The 911 demands a unique method when braking for the curves due to its rear-engine design. Wayne Flynn is the photographer.
ABS Approach:
You might have antilock brakes if you drive a late-model, street-based 911 or a 996 Cup car. If you know how to make the most of them, this isn’t a bad thing.
In Germany, I used to race in the Super Cup and Carrera Cup, and I learned that a little ABS engagement is okay. Here is my primary guiding principle: When braking hard, it’s good to feel a small amount of ABS pulsating through the steering wheel; if you feel ABS through the brake pedal, however, you’re probably applying too much pressure and losing the last 10 to 20 percent of bite.
It’s a fine line, but you should maintain pressure and go further into your hairpins and tight bends if the ABS isn’t kicking back through the pedal. You may be able to extend the previous straight further than you initially believed.
Absent ABS, no issue
Avoid tricking yourself into thinking you have too much forward bias in non-ABS vehicles. Remember that when you turn in, the front of the car will begin to roll, making the inside-front tire very light and vulnerable to locking. To keep that tire spinning as you turn in, practice trailing off the brakes. The driver may need to adjust his approach and driving style to achieve the optimal setup adjustments.
Using the Clutch to Downshift:
I tend to use the clutch for all downshifts on all gearboxes. It’s controversial, but I think using the clutch stabilizes the chassis and lengthens the life of the gearbox.
Also, whether I’m using a conventional gearbox or a sequential one, I’ve never seen a reason to skip gears. I believe it is inefficient and detrimental to the engine to hold down the clutch while slamming through the gears. Additionally, I believe shifting through each gear keeps the platform neutral, which improves handling and braking.
Of course, correct throttle blipping is required with all of this downshifting. If downshifting requires you to blip the throttle to match the revs, your pedal box has to be updated or modified. Borrowing a manual car and spending the day figuring out what it takes is an additional alternative.
It’s absurd, but there are racing professionals out there who are incapable of performing a heel-and-toe downshift. Many of these negative behaviors are caused by excessive left-foot braking; if that describes your driving style, keep in mind that the 911 prefers matched revs on downshifts.
Taking on hairpins
A track’s corners won’t all be quick, and in hairpins the late, hard braker will always prevail. Use the aerodynamics of the high speeds to aid increase brake bite as you first enter the brake pedal.
It’s crucial to concentrate on bleeding off the brakes as you approach the corner to prevent the tires from locking up. Leaning into the tight turns with a little trail-braking pressure will also help the car rotate at the apex. Additionally, it will keep the rear agile and light. Depending on your setup, you should trail brake to a certain extent when entering a hairpin in a 911.
In This Article...
2/3 Walter Rohrl
Your driving is regarded as being very composed and under control. What would you say about it if you had to?
really simple. My strategy is to direct sparingly, gently, and early. Open up the steering as you approach the curve. When you are focused on the work at hand, driving keeps you psychologically fit as well.
Rallies are something you still do as a Porsche ambassador. There, consistency and complete control of the vehicle are the goals, not speed. How far has your ambition gotten away from you in this case?
You have consistently pushed the 1970 Porsche 911 ST to its physical limits while remaining in complete control. What was crucial when you started this car’s high-speed drift?
At high speeds, it was always crucial to sense every movement of the vehicle, countersteer at the proper angle, and time the opening of the steering. Control must be maintained in order to easily exit the drift and enter the straightaway in the rain. It’s either something you get or you don’t.
Your preferred 911 was a 1967 911 2.0 S rally car that you drove in the Bavaria Rally in the 1970s. Why was it your preferred 911?
That it exerted all of its force entirely on the ground. Additionally, it was difficult to maneuver due to its small wheelbase.
a healthy dose of deference and a readiness to always maintain attention on the subject at hand.
Respect is still due, but notably for the high speeds that can now be attained with such ease and are no longer audible because the 911 is so flawless.
Ready for the Road, Poised for the Track
Driving events are a fantastic way for individuals to experience the power of their Porsche, regardless of what they drive, and you’ll discover that your regular commute isn’t as difficult as you might have thought.
The Porsche brand enjoys legendary respect. These sports cars stand out both on the racetrack and Interstate 35 in Dallas thanks to their potent horsepower and recognizable body designs. Patrick Long, a professional race car driver, is no stranger to the marque; he started building a reputation in 2003 as a Porsche Factory Driver. Since since, his record of victories and successes makes him something of an authority on Porsche handling.
We therefore believed that sharing some of Patrick Long’s expert knowledge on the Porsche 911 could improve your driving and help you (safely and responsibly) get the most of your Porsche experience, whether you’re a genuine “track rat” or simply enjoy cruising local highways.
Can I drive a Porsche 911 on a regular basis?
Overall, it appears that the majority of the members share the common consensus. Driving a 911 on a daily basis is fine, barring bad weather. But there are a few people who aren’t afraid to pack their 911 with a roof rack and go skiing in it.
Do you think the Porsche 911 handles well?
Porsche Porsche 911: Even the first models, which developed a poor reputation because drivers had not yet mastered them. Stunning handling is available in a 911 when approaching slowly and quickly.
What is so unique about a Porsche 911?
Behind the rear axle is where the engine is located. The Porsche 911 provides a driving experience that is unmatched by any other vehicle because to the placement of its own engine behind the rear axle. A experienced 911 pilot can drop power earlier in a turn than they would be able to fly any other configuration thanks to the weight distribution that results.
Which Porsche 911 generation is the best?
Because it is the newest and best 911, the Porsche 992 ranks in the top 3. It has many advantages, but only time will tell if it becomes a classic like the vehicles mentioned above. There are numerous models and two transmissions—a 7-speed manual transmission and an 8-speed PDK dual clutch transmission—to choose from. The non-turbo engines have a horsepower range of 380 to 450, but if you choose a turbocharged engine, that range can increase to 641 horsepower.
Are Porsche 911s dependable vehicles?
According to the J.D. Power 2022 U.S. Vehicle Dependability Study (VDS), which was just issued, the Porsche 911 is the model with the best ownership experience. The sports car legend won the study’s top prize for the third time in the last four years, making this the second year in a row that it had done so. In the category of Upper Midsize Premium SUVs, the Porsche Cayenne was rated as the most trustworthy vehicle.
As we persistently focus on meeting and, ideally, exceeding the expectations of our consumers, it is pleasant to see the efforts of so many colleagues, both here in the United States and in Germany, said Kjell Gruner, President and CEO of Porsche Cars North America, Inc. “The top rankings this year for the Porsche 911 and the Cayenne reflect our commitment to designing and delivering exciting vehicles that their owners can rely on, drive after drive,” the company said.
The 33-year-old study counts the problems per 100 vehicles (PP100) that three-year-old automobiles’ original owners encountered in the previous year. A lower rating indicates greater dependability. The research for this year used automobiles from the 2019 model year.
The Porsche 911 had the fewest PP100 of any model across the whole automobile industry with 94. Porsche finished third overall among luxury brands.
Can you use a Porsche on a daily basis?
If you need a car that can transport more than one more passenger, golf bags, or building equipment, the Cayman is not a feasible choice. The Cayman is surprisingly useful other from that. The trunk has adequate room for groceries, briefcases, and the majority of other items you would wish to bring along in your sports vehicle.
If you don’t reside in a place that receives a lot of snow each year, you might not need to worry about driving safety in the Cayman in most climates. The Cayman’s sportier, firmer suspension makes it more difficult to drive than some high-end luxury vehicles, but it isn’t so uncomfortable that you’ll become irritable. Considering how low the Cayman sits to the ground, you probably shouldn’t drive it after a storm, but if you’re concerned about rust, you won’t be taking your fine Porsche sports car out in the snow either.
The Porsche Cayman is cozy and useful enough to serve as an excellent daily vehicle. They have a reputation for being largely dependable, hold up well over time, and can turn your daily commute to work into an exciting adventure.
Who drives a Porsche, exactly?
Someone who is prosperous or aspires to be is a Porsche fan. They are frequently intelligent car owners who enjoy making repairs and enhancements to their own vehicles. A Porsche owner enjoys the sex appeal that his vehicle affords him and finds nothing more enjoyable than receiving a sly glance as they pass by. They will honor their brand’s racing heritage and will typically make an effort to drive their car as often as possible on quiet roads so they can experience the power and acceleration it has to offer.