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"new 911 to get Porsche out of its sales slump" - yeah, a new car to buck a failing world economy....

but seriously, the biggest issue seems to be the over-refinement.  this is supposed to be a sports car, the engine note has to be one of the biggest thrills.  just don't get any of that from the video, an M5 engine sounds more special.

manual 997s have prob just gone up in value!

Thanks Steve, great stuff - you gave us a great feel for the car even in just a few minutes.  Just to let you know, I'm available for the next time you make the trip...

It is a wonderful remarkable car. Yet another engineering achievement. Well done Porsche for keeping sports car values alive and kickcing. The Carrera S must be a blast!

*Dies of fanboi-ism overdose* 

Still, good on them with the sub-225gm output. I'm sure someone will come up with a saucy aftermarket exhaust and induction setup to make it sound better.

Is it just me, or is the vid not working? I've tried it in ie7 and Firefox.

NiallOswald:

I'm sure someone will come up with a saucy aftermarket exhaust and induction setup to make it sound better

On the Porsche I ordered at the end of Feb to take delivery in September, the sport exhaust system was not an option as they have not yet had the time to work on a new system for the direct injection engine. However, it will be available for cars ordered in September with delivery in the Spring. On my car I will have it fitted in January, ready to take her out for a spin on the Swedish iced lakes in the North.

Please note that Mr Sutcliffe test drove the Carrera and not the Carrera S which hits 200 kph the fun side of ten seconds. Also the exhaust growl on the S has not been subdued that much and with the sports exhaust it should be fantastic...

Straight six:

Is it just me, or is the vid not working? I've tried it in ie7 and Firefox.

Doesn't work for me either. I suspect I've done something, but I can't be sure.

Mixed feelings about this one.

Positive - Brilliant engine (power, environmentally etc), engineering excellence of the new box, great overall package for the every day driver.

Negatives - Too refined, that gear box, leaves the motoring enthusiast in the cold.

For a car that looks so close to one of the greatest 911's, the 993, it seems a million miles removed from the core character of that car.  I have no doubt that the new GT3 / RS etc etc etc will be the drivers tools, but they are aiming for the harder core market.  I also don't doubt that Porsche have got their sums right and this is the car their current audience have said they want, but its starting to loose its emotion.

Personally, Porsche should create a new Club Sport version.  Based on the C2, take out the refinement, reduce the amount of needless goodies and don't bolt on a big spoiler or body kit.  Top that off with a reduced price, I have a feeling that will help with increasing sales, as well as making a great car. 

Erm, isn't that what will be the new GT3?

Like "usual", looks pretty much the game but is improved.allover.
 The "DSG" (I call all of them that even though DSG is german).

How many footballers' wives were skinned to make that interior? Not quite as bad as pale all-tan, black and silver is pretty uninispired but I'm surprised a press car has such a bold interior.

The cynic in me would suggest that the new, refined engine is perfect for the sort of people who will buy a Carrera and never really drive it in anger (i.e. posers rather than drivers).