Simply Abu Dhabi XXXV

2 5 8 S I M P LY A B U DH A B I It’s part of the reason why the wide-body shape is now standard on all 992s as the extra room around the rear guards is there for cooling both the revised 3.0-litre flat- six turbocharged engine mounted to an eight-speed PDK transmission as well as for the eventual electrical assistance. Previously the wide-body 911 signified the turbo models but they are now all 45mm wider front and rear, matching the previous 991.2 GT3 and house massive 20- and 21-inch wheels front to rear as standard. To help offset its heftier 1,605kg, although it feels substantially lighter on the road, the team applied more aluminium to its construction including most of the outer shell aside from the front and rear sections. Visually, while you can never mistake a 911 with its distinctive profile, this 992 edition features some relatively major design tweaks, most notably at the rear. All models include a variable-position rear spoiler as standard as well as a full-width, seamless light strip topped by two vertical high-mount stop lights designed to mimic those used on its GT race cars. Gone are the familiar chunky door handles, replaced by electric pop-out units for better aerodynamics while the nose has a larger under-bumper, matt black air intake. The overall inspiration for the longer and wider shape comes from the original 930 turbo from the mid-70s which is carried through to an all-new interior. Sitting inside brought back memories of earlier Porsches with amore horizontal dash similar in style to the one it originally used with less emphasis on the centre console that the more recent editions strayed towards. The retro look extends to a new instrument facia which continues the tradition of having the rev counter mounted in the centre but is now surrounded by two, thin, frameless LCD displays which supply information to the driver while a larger, 10.9-inch centre screen is available for the passengers. This eighth generation of the truly iconic 911 will possibly be the best car to be released in 2019, it’s that good. From everyday usability to focused track performance, space efficiency, quality and comfort, it’s got it all. It’s just that I can’t help but think that it’s become so good and so easy to drive quickly that somehow the 911 has become a bit softer as it tries to be all things to all people to chase more sales. The purist in me would like it to remain a difficult car to drive, but then again, everyone deserves to drive a 911 at least once and so it must be a car for every person to drive.