991...reviews not all positive?
991...reviews not all positive?
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RDMcG

Original Poster:

20,907 posts

238 months

Wednesday 11th January 2012
quotequote all
I know, I know, every new gen Porsche creates a debate about the last "real" Porsche,and,for the record I have not driven the 991 yet. Still, a couple of remarks are niggling from people who should know:

John Simister:

'Objectively the new 911 is outstanding, but part of a 911's appeal has always been its streak of demanding imperfection. That's why I'd sooner snap up an almost-new 997 GTS while I still can. I never thought I'd consider a simple handbrake lever a bringer of joy, but I do now."

Total 911:

"It is perhaps a turning point for the 911,as for all its unquestioned competence it does feel like it's entering the territory of the true GT car. If that means greater refinement and comfort that's no bad thing,but there's no doubt that it comes at the expense of some of the 911's core driver appeal"

Of course there are many positive reviews, but I am left with the concern that Porsche is going the way of the M5...away from the edge of the older cars. I am hopeful that the RS when it comes will step back from the GT label, but its worrying. I have no great nostalgia for the past and most of the time I prefer newer cars. However, for instance, I preferred my E39 M5 to my E63 M6 as a driver's car.

Edited by RDMcG on Wednesday 11th January 17:09

anonymous-user

85 months

Wednesday 11th January 2012
quotequote all
My test drive was awesome tongue out

I've never wanted a 911 before the 991 though because I like a bit of luxury with my performance. I'm obviously not hard core wink

betternotbigger

1,059 posts

206 months

Wednesday 11th January 2012
quotequote all
I had my first sight and a sit in one today at my local OPC. Firstly I was amazed how little changed the appearance was in the metal. And they'd sensibly parked it next to a Panamera so it didn't look any bigger.

The interior wasn't as different as I expected either. A bit fussier, yes. Too many buttons but they were at least located a little more ergonomically. The only way in whch it felt bigger was with my head turned to the rear - definitely a little more room in the back. Oh, and the new door cards are horrid. To anyone saying the game has moved on massively just from the looks of it, I just don't see it.

Did sitting in it make me want one. Not really, as I already have a GTS. Would I like a test drive. Of course, because it's all about the drive - I can't see anyone buying it for the looks upgrade.


gibbon

2,182 posts

238 months

Wednesday 11th January 2012
quotequote all
People will buy it because its the new 911. What percentage of base(ish) model 911 owners are hardcore enthusiasts who know the difference between the gt1 case and the m96 case etc etc.

It will sell to the 911 masses for its percieved cache.

Tino

1,948 posts

314 months

Wednesday 11th January 2012
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During my last service on my 6C4S the salesman convinced me to take out a 997C4S. The car was smoother, newer, had a more ergonomic dash etc.
I prefered my own car. Probably biased, but I found teh newer car a bit too good.
Having said that, I recently drove the old Corrado that I had sold to a neighbour about 2 years ago and forgot how much I missed that!

mollytherocker

14,469 posts

240 months

Wednesday 11th January 2012
quotequote all
gibbon said:
People will buy it because its the new 911. What percentage of base(ish) model 911 owners are hardcore enthusiasts who know the difference between the gt1 case and the m96 case etc etc.

It will sell to the 911 masses for its percieved cache.
Thats pretty much it really.

MTR

MrSimba

343 posts

244 months

Wednesday 11th January 2012
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I know exactly what you mean, Sports cars should be raw, vicious, you should feel like your wearing them not just sitting in them, almost driving them subliminally, feeling everything the cars doing underneath you.

No matter what M3, TT-RS, EVO ect I sit in they just don't give me that 'feel' I couldn't care less if a GTR is much quicker, 'you'd get more involvement if you took the journey by train...' was how one person described it!

It'd be a real shame if Porsche forgot it's not just about bhp 'pub' numbers, and 1.5 seconds off the last models 'ring lap time - it's about the character of the car.

FlybyWyre

435 posts

225 months

Wednesday 11th January 2012
quotequote all
Dare I suggest that Porsche has taken the 991 into grand tourismo territory, the Cayman is the sport car and the Boxster the roadster? Makes sense to me.

mollytherocker

14,469 posts

240 months

Wednesday 11th January 2012
quotequote all
FlybyWyre said:
Dare I suggest that Porsche has taken the 991 into grand tourismo territory, the Cayman is the sport car and the Boxster the roadster? Makes sense to me.
I think Porsche are saying this too.

MTR

Mermaid

21,492 posts

202 months

Wednesday 11th January 2012
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mollytherocker said:
FlybyWyre said:
Dare I suggest that Porsche has taken the 991 into grand tourismo territory, the Cayman is the sport car and the Boxster the roadster? Makes sense to me.
I think Porsche are saying this too.
So the Cayman will become a bit more grown up (larger, more power, more comfort) with the new model - the 981?

jonamv8

3,301 posts

197 months

Wednesday 11th January 2012
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Saw my first one on the road today, white, looked stunnin

betternotbigger

1,059 posts

206 months

Wednesday 11th January 2012
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Looked a lot like a 997 to me. Surely you've seen one of those before?

gibbon

2,182 posts

238 months

Wednesday 11th January 2012
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betternotbigger said:
Looked a lot like a 997 to me. Surely you've seen one of those before?
Oh my god, you mean the car didnt look completely different to the previous model?

Its almost as if Porsche want you to see the design heritage and evolution of their icon model, like they want to maintain the design ethos of it, and for it to be an unimstakable icon of a car. How odd.

betternotbigger

1,059 posts

206 months

Wednesday 11th January 2012
quotequote all
gibbon said:
Oh my god, you mean the car didnt look completely different to the previous model?

Its almost as if Porsche want you to see the design heritage and evolution of their icon model, like they want to maintain the design ethos of it, and for it to be an unimstakable icon of a car. How odd.
You missed my point. I'd personally rather they stopped evolving the look with the 964. No change is fine by me.

I was trying to poke gentle fun at those who see the new look as a massive step change.

RDMcG

Original Poster:

20,907 posts

238 months

Wednesday 11th January 2012
quotequote all
betternotbigger said:
You missed my point. I'd personally rather they stopped evolving the look with the 964. No change is fine by me.

I was trying to poke gentle fun at those who see the new look as a massive step change.
The look seems fine to me...its the move towards GT-ness from edginess and nervousness that has me, well..edgy and nervous.

gibbon

2,182 posts

238 months

Wednesday 11th January 2012
quotequote all
betternotbigger said:
You missed my point. I'd personally rather they stopped evolving the look with the 964. No change is fine by me.
Then the world would move past both both you sir, and porsche, and then they would be bust.

Mermaid

21,492 posts

202 months

Wednesday 11th January 2012
quotequote all
RDMcG said:
The look seems fine to me...its the move towards GT-ness from edginess and nervousness that has me, well..edgy and nervous.
Aimed less at Europe and more where the big customers are.

anonymous-user

85 months

Wednesday 11th January 2012
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Mermaid said:
Aimed less at Europe and more where the big customers are.
Manchester?

betternotbigger

1,059 posts

206 months

Wednesday 11th January 2012
quotequote all
Mermaid said:
Aimed less at Europe and more where the big customers are.
Scotland - if Alex Salmond is to be believed
(or according to the NHS)

nickfrog

25,437 posts

248 months

Wednesday 11th January 2012
quotequote all
garyhun said:
Mermaid said:
Aimed less at Europe and more where the big customers are.
Manchester?
I thought Manchester was in Europe.