She says, he says: Porsche 911 Carrera S
Porsche’s iconic sports coupe lives up to its reputation.
The price: From $262,600 plus on-road costs (for 7-sp PDK transmission, add $5950)
Vital statistics: 3.8-litre 6-cyl; 294kW and 440Nm; 7-sp auto; 8.7L/100km and 205g/km CO2; RWD
He: Growing up I wasn't a Porsche fan. I preferred Ferraris. Porsches seemed a bit clinical and dull; and the engine was in the wrong spot. But 10 minutes in this latest-generation 911 changed my mind. It manages to combine ferocious speed and smoothing comfort. What was your first impression?
She: If you love technology, then this is your techno tour de force - and Porsche makes it all look so seamless. So let's start with the design. You like?
He: It's basically the same design it's always had, but this 911 looks great. The lines have been sharpened to give it a modern look, - while retaining the 50-year-old theme. And I really like the interior. I know some Porsche fanatics won't like such a dramatic change, but it's modern and is well laid out. You?
She: The array of whiz-bang electronics, use of high-quality materials and sharp, angular design combine to make the cabin feel like you're sitting someplace special. And you ought to, given you've shelled out more than a quarter of a million dollars. It seems a bit rude to have to pay more for a dual-clutch automatic gearbox ($5950) or niceties such as full-leather electric seats ($3190, plus another $1050 to heat them), or a sunroof ($3890). And the back seat is more of a bench.
He: The options are pricey on an already expensive car. But the dual-clutch is worth it and I wouldn't buy a 911 unless I added the Sports Chrono package, which allows you to alter the suspension and engine performance, even if it is an extra $3890 (or $4790 with ''dynamic engine mounts''). It allows you to transform the car from a docile cruiser to a thoroughbred sports car. That was a revelation, because the first time I drove this was in peak-hour traffic and it could have been a hatchback; it was that comfy. But when you hit the open road (or a racetrack) and push the sport button, it feels like a supercar.
She: Maybe ''comfy'' is a relative term but, yep, it'd be easy to live with. As would the PDK, which shifts so sneakily through the ratios you almost can't perceive it. My laugh-out-loud moment was pulling to a halt at a traffic light and having the fuel-saving stop-start system kick in … What!? Could it be that a bastion of hedonism is in hot pursuit of green cred?
He: Using a claimed 8.7 litres per 100 kilometres is impressive for a car this quick. It's less than a six-cylinder Holden Commodore or Ford Falcon. But, let's be honest, no one handing over $300,000 for a car is probably too worried about petrol prices. What did you make of its performance?
She: It's astonishing to drive (and this model is quicker than the last). To me, it's the amount of feedback you get through the steering wheel that makes the experience a cut above. And what really gets me is how such a refined car can also boast such explosive power.
He: I agree. It is brilliant to drive fast. And easy, especially for a car with its engine hanging out over the back axle, but it takes skill to get the best out of it; so it's got something for everyone. Does it impress you enough to (hypothetically) hand over the cash?
She: Spot me a loan? I can appreciate the genius of the 911, but it's pricey. It's got loads of character, and begs you back in for another session of adrenalin, but it's pricey. It may be one of the best sports cars on the road, but … you?
He: When I was 10 I would have said no (I wanted Magnum PI's Ferrari 308). But I could see myself driving a 911 every day to work and taking it to the track at the weekends. It's a brilliant car. But, for the price, it should be.
2024 Ford F-150 XLT SWB review
