Experiencing Porsche purrfection

Often, when a motor manufacturer's representative hands over the key to a performance sportscar, it's with the expression as though they are about to pass a kidney stone.

And most of the time one can't really blame them.

Giving possession of a vehicle - that often costs more than most people's homes - to one of those motoring hacks who thinks he's the next Michael Schumacher - must be more than a little disconcerting. They know that, more often than not, the car is going to (how do we put this diplomatically?) be driven with enthusiasm.

So, when Porsche's ever-dapper Mr Kruger handed over the key of the 911 Carrera 4S recently, I was expecting a long headmaster-type lecture on the do's and don'ts while the car was in MotorMania's 'care'.

After all, here is a prestige vehicle that carries not only a price tag well in excess of R1-million, but also one that encapsulates the rich heritage that Porsche is renowned for.

Instead, after the initial greetings, he uttered just three words - "Give it beans!"

Well at least that's what I think he said. So I did; and I found that this 911 has plenty of gas!

While some 911s of the past might have looked more suited to a spot of Sandton boulevard cruising, this particular car packs the aggression of an East Rand cage-fighter.

From those voluptuous J-Lo curves of the rear overhangs - 44mm wider than previously - to the unmistakeable design of the front bonnet, this is a car that oozes street-cred.

Of course the 20-inch wheels, four polished stainless steel tailpipes, daytime running lights and a low roofline also help with the image.

This is Porsche at its best. Even if you were to strip away the badges you would be left in no doubt as to the origins of the vehicle.

And if any doubt did linger, you could just turn that unique Porsche key and listen to the purr as the engine springs to life.

Actually "purr" is a definite understatement. A bit like saying World No1 golfer Rory McIlroy is "good".

It's more of a cultured rumble as the 3.7-litre engine kicks in and signals to those who care that it has, on tap, a whopping 294kW of raw, unbridled power.

If that doesn't get your attention, then how about a 0-100km/h sprint in 4.3 seconds and a butt-clenching top speed of 297km/h!

But the thing about this car is that it's not just about power. Sure it's nice, but there is no shortage of cars that have that today.

This is a combination of many things - history, looks and, yes of course, that undisputed performance, all moulded together so uniquely.

It's a combination that re-affirms the pleasures that motoring can so easily provide but so seldom actually does.

Even a normal, mundane drive to work comes alive as you play with the engine.

Engage the gear lever on the ascending, elevated centre console with short, sharp flicks of the wrist as you slice through the seven-speed gearbox and suddenly you become the conductor of the thundering orchestra hidden beneath the rear of the car.

Hold those revs for slightly longer than normal and it starts spitting like a machine-gun. For a moment you can feel yourself entering a different dimension of thrust, speed and excitement before you taper off the right pedal and come back to reality.

Fancy raising the game? Then hit the Sport button and the changes to various aspects of your drive is very noticeable.

Gear changes take slightly longer when driving in automatic mode and the ride is slightly tauter.

The 911 Carrera 4S comes with all-wheel drive coupled to Porsche Traction Management (PTM), which distributes power to the wheels according to weather and road conditions.

According to the press release for the vehicle, the lightweight aluminium and steel materials used in its construction help improve fuel economy by a whopping 15% over its predecessor. Probably true, but I honestly don't care - I was too busy having fun! The interior is a combination of comfort meets sportiness. The rich, leather interior of this Porsche was in a unique blue that complemented the vehicle well. Switches and dials were pretty easy to work out and everything was easily accessible.

I never thought I would write about luggage space when I reviewed a 911 - and petrolheads would probably scoff at the notion. But it's definitely worth a mention.

On popping open the front bonnet, I was pleasantly surprised to find a space that could easily accommodate a small weekend suitcase plus a few other odds and ends.

Admittedly getting in and out of the vehicle might not always be particularly elegant but it's a hell of a small price to pay for the joy that this car provides.

Once inside, however, I found the cabin surprisingly roomy - except of course for those unfortunate enough to be in the back seat.

The 911 is often referred to as a legend and it undoubtedly is. It's about the past but it's also about the future. It also reminds one of the importance of living for today.

That is what the 911 Carrera 4S left me with.

The Specs

Engine: 3800cc six-cylinder petrol

Power: 294kW at 7400rpm

Torque: 440Nm at 5600rpm

Top speed: 297km/h (claimed)

0-100km/h: 4.3 seconds (claimed)

Fuel consumption: 9.1l/100km (claimed/combined)

CO2: 215g

Pricing: R1347000

We like:

It's a Porsche 911 - enough said

We don't like:

A week was too short behind its wheel