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We already know how much more civilised the new 992 911 is, compared with its predecessor, the 991
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Yet again, Porsche has smoothed away whatever rough edges there may have been
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to create yet another version of its iconic and still rear-engined sports car
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and in most ways it represents yet another step forwards. But, because there's always a but when it comes to the evolution of the 911
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the 992 does carry some compromises beside its predecessor. One, it weighs a touch more than before in real terms
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even if Porsche claims that the body in white is lighter. Two, its 3.0-litre flat-six engine is turbocharged
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and some say lacks character beside the atmospheric engines from previous 911s even if it develops more power and torque than ever before for a regular member of the 911 range
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And three, it is expensive at £93,000 before options for this Carrera S model
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But the key question here is, how quick is it around the coastal circuit at Anglesey
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Turn the volume up and let's find out. So the Carrera S eventually managed a respectable but not exactly game-changing time of 1 minute 16 seconds dead
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The lap time itself was fine but the manner in which it delivered it was it has to be said a touch disappointing Because to be honest the 992 felt surprisingly big and clumsy around much of the lap It lacked bite at the front end
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It didn't sound all that special. And it felt quite heavy for a 911 in the braking zones
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Which is ultimately why it was only quick with a lowercase Q
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As a road car, the new 992 is hard to fault, no question
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but on the track it has definitely lost some of its edge
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It's a good sports car but not a truly great one and in that respect we can't help but conclude
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that it's taken half a step backwards over the year. So until the lighter, more focused
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hopefully still atmospheric GT versions of the latest 911 begin to appear
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the jury is still out on the 992
