What impressed me perhaps even more is the PDK sequential transmission. This all-new dual-clutch unit is similar to the ones found in various German cars. It's an outstanding performer for sure, even though the paddle shifters are actually big buttons on the main spoke of the steering wheel, right under your thumbs. For upshifting, you have to push the buttons, whereas for downshifting, you must pull them.
The PDK transmission offers two settings, Sport and Sport Plus, that firm up the suspension a little, modify air intake properties and tweak gear mapping (shift points). My advice is to select these settings only when you want to push the car to the limit on the track; otherwise, comfort is seriously compromised.
A true driver's cockpit
The Porsche 911 is a driver's car so it's got to have a driver-oriented cockpit. The front buckets are very supportive (even for slightly overweight people) and both the driver and passenger benefit from ample room.
Rear occupants, however, have to sacrifice legroom if they want the rest of their body to feel relatively comfortable. My own 10-year-old son insisted that I moved my seat forward every time he sat behind me. Needless to say the rear perches should be used as a last resort only. After all, do you really need a pair of witnesses to watch over your shoulder while you're killing the roads with this fabulous weapon?
Overall ergonomics are totally flawed. You have to keep your eyes riveted on the center stack in order to be able to manipulate the numerous buttons and controls. As for cargo room, the compartment under the front hood is minuscule; you can barely fit a couple of small suitcases in there.
Comfortable, accommodating and user-friendly are not words that define the 2009 Porsche 911 Carrera 4S. So what? Just sit in the driver's seat and your smile will eclipse everything else!
photo:Philippe Champoux, Matthieu Lambert
The PDK transmission offers two settings, Sport and Sport Plus, that firm up the suspension a little, modify air intake properties and tweak gear mapping (shift points). My advice is to select these settings only when you want to push the car to the limit on the track; otherwise, comfort is seriously compromised.
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| The paddle shifters are actually big buttons on the main spoke of the steering wheel. |
A true driver's cockpit
The Porsche 911 is a driver's car so it's got to have a driver-oriented cockpit. The front buckets are very supportive (even for slightly overweight people) and both the driver and passenger benefit from ample room.
Rear occupants, however, have to sacrifice legroom if they want the rest of their body to feel relatively comfortable. My own 10-year-old son insisted that I moved my seat forward every time he sat behind me. Needless to say the rear perches should be used as a last resort only. After all, do you really need a pair of witnesses to watch over your shoulder while you're killing the roads with this fabulous weapon?
Overall ergonomics are totally flawed. You have to keep your eyes riveted on the center stack in order to be able to manipulate the numerous buttons and controls. As for cargo room, the compartment under the front hood is minuscule; you can barely fit a couple of small suitcases in there.
Comfortable, accommodating and user-friendly are not words that define the 2009 Porsche 911 Carrera 4S. So what? Just sit in the driver's seat and your smile will eclipse everything else!
photo:Philippe Champoux, Matthieu Lambert
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