Porsche says it does not build everyday sports-cars but it builds sports-cars for everyday use. These, it explains, are cars combining great agility with maximum comfort.
This uniqueness aptly fits the description of the 2013 model of Porsche 911.
Porsche was recently introduced to Nigeria and the brand promoters seem to set their eye on the treasured premium segment in 2013.
The 2013 Porsche 911 is one of the products the manufacturer will rely on to win it accolades this year in the Nigerian competitive auto market.
Those, who have test-driven the coupe, commend the manufacturer for its eye-popping performance, sublime steering, phenomenal grip and the howling flat-six engine.
Tradition mixed with innovation
Porsche says that about 90 per cent of the components of 911 are either new or fundamentally revised.
“This is our approach to the preservation of tradition; it is precisely how we respond to the passion for the sports-car and do justice to the 911 legend and always with tomorrow in mind,” it states.
Porsche 911 was first produced in 1963.
To achieve this, it says, the engines have been refined, making the vehicles to consume less fuel but delivering more power.
It is also built with more efficiency-enhancing technologies such as auto start/stop, thermal management and electrical system recuperation, with intelligent light weight body that uses composite blend of aluminium and steel.
It comes with a suspension derived from motor-sport and that combines well with a progressive interior designed for sporty comfort.
It says, “All that defines us; it is a way in which we combine tradition and innovation, performance and everyday practicality, form and function.
“For us, these are not contradictions, but our motivation; we are referring to intelligent performance.”
Exterior
Few cars offer better visibility than the 911. That is the verdict of auto analysts that have experienced the vehicle.
The wings, which are higher than the front lid, and at the rear, adding muscle, give the 911 its distinctive expression
Its overall appearance, according to the manufacturer, is low, wide and sleek.
“Our designers and engineers speak guardedly about the new 911 evolution,” it says, and describes it as a sports-car fit for the 21st century.
The sporty overall is emphasized by the lower roof line and a wider track at the front – 45mm on the 911 Carrera and 42mm on the 911 Carrera S.
For improved aerodynamics, the exterior mirrors are mounted directly on the doors.
Its other standard features are the new Bi-Xenon headlights with the familiar oval-shaped surrounds for classic appeal, which show their technically impressive inner workings.
The direction indicator, daytime running lights and position lights are all LEDs and integrated into separate front light units.
The wheel base is 100mm longer for improved driving stability and cornering dynamics.
Interior
Inside the 911, there are features mutually exclusive built with cohesive whole that is conducive to dynamic driving even during everyday use.
Fitted as standard are the sports seats combining with greater comfort with racing-style support and now four-way electric adjustment.
The new auto climatic control with zonal temperature controls for driver and front passenger also comes as standard.
Also new is the optional light design package for the foot-wells, storage compartments, rear compartment and overhead console.
Acoustics are an integral part, particularly the engine sound.
Engine
Two options are available in the engine of 911 – 3.4 litre and 3.8 litre engines.
The engines, Porsche says, show that the future of automobiles has begun and stresses that they work to contribute toward reducing the fuel consumption.
“The new 911 engines are also unmistakably sporty, thanks to the new Sport button fitted as standard; at the push of a button, the engine becomes tuned for a sharper response and engine dynamics that are even more direct,” Porsche says.
Specifically, it says the 911 carrera is equipped with a 3.4 litre boxer engine with direct fuel injector and variocam plus, which develops 257kw (350hp) at 7,400rpm and the maximum torque is 6600rpm.
For the 911 Carrera with seven-speed manual gearbox, this means acceleration from 0 to 100km/h
The 911 Carrera S is powered by a 3.8litre boxer engine eith DFI and variocam plus, developing 284kw (400hp) at 7,400rpm and maximum torque of 440Nm, achieved at 5,600rpm.
Safety overview
The vehicle’s anti-lock brakes automatically sense when a tyre has stopped rotating under extreme braking, and will modulate the brake pressure to allow the tyre to rotate. This increases the vehicles ability to turn while braking, says an online reviewer, Autos. Aol.
It is also equipped with a stability control, which automatically senses when the vehicles handling limits have been exceeded; and it reduces engine power and/or applies select brakes to help prevent the driver from losing control of the vehicle.
It comes with front-impact airbags meant for the driver and passenger, which are designed to protect the head during a frontal crash.
There are also side impact airbags for the front seats, designed to protect the torso during a side impact collision.
Its overhead airbags are used to protect the occupant’s heads in the event of a side collision or rollover.
The seatbelt pretensioners tighten seatbelts to place the occupant in the optimal seating position during a collision.
The vehicle is equipped with a means of anticipating and/or detecting unwanted vehicle intrusion.
Security
It also comes with an ignition disable device to prevent the engine fro