New 911 lives up to Porsch's image

By Russell Williamson

THE car parked at the entrance to Chateau de la Messardiere, just outside St Tropez on the Cote d'Azure, was definitely a Porsche.

The badge said so.

But this latest incarnation of the classic 911, was something altogether different from the cars that have marked the model's 34 year history.

It was bigger, more conservatively styled and drew its power from a smaller water-cooled engine, albeit one still using six horizontally opposed cylinders mounted behind the rear axle.

The question on the assembled media's lips was could this seemingly "softer, more user-friendly" 911 live up to the driving experience of the previous car?

And the answer - in a word - is yes.

The first thing you notice as you slip behind the wheel is the pedals are conventionally suspended, rather than floor hinged, and actually coincide with the natural positioning of your feet.

Likewise, the clean new dash and instrumentation, dominated by the large central tachometer and digital speedometer, places all controls and switchgear in logical ergonomic positions.

Turn the key and the 3.4-liter boxer engine delivers a throaty growl. Not the rasping hard-edged pitch of the previous car's air-cooled engine, but a nice note all the same.

Clutch in -- firm without building bulging thigh muscles -- slip the smooth six-speed into first and gently squeeze the accelerator pedal.

The response from the engine is instantaneous, and with 280Nm available from as low as 2,000rpm, the acceleration superb.

Once on the narrow winding roads that lead up into the southern reaches of the French Alps, the most overriding sensation is the incredible stability of the car.

Whether powering through tight corners, over patchwork blacktop, or straight-lining down the motorway at 220kmh, the 911 remains totally unfazed and maintains its line with near- perfection.

This stability has been achieved through a stiffer body, wide 17-inch 205/50 front and 255/40 rear tires, longer wheelbase and a new fully independent suspension, which while being firm, is also very supple in soaking up all but the harshest ruts and potholes, ensuring a comfortable ride.

If the surefootedness of the car inspires confidence in the driver, then combined with the steering, an almost immortal feeling permeates the cabin.

Such is the communication and pin-sharp response of the power assisted rack-and-pinion unit, it is possible to feel you are steering with hands directly on the front axle.

With such a car, enjoyment is drawn putting it through its paces on such twisting mountain passes as we experienced last week, but the 911 is equally at home commuting through the suburbs.

Plenty of low-down torque and an extremely flexible engine means the car can be driven lazily, either through the smooth shifting six-speed manual or Tiptronic five-speed automatic.

This is a car that, from the driver's seat, it is possible to almost become an organic part of.

But unlike its predecessor, it is also a car that provides the practical requirements for day-to-day transport.