: 855)

Sports steering wheel in leather, basic

Loudspeaker installation (Code: 9VK)

Sound package 1/sound package

Steering column systems (Code: 656)

Steering column with electric reach/height adjustment and memory

Model year period (Code: IY0)

Model year period from week 01 to week 22

Navigation system (Code: 7UG)

Navigation device, High

Wheels (Code: 433)

20″ Carrera S wheel (4)

Radios (Code: I8L)

Premium radio (2nd gen.)

Smoker’s/non-smoker’s version (Code: 583)

Smoker package

Tire inflation (Code: UX6)

TPM valve, Silver

Regional codes for radio (Code: ER1)

Regional code “ECE” for radio

Silver-coloured instrument dials, instrument cluster (Code: 023)

Black-coloured instrument dials, stopwatch (Code: 025)

Version for Great Britain (Code: 061)

Pedestrian protection (Code: 070)

EU country version (Code: 071)

Right-hand drive version (Code: 099)

Control and indications in English lettering (Code: 130)

Dynamic engine mounts (PADM) (Code: 140)

Battery, 80 Ah (Code: 196)

Licence plate holder version 3 (Code: 211)

PTV Plus, el. controlled rear-diff. lock (Code: 221)

PDK transmission (dual clutch) (Code: 250)

Rain sensor (Code: 268)

Headlamp washer (Code: 288)

Sports seat, left, electrical, 14-way (Code: 321)

Sports seat, right, electrical, 14-way (Code: 322)

Automatic seat belt, 3-point, rear (Code: 335)

Rear window wiper (Code: 425)

Anti-theft lock, wheel bolts “THATCHAM” (Code: 444)

Concave wheel centers with full-colour Porsche Crest (Code: 446)

Rear fog light, right (Code: 466)

PASM electronic damper control (Code: 475)

Tire Pressure Monitoring TPM, 433 MHz (Code: 482)

Multi-function operation + steering wheel heating (Code: 489)

Headlights for left-hand traffic (Code: 492)

Tilt sensor (Code: 521)

Door mirror, standard (Code: 528)

Theft security system, 433 MHz (Code: 534)

Alarm siren and tilt sensor (-07), Alarm siren (08-) (Code: 536)

Seat position control for comfort seat, right (Code: 538)

Black seat belts (Code: 555)

Windscreen tinted, upper part darker coloured (Code: 567)

Air conditioner (Code: 573)

Centre console, front (Code: 581)

LED daytime driving lights (Code: 605)

Garage door opener “Homelink” 433 MHz (Code: 608)

12-V socket, passenger’s side, footwell (Code: 621)

Without sliding/tilting roof (Code: 652)

Servotronic (Code: 658)

Rear seat assembly (Code: 685)

Foot mats (Code: 810)

Seat covers, rear, leather (Code: 936)

Leather equipment, without seat covers (Code: 981)

Seat covers, front, leather (Code: 983)

Steering wheel airbag module in leather (Code: 991)

Privacy glazing (Code: XPL)

Seat heating, left/right seat (Code: 342)

Start/Stop function (Code: 642)

Immobiliser, 434 MHz (Code: 523)

Door panel trim, galvanised (Code: 812)

HD radio reception (high-definition) (Code: QV3)

Special identification label for EC (Code: 1EX)

Telephone module with connection box (Code: 9ZC)