The Tiptronic is dead. Long live the Tiptronic! We are cruising past the Great Salt Lake, through Salt Lake City neighborhoods whose backyards are littered with trampolines in a Porsche Carrera S with Doppelkupplungsgetriebe. What the hell are the Germans up to this time?!
Literally, it’s 23 letters that mean “Double Coupling Gear.” The German language has a penchant for really long words. It’s the basis for the shift-it-yourself-or-not autobox that will equip the 2009 Carrera S. Tracing roots back to the first Porsche 911, which started production as a 1964 model, the Carrera S takes the 45-years of refinements that have been introduced through the constant evolution of an iconic sports car that just seems to further cement its iconic status.
What is it?
The new 997, as it is known internally, is the latest version of a long line of classics from Zuffenhausen. Designed by Ferdinand Alexander “Butzi” Porsche, who was the eldest son of Dr. Ferry Porsche, the successor to the 356 was originally known as the 901. But it was not to last as Peugeot claimed exclusive rights to use three-digit car designation numbers with the middle number being zero. A bit of an obscure demand to me, but whatever. So the new Porsches bore the name 911 instead.
What’s it up against?
As a rear engine, rear-wheel-drive coupe, the Porsche 911 Carrera S stands alone. Add in a batch of cars in the same price point, and you have the Dodge Viper, Chevrolet Corvette Z06, and Jaguar XK as those you would most likely face in a street fight.
Any breakthroughs?
Several. First is the new 3.8-liter boxer engine with direct fuel injection (DFI). Second would be the Porsche Doppelkupplung (PDK) dual clutch transmission. Third is the Sport Chrono Package Plus, and finally the latest generation of Porsche’s Communications Management (PCM) system. It’s a lot of letters, we know, but we’ll take a look in a minute.
How does it look?
It looks like a legend should. A design that has endured for 45 years has to stand for something, and the Carrera S stands for performance, handling and technology. Though the basic shape dates back to 1963, it has continued to evolve through the years, even going through the change from an air to water-cooled vehicle. Still crazy, but it’s one of our favorite designs out there, even after all these years.
Porsche’s line is that design change, just for the sake of change can cause buyer alienation and worse. We agree, and chime in with the old axiom, if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it. That’s not to say that evolutionary changes shouldn’t be made. Apparently the stylists in the “Fatherland” have taken heed, and the result is a car that still causes us to stop and do a double take every time we see one. One of our favorite views: the ultra-wide Turbo-style rear fenders that keep the rear rubber in check.
During our launch in Park City and Salt Lake City, Utah, Porsche seemed to adopt a “green” attitude by outfitting the entire fleet of cars in a metallic forest green that maybe, in small doses, is a good thing. After seeing too many, we were tired of it. We did love the tan leather of the interior, though.
And inside?
The interior look is strictly business, if your business is racing cars. The seats offer an amazing amount of support and bolstering to keep the driver and passenger firmly in their grip. The rear seats offer a spot to sit in for about three minutes, that is, if you can find a place to put your feet. Once the front seats are occupied, and pushed back for the optimal amount of legroom up front, there will be virtually no legroom in the rear footwell. On the other hand, the rear seat backs fold forward for an additional increase in cargo capacity.
Porsche has added an optional ventilation function to the front seats, available in conjunction with heated seats. Engineers describe how most ventilated seats now blow cold air that potentially cause its occupants to catch a cold. Their answer is an active ventilation function that supposedly wicks the moisture away and prevents colds at the same time.
A newly designed three-spoke steering wheel is leather wrapped, and sports a new design of paddles to enable hands-on shifting of the new PDK. It’s a stylish look, although one that might be executed better. We found many times that while “palming” the wheel in a turn, that a downshift has occurred, putting us a gear down from where we wanted to be.
The leather-wrapped center console now houses a 6.5-inch monitor which, in addition to showing the navigation function and map, also shows the contents of an attached Apple iPod, pretty much the way it would appear if your were controlling it separately. Along with that is Sirius Traffic, and Bose 5.1 Surround Sound for an entertaining audio experience. An SD memory card slot is located on the right side of the monitor, while the storage bin houses a connection for iPod, USB, or mp3 player using various cable attachments.
But does it go?
It’s a tale of two cars. On one hand, the Carrera S is a perfectly docile grand touring machine, capable of cruising all day long, but able to turn into the Incredible Hulk at a moment’s notice. VarioCam plus is Porsche’s answer to variable valve timing. Combined with direct fuel injection, it is the basis for a new generation of the Carrera’s six-cylinder, 3.8-liter boxer engine. Producing 385-horsepower and 310 lb-ft. of torque, and coupled with the PDK, the S sees 60-mph in as little as 4.3-seconds. Order the optional Sport Chrono Package Plus, and the time drops to 4.1-seconds. As demonstrated at Miller Motorsports Park by Team Penske Porsche RS Spyder pilot Patrick Long, the Carrera S literally “pops” through the gears like nobody’s business. If you have ever been to Road America, Sebring, Laguna Seca or any of the other racetracks that handle the American LeMans Series, you will be the familiar with the sound these thoroughbreds make as they rush to top speed.
The PDK technology was first seen in racing Porsche 956 and 962 models in the mid-1980s. With a choice of manual or automatic control with seven forward gears, the PDK is essentially two gearboxes in a housing that always has the next gear preloaded, or charged for an immediate upshift. Add the Sports Chrono Package and get launch control and a racetrack gearshift re-map for the ultimate in ass-kicking performance. All this in a 3,208-lb car that gets 19 mpg in the city 26 on the highway!
Letting the PDK run its program on the technically challenging racetrack at Miller Motorsports Park is a case of a car making a better driver. The Porsche Stability Management (PSM) stabilizes the car as you set up for turns making sure that you don’t swap ends when lifting through a turn. The PSM, in conjunction with brake assist, helps to “pre-charge” the brakes for quicker and shorter stopping distances. The result is a sports car that tries to protect you from yourself, should you get in over your head.
Why you would buy it:
Because at $86,200 (base) the Carrera is a sports car you and your financial advisor can agree upon.
Why you wouldn’t:
Your net-worth has just tanked since the stock market took a dump about a week ago.
Words and photos by Mark Elias.
2009 Porsche 911 Carrera S, $86, 200. As tested, $93,630.
Porsche Doppelkupplung transmission, $4,080; Sports Chrono Package Plus, $960; Bose audio system, $1,440; Destination, $950.
10/15, 5:21 PM
posted by:
Captain Crunch
I’ll wait for the CTS-V coupe to come out. I’ll be cheaper, better looking & just as fast, if not faster.
But hey…….don’t give up just yet. That 60 year old design is just now starting to grow on me.
10/15, 6:03 PM
posted by:
Lariat Luxury Locomotive Liner No.3
My wife has been bugging me for this new model and transmission…damn Porsche.
10/15, 6:18 PM
posted by:
ski2xs
60 years of history makes it a classic. Let’s see if the CTS-V is around in 60 years, much less a classic. There’s no doubt the CTS-V is a very fast car. There’s more to great cars than just speed.
10/15, 7:12 PM
posted by:
pzimet
screw PDK…I’ve heard from some that it’s awesome, others that it’s awful…I don’t really care, I will never support a bull**** automatic, semiautomatic, or dual clutch on a Porsche. Stick. Shift. Only.
10/15, 7:20 PM
posted by:
johnnycanuck
melias: it wasn’t that long ago you had the pleasure of sampling a GT-R. And now this. So here’s the $64 ($74.71 Cdn) question: which one?
10/15, 7:34 PM
posted by:
howsmydriving
60 years spent chasing the initial rear-engine mistake. Cayman is the best Porsche ever.
10/15, 8:01 PM
posted by:
Captain Crunch
@ Ski2xs
A Ford Model T is a classic also, what’s your point. I guess you don’t get it or you’re just a naive fan boy. If a car manufacturer has a long history that’s great but if a basic single design is decacdes old with only small incremental changes from one decade to the next, that’s not. I’m sure the CTS V coupe will be a classic one day and who cares if the CTS V will be around in 60 years, I don’t plan on living ’till I’m 100.
Porsche, will you get that relic out of my way ’cause the CTS V coupe is coming to town & it feeds on Beatles.
10/15, 8:15 PM
posted by:
A4
meh this car has no emotion
10/15, 8:17 PM
posted by:
aexcorp
The CTS-V is a very nice car, especially on the track, no question, but it’s also not in the same league. The inside of a Porsche, and the level of engineering that went into this car are no questions on a different level.
If you want a car that drinks gas like you down a 24 pack of miller, and all you care about is burning out to impress your friends, than CTS-V is for you, if you want a car that is much more refined, nicer to drive everyday on public roads, gets better gas mileage, than this car is for you (assuming you can drop the ~90 Gs lol). Remember the CTS-V is also about 900 lbs heavier.
As for rear-engine, it’s a question of tastes, some people really like it, others don’t, but clearly it won’t be quite as balanced as a mid-engine cayman.
10/15, 9:05 PM
posted by:
Badass Z51
Captain
You’re right. The CTS V coupe is gonna kill the 911S and the 30k I save with the Caddy will keep the gas tank full and my frige at home will never be without a 24 pack of beer. I’ll have to get the optional super sized glove box in the CTS V to hold my Miller while I’m blowin’ passed the 911.
10/15, 9:46 PM
posted by:
melias
Oh neighbor to the great north!
Well let’s see. The GTR is a brute but a blast to drive. The Porsche is a blast to drive, and a brute when you want it to be.
Me? My tastes run more to the classical.
Is that clear?!!!
10/15, 10:03 PM
posted by:
ski2xs
@ Captain Crunch. Don’t get your panties in a bunch. My point is that the CTS-V has yet to prove itself…talk about fan boy! As for the build quality, I’ll put the extra dosh into the Prosche, any day of the week. Have you visited the inside of a Cadillac lately? It’s the poster boy for cheap plastic. And, you also missed my point. In it’s price point, the CTS-V is a very good car. When you mix apple with oranges, you end up with friut punch.
10/15, 10:05 PM
posted by:
ski2xs
…Porsche…
10/15, 10:20 PM
posted by:
The Stig
It’s about time and I admire Porsche for not making the paddles on the steering wheel too large.
10/15, 10:41 PM
posted by:
Captain Crunch
@ Ski2xs
I’m not a fan boy of Cadillac or GM. I am a fan of this car though. Unlike you I’m sure, I’ve owned German cars. While they are nice cars that make you feel good about yourself because you’re driving an expensive German car…they are vastly overrated. They’re not the most relieable cars, dealer service sucks and are extremely expensive to fix when they brake. Auto journilists love to make German cars seem “Bulletproof”, think again.
To answer your question, yes. I have been inside a CTS sedan & it’s miles ahead of any other Caddy or GM product for that matter in terms of quility and materials used. After school one day go to a Cadillac dealer and sit inside a CTS V. The CTS V Coupe when it comes out, will be smaller and lighter which …equals faster and more nimble.
Just remember…..just because the Beatle er, I mean Porsche is more $, it doesn’t mean it’s better.
Poor over priced Porsche…….it never had a chance!
10/15, 11:02 PM
posted by:
John Doe Jr
@ Captain Crunch… Ever hear of spell check? Maybe you should have spent more time in school and less time at the local GM dealership.
10/15, 11:04 PM
posted by:
John Doe Jr
And it’s a Volkswagen BEETLE, not a 60’s band..
10/15, 11:09 PM
posted by:
johnnycanuck
melias: kristall klar.
10/15, 11:52 PM
posted by:
Captain Crunch
Apparently, John Doe Jr. is yet another tween spelling bee finalist trolling posting boards looking for spelling mistakes.
John Doe jr. LOL. The name implies that you’re an anomous unknown nobody & upon your death you’ll be a burden of the state and your remains will be deposited in the local “Potters Field”. Wow. That’s a legacy to be proud of.
Oh. Judging by the prefix at the end of your, name your father…. was just as big as a nobody loser as youself. That must be a huge load to carry around.
Alright. You can go ahead now and spell check that for me. You know, make sure everything is up to your standards. You should’nt mind, you’re an anomous nobody that has nothing better to do and you want to make sure the world knows it. Don’t worry about it, dignity is over rated.
10/16, 12:00 AM
posted by:
Badass Z51
Ouch! You’ve been owned! Sucks to be you. John Doe Jr. LOL.
10/16, 12:11 AM
posted by:
John Doe Jr
Congratulations Captain, you made it to your third sentence before you got to a word beyond your infinite capabilities. And no, I’m not trolling for spelling errors. When I see someone putting down other peoples opinions, and acting holier than thou, they need to be put in check. As far as putting me down, you wasted 15 minutes of your time coming up with that stuff. You sound pretty angry, maybe you should seek some counseling.
10/16, 12:29 AM
posted by:
moochung
I cannot believe people are even saying they rather buy a CTS V over this porsche…??? THE CTSV..are you serious…one of the ugliest mofo cars on the earth, can someone say “origami design”..some people do have taste in their a**….. fold a left over box up and it loos the same as a CTSV…..hahaha
Pesonally this porsche is a nice car, nice i said NOT GREAT… even though the design hasnt changed in a million years….i would buy a Black Maserati Granturismo S over this porsche ANYDAY…..speed, looks, money’s worth, SOUND ALONE IS UN BEE LEAVE ABLE…..its got it all….Go the MASERATI…….Yeahhhhh
10/16, 12:42 AM
posted by:
Captain Crunch
Not that it concerns you, I wasn’t putting down anyone’s opinion. Moron. You didn’t put me in check. You take yourself way to seriously. As Badass pointed out….you, got owned! It must be beyond your “infinite capabilities” to realize that even other people realize you’re a moron. You need counseling because, you’ve diluted yourself into thinking you’re the “righteous one”
Go troll somewhere else little man.
10/16, 12:52 AM
posted by:
John Doe Jr
“diluted” myself? Errrr, maybe you meant DELUDED? If you want act intelligent, work on the vocabulary tough guy.
10/16, 1:08 AM
posted by:
Captain Crunch
You still trolling here little man. Poor John Doe Jr., no one even knows he’s alive. A little man who’s life is so meaningless & empty. It’s late, I’m going now. I’ll let you have the last word. That should make your life, thinking you got the best of a clearly intellectually superior person that you don’t know and will never meet.
10/16, 1:14 AM
posted by:
John Doe Jr
Lol… Thanks Captain. And you’re right, you are clearly superior to me. Thank you for giving me this hollow victory. It’s probably the only time I’ll ever get the satisfaction, as false as it may be.
10/16, 2:15 AM
posted by:
hollatchaboy
HaHa I know where that pic of that green porsche near the small lake was taken. It’s near Lambs Canyon east of SLC, and I’ve headed up that ways to the top of a mountain peaknear there to get my bu-dunkudunk on with you know what(s).
Oh, and the cars are downright gorgeous. Overpriced like all you can eat sushi, but soo worth it.
10/16, 3:56 AM
posted by:
GM CEO
GM makes more interesting sports cars. America can be proud that were not like the boring mathmatical ghermans. Have you ever talked to a german before who was into autos? Lol I was liek keel me now…I don’t care how fast your Audi is from 40mph to 70mph. LAWL And I don’t care about your brakes too.
10/16, 4:49 AM
posted by:
Got Handling?
hollatchaboy, (if you really must…) either its overpriced, or its “soo worth it”(sic) but it can’t be both.
To my mind its better looking and more interesting than the previous 911, but not as good looking or as interesting as a 993. My money is going the way of a Cayman when the 330 is up for replacement, the 911 is just too big.
And could someone please explain why we are discussing the CTSV, what possible relevance does it have to this car?
10/16, 5:09 AM
posted by:
BMW M1
whats a bu-dunkudunk????