It Lives Up to the Legend
The Porsche 911 remains an automotive icon

Today’s Porsche 911 Carrera Coupe offers the latest in engine and chassis technology and more performance than all but a few exotic cars sold in America. What’s really impressive, though, is how easy it is to drive a 911. It’s easier to drive quickly than the Italian exotics or, for that matter, the Dodge Viper, and it’s easier to live with on a daily basis.

The Porsche 911 is built on race-proven architecture with a 3.6-liter six-cylinder engine mounted in the rear. Upgraded and enlarged last year, Porsche’s normally aspirated boxer engine, which comes on all Carrera and Targa models, delivers 315 horsepower. Porsche strengthened the body structure last year and revised the front styling to make the 911 models look more like the 911 Turbo, less like the mid-engine Boxster. About the only change for 2003 was the installation of a new digital AM/FM in-dash CD stereo.

Porsche has refined the 911 body several times during its 40-year history, but the roofline and windshield remained the same as the original model until it was totally redesigned for the 1999 model year, representing the first clean-sheet redesign of the legendary sports car since its introduction in 1965.

Though thoroughly modernized, the interior is unmistakably Porsche. Driving position is perfect with excellent lateral support. This is a comfortable car for traveling long distances. Visibility is superb all around and instruments are an attractive, quick read. The ignition key is, of course, on the left, a tradition carried through from a bygone era when Le Mans starts required drivers to run across the pit lane to their car, jump in and take off, fastening their harnesses as they headed onto the front straight.

As comfortable as it is, the Porsche 911 is a sports car and luggage capacity is not the 911’s forte. However, ergo matters aside, the Porsche 911 makes for superb daily transportation.

But let’s cut to the chase: The 911 Carrera Coupe can accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in less than five seconds, according to Porsche. For those who need more, the 415-horsepower 911 Turbo can accelerate from 0 to 60 in about four seconds and is capable of a top speed of 189 mph. The lighter, race-inspired GT2 delivers even quicker performance and a top speed of 195. For most of us, the normally aspirated models are more than quick enough and cost significantly less. New for 2003 is the GT3, the most powerful non-turbocharged Porsche has ever offered for street use in North America. Accelerating from 0 to 60 happens in just 4.3 seconds; it can hit 100 in 9.4 with a top track speed of 190.

Handling and braking are extraordinary. Steering is quick and direct and feels as solid as Gibraltar on the highway. It rides smoothly and more softly than you might expect. The six-speed manual gearbox is smooth and wonderful. Order the Tiptronic automatic and just about anyone could drive one of these cars. And that sound! The classic Porsche exhaust sound returned to the 911 last year along with the increased power and improved efficiency.

A 911 doesn’t come cheap, however. Its purchase price is high, and past 911s have been costly to maintain. If you can justify the price, though, the latest Porsche 911 should more than live up to your expectations.

Mitch McCullogh is editor-in-chief for NewCarTestDrive.com.

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