Engine Sound of the Porsche 911 (992 Model)

I’ve been seeing more and more news about stricter fuel efficiency and exhaust emission regulations for cars. That said, I used to think, “It seems this trend is spreading in Europe, but it might be quite a while before it affects Japan.”

However, it turns out we can no longer afford to be so relaxed—these impacts are already starting to affect us.

Recently, I received a question on the blog:

“I just took delivery of my 911 (992 model) and am still in the break-in period, driving below 3000 rpm, but the sound feels a bit lacking (even with the sport exhaust on). I wonder if it’s because the muffler hasn’t heated up enough, the rpm range, the 992’s sound insulation, or if my perception of the sound is just dulled… However, compared to my previous Macan, the sound feels quieter. How about Mina-san and your spouse’s 992?”

I asked my husband, and he said:

Regarding the 992’s engine sound, in my experience, it was quite loud right from delivery. Especially the engine start-up sound is really loud. My 992 doesn’t have the sports exhaust option, but even so, it makes a fairly loud noise.
The engine sound when you press the accelerator a little isn’t the thunderous roar of a 981 Boxster GTS or GT3, but it still has a pretty nice, loud sound.
Maybe the questioner’s 992 has a GPF (Gasoline Particulate Filter) installed. I’m not sure though…”

I relayed this to the owner.

The owner promptly checked with the dealer and emailed me back, saying, “My 992 already has a GPF installed!”

So that’s how it is…!

Availability of the Sports Exhaust Option

Also, this is based on information tweeted on Twitter and remains unconfirmed, but I heard that “from the 2022 model year, the 718 Boxster no longer offers the sports exhaust option.”

I never imagined the sports exhaust option would disappear so suddenly. This really shows how strict the regulations on vehicle noise, exhaust emissions, and environmental standards have become.

Until now, I thought, “I’ll buy a Porsche someday. When the timing is right, I’ll buy the Porsche I want at that time.” But it seems we can no longer afford to be so leisurely. If you don’t buy when you can, sports cars with gasoline engines that deliver thrilling engine sounds and a visceral driving experience might disappear sooner than expected.

My husband has recently been saying, “The 991 early model 911, which will be the last naturally aspirated engine in the standard lineup, is really great,” and he’s been checking used car sites almost daily. If you want to enjoy the smooth acceleration and engine sound of a naturally aspirated engine, you might need to get one within the next year or two—because the era when you can still find them is rapidly coming to an end.

Lately, these thoughts have been weighing on my mind a lot.