PORSCHE 992 LAUNCH WITH PORSCHE NORTH SCOTTSDALE
There is something immeasurable about seeing the 992 in person versus online. Maybe that’s because there’s a certain highly refined sense of overall quality and prestige that doesn’t unfold until this beauty is examined and experienced up close. From the moment the sheet was pulled from the Carrera S on display in our upper member lounge, everyone knew that the 2020 992 wasn’t “just another” 911.
The 992 is arguably the single biggest leap of any of the 911 generations in terms of looks, technology and performance metrics. The car has a stronger heart than ever, and it looks planted from every angle—none of which are bad. Yes, the 992 is still a 911, but it’s also the biggest and most technologically-advanced version of the brand’s hallmark to date.
But we are not here to talk about metrics. Porsche itself summarizes the 911 as a “Timeless machine,” and while there’s no doubt the 911 represents a timeless design, the 992 is proof that “the times they are a changin’.” Porsche itself has stated the first hybrid 911 will be based on the 992 platform. Interestingly, the 992 launch represented the first time that a 911 debuted without a manual transmission as an option, although Porsche has since restored the balance and unveiled the optional 7-speed manual transmission for select 992 models.
As with any major changes to the 911, some will kick and scream about the new direction, but Marcus Fortense, one of the managers of Porsche North Scottsdale, gave our members even greater context and insight into what makes the 992 so exciting.
Acknowledging the “cult following” around the 911, Marcus pointed out that in 55 years the 911 has been redesigned only eight times. “It’s the Cornerstone of our brand,” Fortense said. “We’re really excited about the car and the opportunity to share it with members of OTTO first.” Fortense paraphrased a pretty on-the-nose quote from an automotive journalist from the 1960’s that’s still true today:
“The harder you drive it, the more it comes alive. You can almost hear it laughing at you when you drive it the way Dr. Porsche intended.”
The 992’s clever blend of old historical heritage and new modern technologies still keeps things in line with what makes the experience of owning and driving a 911 so pure. With homages to the 993, 964 and G series generations of 911, the 55-year project which has and continues to employ some of the best motorsport engineers and minds to continually tweak, refine, adjust, redesign and perfect the 911 has reached new heights with the 992.
But there are some things that will always be the same. “A sports car should be fun,” Fortense concluded. “Having an engine in the back is fun.”
