Ultimately, you can turn the new 911's stability control off. But with no Scandinavian rally drivers in my family tree, I let Porsche's electronic elves allow me to get to Toronto without incident to the car, my wallet, or myself. The winter Continentals allow a wiggle in the rear that from behind may win a JLo look-alike contest, but despite conditions that some
driver's wouldn't attempt without all-wheel drive underfoot, I never had a moment that caused me to take the Lord's name in vain.
Eventually, the "good" roads run out, and to make my dinner engagement, I need to get on the 401 westbound near Belleville. The trip computer says I have only averaged 105 km/h, but considering the road and conditions, I'll take it.
With an engine that sounds as good as it performs, unflappable chassis, transcendent steering and brake feel, the new 911 is hugely involving from a driver's perspective. It's still a 911, just faster, better balanced, and easier to drive.
Even in the winter.
- John LeBlanc is an Ottawa-based automotive critic and publisher of straight-six.com
2005 Porsche 911 Carrera S
Type: Rear-engine, rear-wheel-drive, two-door sports car
Seats: 2 + 2
Base price: $115,650
Price as tested: $133,495
Warranty: 4 years/80,000 kms.
Engine: 3.8-litre, DOHC flat-six, 325-hp @ 6,800 rpm, 295 lb-ft @ 1,800-4,600 rpm
Transmission: 6-speed manual, 5-speed manumatic optional.
Brakes: Front and rear discs.
Wheels: 18-in. alloy
Tires: Front: 235/40ZR 18, Rear: 265/40ZR18 Continental winter
Wheelbase: 2,350 mm (92.5 in)
Overall length: 4,461 mm (175.6 in)
Overall height: 1,310 mm (51.6 in)
Overall width: 1,808 mm (71.2 in)
Curb weight: 1,420 kg (3,131 lb.)
Optional features: Metallic paint ($1,150); Interior leather upgrade ($5,230); Heated front seats ($680); Power front seats ($2,170); Multifunctional steering wheel ($1,040); Gold wheel centres ($275); Navigation package ($2,890); Sport Chrono Pack Plus ($1,290); Bose sound system ($1,950).
Fuel consumption: City: 13.2/100kms, Highway: 8.4 l/100kms
Fuel type: Premium gasoline recommended
photo:Photos by John LeBlanc
 |
| (Photo : John LeBlanc, straight-six.com) |
Eventually, the "good" roads run out, and to make my dinner engagement, I need to get on the 401 westbound near Belleville. The trip computer says I have only averaged 105 km/h, but considering the road and conditions, I'll take it.
With an engine that sounds as good as it performs, unflappable chassis, transcendent steering and brake feel, the new 911 is hugely involving from a driver's perspective. It's still a 911, just faster, better balanced, and easier to drive.
Even in the winter.
- John LeBlanc is an Ottawa-based automotive critic and publisher of straight-six.com
2005 Porsche 911 Carrera S
Type: Rear-engine, rear-wheel-drive, two-door sports car
Seats: 2 + 2
Base price: $115,650
Price as tested: $133,495
Warranty: 4 years/80,000 kms.
Engine: 3.8-litre, DOHC flat-six, 325-hp @ 6,800 rpm, 295 lb-ft @ 1,800-4,600 rpm
Transmission: 6-speed manual, 5-speed manumatic optional.
Brakes: Front and rear discs.
Wheels: 18-in. alloy
Tires: Front: 235/40ZR 18, Rear: 265/40ZR18 Continental winter
Wheelbase: 2,350 mm (92.5 in)
Overall length: 4,461 mm (175.6 in)
Overall height: 1,310 mm (51.6 in)
Overall width: 1,808 mm (71.2 in)
Curb weight: 1,420 kg (3,131 lb.)
Optional features: Metallic paint ($1,150); Interior leather upgrade ($5,230); Heated front seats ($680); Power front seats ($2,170); Multifunctional steering wheel ($1,040); Gold wheel centres ($275); Navigation package ($2,890); Sport Chrono Pack Plus ($1,290); Bose sound system ($1,950).
Fuel consumption: City: 13.2/100kms, Highway: 8.4 l/100kms
Fuel type: Premium gasoline recommended
photo:Photos by John LeBlanc
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