Porsche 911 Carrera Facelift (992.2) Review: Still Spellblindingly Brilliant

What we like:

Proper sports car - even the base Carrera

Expert blend of everyday drivability and hardcore track weapon

What we dislike:

More analogue controls, please

As if Porsche needed any more bad press, when the 992.2 was revealed the Internet focused overwhelmingly negatively on a few (some say sacrilegious) changes - the introduction of a push start button instead of a manual ignition starter, as well as a fully digital instrument cluster - both firsts for the 911.

I have to admit, I am one of those outraged at these unnecessary updates. But when I got behind the wheel of the 992.2 Carrera, I realised with relief that they didn’t detract from the driving experience one bit. The push-start button is almost always quicker to get in and drive, especially when one is in a rush. The 12.6-inch curved display offers seven views, which gives you options - including a classic five dial display with a central rev counter. It’s legible and intuitive. So yes, while I had a personal preference to keep the physical tachometer as well as the ignition starter, it’s not a deal-breaker for me.

What’s more crucial is that the 992.2 continues to drive well. And I am happy to report that it is a quiet but effective evolution of the brilliant 992.1, a true thoroughbred sports car even in base Carrera form.

The 992.2 now adopts turbochargers from the 992.1 GTS, while its charge-air cooler is from the 992.1 Turbo. These mechanical changes increased the output of the base Carrera to 394 PS and 450 Nm, bringing the car from 0-100 km/h in just 4.1 seconds (or 3.9 seconds with Sport Chrono), which are solid numbers for an ‘entry level’ 911.

The 992.2 feels like the definition of engagement from the moment you turn the wheel. It successfully navigates tough EU regulations to develop even more power, while reducing emissions and keeping the exhaust note emotive. It’s satisfyingly quick for a Carrera, so much so that I don’t really see the point of the Carrera S - at least on Singapore roads. Even at low speeds, the 992.2 is just oozing with driving pleasure through its feelsome steering, phenomenally precise brakes and stupendously good damping. Against the 992.1, it feels broadly similar but a tad quicker - but that’s not a bad thing.

For those who are convinced Porsche is always upping the price and keeping options to a bare minimum, the 992.2 is a riposte with its enhanced standard equipment, such as speed-sensitive power steering, 14-way electrically-adjustable seats with Memory package, keyless entry and a BOSE® Surround Sound system.

Finally, does the 992.2 still look like a 911? Oh yes. Apart from headlights that now incorporate all turn signal functions that enable larger cooling vents up front, the flyline will please all nostalgic enthusiasts. The 992.2 is unmistakably, unabashedly 911 in every sense of the word. Just lovely.

Photos by James Wong

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