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2009 Porsche 911 Carrera Review

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Justin Pritchard
The legend puts on its winter boots and heads North
New face, new tail
The above mentioned are just two models in the extensive 911 range. For 2009, machinery therein has been updated with subtle new cosmetics in front and rear, as well as new interior features including a slick radio and music interface.

The 911 look is now accented by LED running-lights.

The timeless and ever-present 911 look is now accented by LED running-lights and xenon projectors to convey modernity. The latter are fitted with washers and provide exceptionally saturating nighttime illumination that glistens in the frost on branches and foliage. This looks like a million tiny camera flashes clicking away from the side of the road- appropriate given the looks at work.

An efficient screamer of an engine
Most notable among the 911's latest upgrades are the ones tucked under the rear bodywork. These consisted mainly of a newly direct-injected version of the brands 3.6 liter flat-six engine, as well as a pronunciation-defying 'Porsche Doppel Kupplungsgetriebe (or 'double-clutch') gearbox. Please, call it PDK.

That's Porsche-speak for SMG or DSG- but all you need to know is that the $5,560 transmission generates an uninterrupted power flow through the gears with obedient shifting at the touch of a button. Not the fastest shifting transmission of its type, but very smooth and entertaining nonetheless.

The tester married the PDK and direct injection technologies to put 345 horsepower on tap with fingertip control of the 7 gears.

Power? Relentless. Smoothness? Oh, yes. The sound? A low hum building to a high-pitched shriek that could melt nearby snowmen and make your mother cuss.

Mileage? Excellent. Highway consumption averaged under 10L / 100km- impressive in a machine that will glue occupants to seatbacks on command all day long.

Power comes on swiftly at low revs, piling on sharply as the tachometer needle reaches for the redline. It's an invigorating power-curve, though the engine makes scarcely a peep when cruising along gently in the snow.

Not the fastest shifting transmission of its type, but very smooth and entertaining nonetheless.
Justin Pritchard
Justin Pritchard
Automotive expert
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