190 | theceomagazine.com
one clean piece, which looks sharp against a snow-white
or mean-black exterior. Illuminating in a long, thin line, it
creates a clean definition across the back that’s unmistakably
Porsche. Yet Porsche keeps its modernity in check to retain
its heritage look.
Flush door handles pop out electrically. Inside, luxuriously
soft leather frames the body in revamped seats that sit lower
and are easily adjustable in every way imaginable to settle
into a comfortable ride. The dashboard spans the entire
width, taking us back to the original 911 design. Two seven-
inch displays framing the centrally positioned analogue rev
counter and a 10.9-inch full-HD touchscreen display with
PCM (Porsche Communication Management) remind us that
Porsche keeps up with the times.
A keyless switch starts the engine with a purr – the sound
anyone wants to hear when settling back into the icon of
sports cars. On taking off at low speeds in the city, it hums
along effortlessly. The BOSE surround-sound system sets the
mood. It’s surprisingly easy to drive, with precise steering and
unforced performance on acceleration and in the race-track
proven, fixed-caliper brakes.IMPROVED PERFORMANCE
As the speed picks up and New Zealand’s rolling paths start
to coil, the wheels grip with controlled stability and impressive
handling around corners, making you feel very connected to
the road. It’s when you hit an enticingly straight road that your
excitement levels escalate and you’re no doubt quick to see
what 0–100km/h in 3.7 seconds – 3.5 in Sports mode – feels
like. An easy switch to Sports Chrono near the steering wheel,
and it’s foot straight to the floor.
Forget Nürburgring. The surge of power from the eight-
speed PDK – Porsche Doppelkupplung – dual-clutch
transmission on this road is proof enough. The engine is
responsive, manoeuvring around corners with dynamic
handling, and the exhaust emits nothing short of emotion.
Power is in its blood. The German-engineered, high-
performance, flat-six, 3.0-litre twin-turbocharged rear engine- the classic DNA of all 911s, and so well perfected by
Porsche – contains a forceful 331kW (450PS) of power output
at 6,500rpm in the Carrera S model. Max torque at 530Nm –
30Nm more performance than the previous model – is more
than enough G-force to pull you back in your leather seat and
INDULGE | Coasting in NZ