Video on the Development of the New 911

The other day, my husband told me, “There’s a video showing how the new 911 (992) was developed,” and sent me the URL. The video is titled “Porsche 911 (992) – HOW IT’S DESIGNED” and runs for about 30 minutes. I thought, “30 minutes is quite long (-_-),” but I watched it right away… As expected from Porsche, the behind-the-scenes development was so intense that I sighed, thinking, “They really go this far…”

When I previously read about the Panamera endurance test, I was also amazed, thinking, “They really go this far!” But watching this video made it clear once again that Porsche spares no effort down to the smallest details, from vehicle development to endurance testing.

Behind the Scenes of 992 Development

I’ve seen before how they shape the car using clay (a special clay called “clay”) and carefully shave it down thinly, and in this video, they even meticulously recreated the stitching on the seats using clay.

Here’s a funky lady carefully sculpting the clay.

I doubt you’d find such a funky employee at a Japanese automaker. But I feel that letting employees work in their own unique styles like this encourages free thinking and creativity.

Next, the screen showed countless sketches drawn on paper. They repeatedly recreated these in 3D with CAD to check and refine,

and even reproduced detailed dashboard parts with a 3D printer,

and when fitting parts together, everything fits perfectly. They reproduce every single part without compromise.

Next, the instrument cluster. They examine enlarged drawings,

check the design and layout on tablets,

and fine-tune by comparing with computer models.

For the air conditioning vents, serious meetings are held with large monitors.

Honestly, I have no idea what they’re discussing so seriously… (-_-). Then a miniature 911 made from the countless sketches appears. Amazing… I want one, haha.

Back to the clay sculpting scene. The full-scale form looks exactly like the real thing. In this digital age, they still use clay because it has the advantage of making shapes visible, making it easier to judge and come up with ideas, as I read in an article once.

They then attach parts onto this carefully checked clay body.

Even tires and wheels are carefully fitted.

Interior parts also undergo repeated discussions.

Next, in the simulator room called the Virtual Driver’s Seat,

they put on goggles (I couldn’t do this if I got motion sickness; I feel sick as soon as I put on goggles)

and check how it feels to operate mirrors and touch panels while driving. What an incredible setup.

This is analyzed by computer and used for further improvements.

Next, the car is slightly lifted so it can’t move, and the speed is increased on the spot while data is checked on a computer.

They also check wind resistance on the body,

and air resistance when the rear wing is raised,

checking countless details that even amateurs can’t understand. Then the vehicle is surrounded on both sides by a large device to collect data,

and I thought, this kind of work, staring at data every day, must be pretty tough…

Next, sound checks.

They collect data on road noise and engine sound at high revs, checking both with human senses and data.

Next, driving tests.

They have roads with bumps and roll bars to drive over, but it’s all rough terrain that makes you think, “No way anyone would actually drive on roads like this (*_*).”

They even drive through huge puddles like this—what an incredible spectacle!

There are also ice driving tests,

wet mode driving,

and of course, repeated test drives at the Nürburgring.

Wow… truly amazing. They really go this far. I thought, “After watching a video like this, test driving the 992 must feel completely different,” and while searching for test drive reviews online, I found a review by the famous Porsche enthusiast Kazuo Shimizu.

Kazuo Shimizu’s 992 Test Drive Review

This is a video of Kazuo Shimizu test driving the new 911 (992) Carrera S at the international test event held at the Circuit Ricardo Tormo in Barcelona, Spain.

The Carrera S features a 3L flat-six twin-turbo, 8-speed PDK, 450ps max output, and 530Nm max torque. Shimizu’s evaluation was naturally very positive, saying:

The steering is much more direct. The gear ratios are more direct, overall rigidity has increased, making it sharper and more agile (lightness and responsiveness). When driving in Sport or Sport Plus mode, acceleration matches that of the GT3 RS. You can even run alongside a GT3 RS, and it doesn’t feel like it’s losing out. The brakes are great too. ABS, traction control (traction control), and PASM control have all improved significantly. When the road is wet, the Wet Mode automatically detects it and adjusts output, making the car easier to drive smoothly without jerking. The new 992 is fast—really fast. You might not even need a GT3; the Carrera S is more than enough!

After watching the behind-the-scenes video, I can totally understand this glowing review.

I Want to Drive a Porsche in Original Form

I had a vague idea that Porsche builds on the best with the best, but learning that design, interior, engine sound, vibration, aerodynamics, and so many other details are so thoroughly considered and crafted was astonishing.

What I felt again was, “I really want to drive a Porsche in its original form.” Whether to modify or tune is a personal preference, and there’s nothing wrong with doing so, but personally, I’m not a big fan.

I feel that if you tune a Porsche that engineers, designers, and everyone involved in development have improved again and again to deliver in the best possible condition, you will definitely upset the overall balance and the car won’t be able to show its true capabilities. Out of respect for those involved in Porsche’s development, this video reminded me once again that I want to drive a Porsche as it was originally made.

By the way, here are the videos I introduced this time.