Inside is an even more obvious representation of how Porsche have evolved the 911’s styling amidst its newest competitors. Gone is the large double-din style infotainment centre
stack that’s been a mainstay of Porsche interiors for a while. Along with that, Porsche has ditched the conventional automatic transmission lever too. Like the exterior, the dash now features a prominent horizontal edge spanning the whole width. This form factor is certainly reminiscent of 70’s era 911s and, embossed with contemporary patterning and accented with knurled switchgear and exacting fit and finish, it has transformed the in-car experience.
Aesthetically it’s much cleaner, but functionality is also significantly enhanced with a 10.9” high-resolution touch screen. It’s here the driver can access the intuitive and responsive
Porsche Communication Management system, with permanent connectivity, online navigation systems and phone integration with voice control. The instrument cluster has received 2019 techy upgrades too. The standard analogue tachometer remains front and centre as every 911 before it, but it is now flanked by two more high-res, full-colour digital screens allowing the driver to scroll through a secondary navigation display, trip computer readouts and – if fitted with the $5290 Sports Chrono package – a lap timer and G-force indicator for track use. It’s very much a driver-orientated interior and despite all the new-fangled technology, Porsche has done well not to bloat the 911 with elements that over complicate things.
It’s all very simple to navigate on the road without distraction. That’s good news, because on West Auckland’s serpentine coastal roads, there are, quite simply, better things to appropriate your attention with the Carrera S when behind the wheel. The growly 3.0-litre flat six bi-turbo powerplant is a carryover but, with larger turbos, improved breathing and injectors, there’s a 22kW power increase and 30Nm torque increase taking the engine to 331kW and 530Nm respectively. This is mated to a standard 8-speed PDK transmission (manual gearboxes remain as an option on the 992). With the Sports Chrono package you can switch between Normal, Sport, Sport Plus drive modes from a simple dial on the steering wheel; the latter delivering addictive exhaust crackles and a crispness to the throttle response.