They say never meet your hero. But when we got the chance to experience some of Porsche’s most exciting models at the Buddh International Circuit, we couldn’t resist.
Published on October 16, 2022 08:00:00 AM
911 Carrera S cabriolet
It’s a well-known fact that the 911 is no longer tail-heavy, but what baffles you is how tame and forgiving new cars are when pushed hard. We felt the Cabriolet’s powerful dynamics on the narrow autocross track, but only on the track, where we could really push the limits of its handling and make its 3.0-liter flat-six turbo it sings, harnessing 450hp and 530Nm. of torque.
With 450hp to the touch, the Carrera S easily hits 230km/h in a straight line.
While we didn’t set a lap time, hitting 230 km/h on the straight back of the BIC felt easy. Adding some spice is the optional Sport Chrono Package, which goes 0.2 seconds faster to 100kph, at 3.7 seconds.
911 GT3 RS
Stepping up to the GT3 RS after the 911 Carrera S Cabriolet was quite a surprise. The Miami Blue GT3 RS is a perfectly legal race car. Sure, it’s an older generation, which you can’t buy new anymore, and the test car wasn’t even air-conditioned, but these factors might keep us from getting behind the wheel of Porsche royalty. are not? Absolutely not! Gentle touches to the accelerator are responded to with instant response and raw mechanical sound. Completely stripped of any form of insulation or dead weight, you hear every road and sound of the powertrain inside, adding to the impeccable driving experience.
Additional aerodynamic bits and slick tires allow for an incredible level of traction.
The steering is telepathic, the PDK is the fastest I’ve ever experienced, and the sound from the 4.0-litre flat-six is captivating – and spins really fast all the way to around 9,000rpm – it is simply addictive. And with incredible traction, thanks to aero bits and super-sticky tyres, riders will hit corners much sooner than the car is limited. For those who say not to meet your hero, I recommend driving the GT3 RS on the track once; Your respect and love for this hero will only multiply.
718 spyder
Save the best for the last, what is commonly known as the ‘Junior 911’, the 718 Spyder. This particular car is exceptional in many ways. First, warming up to eleven is the savage 420hp, 4.0-liter six-cylinder engine, and the best part is its 6-speed manual. Yes, it is a rare breed. And boy, driving is great. Paddle through the smooth transmission, with its six flat howls up to 7,600 rpm, is an incredibly satisfying one. When compared to the Carrera S Cabriolet, the 718 feels more agile and fun to drive.
Unlike the 911 Carrera S and GT3 RS, the 718 Boxster has a mid-engine layout.
Featuring a mid-engine layout, its weight distribution rotates around its axis, like a pirouette perfectly executed by a professional ballerina. And I even found the steering to be more precise than the Cabriolet. The manual transmission’s ratio is just too high for street driving, the clutch requires effort and it’s slower than the PDK automatic, making a strong case for the latter. So if you want a luxury car and drive with perfect balance, do yourself a favor and get the 718; hard top or switchable, take your pick!
Also see:
Kashmir to Kanyakumari: 4,500 km by Porsche Taycan EV
Dr. Nirmal Krishnan: Driving a Porsche 911 GT3 Every Day
Copyright (c) Autocar India. Copyright Registered.
