Yesterday, my wife and I attended a dealer sponsored PCA tech day which was focused on the 991. The lead technician presented an hour long overview (including viewgraphs and props) of the training he received in Germany. He described the fabrication and body changes for the 991 and detailed the new systems for the Carrera. Topics included:
1. A detailed discussion of the new body and how the new construction techniques permitted Porsche to conform to new safety regulations while dropping 100 pounds of weight. These techniques include less steel and more aluminum, use of other exotic materials for stiffness and lower weight, and use of crimping and bonding of joints and riveting in lieu of welding. There were questions on whether these new techniques (used in the Panamera) made the body more difficult to repair. The answer, while carefully phrased, was essentially yes.
2. A discussion of the new electromechanical steering system which eliminates the hydraulic steering pump and the associated parasitic load on the engine. The electric motor is strictly an assist system so if there is a failure of the system, you can still steer the car. The technician emphasized that there is still a mechanical linkage from the steering wheel to the assembly so it is not a "fly by wire" system.
3. A discussion of the chassis control (PDCC) system which, when fitted, restores a hydraulic pump (and the associated parasitic load on the engine) to power the system. This system is software controlled so this system can be tuned as more experience is gained (and more 911 variants use the system).
4. A discussion of the torque vectoring system which has been used on the turbo model (perhaps others but I can't remember if more were mentioned). This system uses the PSM to perform it's work and it does contribute to some additional wear on the braking system.
5. The electric parking brake. The use of this term was deliberate as he emphasized that there was no longer a need for an emergency brake since the braking systems on the car are dual redundant.
6. The gearbox. He stated that the 7 speed manual and the PDK use the identical gearbox. Whether or not you choose to make the shifts yourself or purchase the automatic system the identical gearbox is being used.
The technician described many of these changes as making improvements to the car but also offered another significant set of reasons for Porsche to do things as they are. Many of these changes have the effect of harmonizing techniques and systems across Porsche's line of vehicles. This makes the manufacturing supply chain easier to manage for Porsche (who is clearly trying to step up both production and profitability) and makes maintenance of the vehicles easier for technicians who now do not have to learn how differing vehicles perform the same function.
After the tech session, my wife and I were handed the keys to a 991S for a short test drive. Each of us made a short speed run on an untraveled road and made a couple of high speed turns. My car is a manual Cayman S so the the differences between it and the PDK equipped 911 take some getting used to and mean that our observations should be taken with a grain of salt.
Both my wife and I felt the sound symposer to be a bit silly. Even with the symposer, the 911 felt quieter than my Cayman...at all speeds. We both think the interior is miles ahead of my 1st Gen CS and the 997.
The maneuvering ability of the 991 is spectacular. The car is very composed at speed and we took sharp turns easily at speeds I believe a 997 would have found difficult. I found myself marveling at the suspension system on the car and I wish a fraction of that effort went into the Cayman/Boxster line. The suspension is really where I think the 911 is set apart from the other sports cars in Porsche's lineup. My wife said the 911 felt lighter to her than the Cayman even though we know this isn't true.
We both felt that while we didn't miss the manual when driving at speed, the PDK is a bit less involving in normal around town driving. My wife said that she would still rather have the PDK. Although our drive was only about 15 minutes in duration, we liked the car a lot. The black on black car was considerably hotter in the Florida sun than my white on beige CS and we would not choose that color combo.
Thanks for giving us these detailed reports! :cheers:
I just traded my Boxter S RS-60 for a 991 Carerra S. My first report is in the 991 forum. But here are a few observations after 500 miles.
I thought I made a mistake with PDK. Really boring heading to top gear to save gas. No where near as involving as the Boxter's 6 speed. No speed cues of rising and falling.
Then the sound. The sounds are deeper- no PSE- I miss the Boxter PSE wail! On the other had the 991 PSE is an entire orchestra of porshenes - but the car I got did not have it.
The electric steering gives giving equal control, points w all business, just not as alive in the hand. It has to be steered rather than willed through turns like a mid engined Porsche.
But push it a little, and suddenly its "best of 911" with none of the downside. I had a 74 S and a "well massaged" 78 SC - the lineage is there in spades. I find the PDK with Sport Chrono to be more skillful than any human can be at the mechanical end of transmission control. Doing it myself is involving and entertaining but no better.
The biggest differences from my prior cars are the torque and the suppleness. There is relentless acceleration from any rpm combined with the silkiness of the latest engines all the way up to the redline. Second, the suspension is incredibly supple- even with the PASM Sport (lower and stiffer) the suspension gives better control than the Boxter- and that was really really good- with none of the harshness. I have not had the chance to explore it yet, but it feels like it is going to be right.
The interior is superior to the Boxter in every way IMHO. Looks fancy but works better.
My guess is that most of the important stuff is going to be in the next Boxter and Cayman and they will have moved on from great to greater, too.
