Vehicle: 2009 Porsche 911 Carrera S with PDK, PCCB, PASM sports suspension pkg and Sport Choron pkg plus
Price as tested: CDN$129430

Performance: The single biggest headlight to the facelifted 997 is the availability of PDK gearbox, which, in Porsche’s term, as the dual-clutch direct shift gearbox, similar in concept to Audi’s S-Tronic. Unlike Audi’s system, which have paddle shifters mounted behind the steering wheel with left side for “-” and right side for “+”. The upshift and downshift paddles are mounted together in front of the steering column. Press “+” for up and “-” for downshifting. While I still prefer the design of paddle shifters in both VW and Audi, Porsche’s system needs something to get used to. Although its similar design to the outgoing Tiptronic-S system, it still needs to get used to as to how well placed VW put the paddles on their GTI.

Of course, everyone know 911 is mounted at the rear and C2 means its a rear-driver. In C2S’s case, its powered by a sweet 3.8 liter flat 6 with 385hp and 310 lb/ft of torque. The C2, on the other hand, is powered by a 3.4 liter with 345hp and 288 lb/ft of torque. The extra horses and torque of C2S definitely worth every pennies over the C2. Throttle response is wonderfully response without being abrupt. The engine note is such a joy to any driving enthuisast’s ears. With VarioCam Plus, it high revving has enhanced, so that it won’t go breathless when pushed right into the redline.

Handling: Delicate and entertaining are just the beginning to describe 911’s legendary driving experience. The optional PASM, which the choice of a sportier shocks with the press of a “sport” button on the dashboard really makes the car does. The sharper response of the steering, suspension, shocks and even tighter support of the sports seats have given 911 an even more exhilirating driving experience. Not to mention the wonderfully stiff and strong chassis, matched with the superb suspension caliberations. On the other hand, the steering is sharp and precise. Without a doubt, 911 has the best steering feel and response in the entire auto industry. While Porsche is the sole carmaker that never produces any steering that is lack of any feel and feedback. Porsche engineers have dialled a bit of safe understeer when pushed, in order for most buying public to handle 911 easier. If it does get out of hand, there is always Porsche’s famed PSM, or Porsche Stability Management, that is going to save any drivers from any nasty situations. However, PSM has to be considered as the most uninstrusive stability control in the business. With thresold large enough for full oversteer by any enthuisast. Last but not least, body rolls are non-existence no matter how hard you pushed.

Brakes: Porsche’s PCCB, or Ceramic Composite Brakes, really do wonders to 911’s already world’s best braking prowess. The stopping distance is short and pedal feel is simply astonishing. Its completely fade-free after a couple of hard stops, while ABS doesn’t step in unnecessarily.

Interior: When you are paying 120 grand for a Porsche, you expect all the luxurious features. That’s the case with the 911. Everything else from power leather sports seats to superb climate control. The driving environment is all driver’s car. All the instrumentation gauges to secondary control are all of easy reach. The use of materials and fit-and-finish are world-class.

Conclusion: With the introduction of the PDK dual-clutch gearbox, it just makes the world’s finest sports car even better. All the power is going to produce in more efficient manners without losing the composure typical of a 911. A true engineering masterpiece indeed.

OVERALL VERDICT FOR 2009 Porsche 911 Carrera S
=====================================
Performance: 5/5
Handling and ride/fun-to-drive: 5/5
Interior/ergonomics/user-friendliness: 4.5/5
Fit-and-finish/build quality: 4.5/5
Cargo/accessibility/layout: 2/5
Value-for-money: 4/5

Overall rating: 4.75/5