Thanks to some of our local chums a 2012 991 S stopped by the Shark Tank for a visit earlier this week:


She's a big girl and yes the rear end is very Aston Martin-like. But at least we've finally gotten rid of those external 5mph bumperettes eh?



The front end is a bit stubby by comparison to the old one to accommodate the new wheel base:



Somehow even the 20s don't really "look" like 20s but they are:



The best angle I think


I do like the way the wing functions:


There's a lot to like, the engine/exhaust note sounds better stock vs the 997.2 PDK we had. The car inside is a plush/luxurious place to be. I don't know that I'd call it 911-business like anymore and if you've sat in a Panamera then you'd be hard pressed to tell the difference. Lot's of buttons, too many and sadly one for the hand-brake. Neat sun-roof. Mirrors are sort of like a 993 but way too big/bulbous. The front trunk area has a pretty naff battery cover and weird empty spaces underneath. Also looking from the middle of the car forward you end up seeing a very very large gap under the hood which is odd and seems unfinished but minor gripes. There's a lot of suspension, links/changes too. And pressed steel instead of aluminium. More to come

I don't know that black really shows off the 991 in its best light but I'm starting to get used to 'em.

 

subscribed.

btw, that seems like an odd place for dealer plate..

 

Sharky - if u can make great sound greater, than I'm buyin'

Looking forward to it.

 

Was it love at first sight as with the 997? To me it looks like porsche cut the rear end off of a Panamera and glued it to the 911. Its not ugly but its not sexy either.
Did you get a chance to drive it?

 

the licence plate is mounted like a 2nd wing for more downforce

 

From our friends on the other side of the freeway? Looking good -- although I'm a little surprised that it's not on the lift with the engine dropped already .

 

Good feedback Alex....I'm still on the fence with the 991. Still lovin' my Sharkwerks 997S!!

 

Seeing it around all those glorious 997 and 997.2 models makes me realize this is probably *EXACTLY* how people felt when the 996 narrow body debuted in late 1998. I don't care for the looks of the 991 compared to the final generation 997 cars...it's not even a contest.

I look forward to seeing one in person to see if it has any impact on my feelings, but for now it's very clear for me that 997.2 > 991 from an exterior styling point of view.

 

nice pictures. 991 debut in the NW at Barrier tomorrow. will await to see what the sharkster can do both visually and aurally to the 991.

 

Same here. The design of the headlamps seems to be going back to the oval shape of the 996 and I'm still not sure I like the fact that Panamera dash/console design is carrying over to other models.

 

I love the exterior. I am not sure about the interior niceties....I like simple. It sure does not look like a sports car from the ****pit. Then again, I like the ****pit of the Lotus Exige!

I am sure I will learn to love it! I will wait for the Turbo or GT3 variant.

 

that's funny.....I just got sensored for typing c,o,c,k, pit!

 

I stopped by Carlsen Porsche today and took a look at the 991. The 991 has more "presence" than the 997 when they are sitting side-by-side...probably because the 991 is longer and the wheels are 20". The interior feels bigger, has more technology and looks nicely updated. The sport exhaust was cool with the button...sounds way better than a stock 997S! My very favorite thing are the MISSING rear Bumperette's! YAY!

All in all, the 991 is a nice modest update that doesn't make me feel like I should ditch my 997S for a 991S.

The things I don't like so much:

All the freakin' letters on the back look really lame...and the fonts seem inconsistent with script mixed with standard lettering. We all know it's a "Porsche" and the "911 Carrera S" looks long and clunky.

The sunroof is pretty weird....a massive lid but when it opens, it only goes halfway. Feels half-baked if you ask me...and when it is open it looks pretty strange from the outside.

The front doesn't look very aggressive to me, especially when I look at my GT3 front bumper which is still my fav.

And where the heck is the engine?!?! Every car guy wants to see the engine, not to mention show it off! What do you see with the 991? Two fans and some plastic. BORRRING!!

 

Nice write-up. I love the interiors. Now lets see what we can twist out of them eh...

 

Congrats to those getting their new 991 soon!

It's been interesting to read many threads, both pos/neg. IMO it's the next gen 911 and has the refinements it should have. I had the chance to see a black and white 991S here in Houston, local dealer has two. If I were in the market for a new Carrera I wouldn't hesitate to purchase one.

Would like to see how they change the front and rear on the turbo, GT3, etc. For my taste, I like arerokit style that you get with those models, e.g. turbo ducts, wide stance and more distinguished from the base car. I've always liked Porsche for offering various models to satisfy so many enthusiasts.