2009 Porsche 911
by Jim Prueter -12/2008

Updated 911 still looks the same

In the comic section of our daily newspaper is a strip called “Hocus-Focus” which challenges readers to “find at least six differences in details between the two pictures.”

The good folks at Porsche tell us their flagship 911 has been thoroughly updated for 2009, but it takes a lot of looking to spot the differences from the previous generation.

Even though the internal chassis code (997) remains unchanged, Porsche calls it a new generation model. We’ll concede that most of the changes are under the sheet metal and, in some cases, are well overdue.

Outside, the front end takes on a slightly more Porsche Cayman look with all-new and very attractive LED daytime running lights. They can be switched off but I like the looks of them on. Rear taillights are fully LED and also have a new look. Mirrors are larger to comply with new European requirements.

There are larger exhaust pipes on the Carrera with the more powerful Carrera S sporting quad pipes. Bi-xenon headlamps are now standard, with adaptive headlights optional.

Inside, the ’09 Carrera 911 remains virtually untouched — other than minor tweaking with the buttons on the center console. The standard touch-screen grows to 6.5 inches from 5.8 last year.

Full leather seats are optional with a mix of leather-vinyl standard. Driver’s legroom is more than ample even for this tall driver. There’s a very modest attempt at putting two seats in back but I personally know of no adult or child who would actually fit in or desire to occupy the seats. A few small packages and an attaché or soft duffle bag is it. Those seats do fold down to form a cargo shelf.

With the engine mounted behind the rear wheels, there’s also another 4.4 cubic feet of storage up front under the hood.

The 911 model is offered in more than a dozen variants, including the rear-wheel-drive, narrow-body Carrera and Carrera S; the all-wheel-drive Carrera 4 and Carrera 4S; and convertible versions of each. There’s also the glass-roofed Targa 4 and Targa 4S, both with all-wheel-drive, and the wide-bodied 911 Turbo, GT2 and GT3.

We tested the base Carrera 911 with a base price of $75,600 plus options and shipping.

A horizontally opposed six-cylinder engine with either 3.6 or 3.8 liters powers all 911 models. Other than the high-performance 911 Turbo, these engines are new from the previous generation even though the displacement numbers are identical.

Both engines now have direct fuel injection, new air filters and a more free-flowing exhaust system which improves performance and fuel economy. The 3.6-liter in the Carrera gets 345 horsepower, up from 325 last year; the Carrera S with the 3.8-liter is rated at 385 horsepower, 30 more than last year.

A six-speed manual shifter is standard with an all-new seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission replacing the five-speed Tiptronic in all but the 911 Turbo. Porsche calls it the PDK, which stands for Porsche-Doppelkupplungsgetriebe. We didn’t get a chance to test drive a 911 so equipped, but reviews on it have been mixed and there’s some question as to whether it’s worth the additional $4000.

Personally, I love the precision feel of a Porsche manual shifter, as long as I can still deal with the third pedal underfoot.

Porsche says the new 911 is more of a daily driver than ever before, but my sense is that most would find the firm ride and higher decibel notes from the exhaust a bit too much for everyday use. Competitive models like the Mercedes-Benz SL, BMW 6 Series and Jaguar XK are more comfortable.

Standard safety gear includes six airbags (front, side and side curtain), antilock brakes, traction control and electronic stability control. The 911 has not been crash-tested.

Competition in this price and class has been increasing, with offerings from Aston Martin, Mercedes-Benz, Jaguar, Audi and now Nissan with its hot GT-R.

The 911 is an absolute blast to drive. I love everything about it, from its classic styling and brute power to the incredible handling and remarkable precision. It always begs you to take the long way home.