Skip advert
Advertisement

Performance Car of the Year 2019: Porsche 911

The Porsche 911 is the 2019 Auto Express Performance Car of the Year, with the Aston Martin DBS Superleggera and McLaren 600LT commended

There are few automotive icons like the 911, such is the German sports car’s reputation for performance. Now in its eighth generation with this 992 model, the rear-engined coupé is still the choice in this class.

Porsche has honed the 911’s make-up with a new platform that incorporates even more lightweight metal. So despite a growth in size for this new model, it’s still one of the lightest and most agile sports cars in its class. And that’s with Porsche broadening the car’s ability even further by making it a more comfortable, well rounded GT car than ever.

Advertisement - Article continues below

The ride quality is incredible for a sports car that’ll manage 0-62mph in 3.7 seconds (or 3.4 seconds for the Carrera 4 S with the optional Sport Chrono pack). Its standard-fit adaptive dampers soothe in the default setting, despite the car’s 20-inch front and 21-inch rear wheels, while Sport mode sharpens up the body control to the point where the 911’s chassis claws the road so hard that it’s difficult to unstick it.

The steering is close to the best electrically assisted set-up available. It’s quick and inspires confidence, so despite a growth in size in the move to the 992, it’s still easy to position this larger body on the road.

Skip advert
Advertisement
Skip advert
Advertisement - Article continues below

While that will detract from the involvement and experience for some, it’s also part of the appeal of the car. It’s now a superbly capable cruiser with incredible long-legged refinement, yet it balances this with dynamics and performance that few rivals can match.

The 3.0-litre flat-six has a new turbo set-up and puts out 444bhp in Carrera S form –  currently the only engine option available. The eight-speed PDK gearbox shifts rapidly and almost imperceptibly, and although the motor is quieter, it still emits that trademark bassy growl the 911 is known for.

Advertisement - Article continues below

The evolutionary exterior design is ever-so-subtly sharper and cleaner, while the inside has been the subject of a big overhaul. Key to this is the revised infotainment system that echoes the one found in the Cayenne and Panamera luxury models. Quality is superb, as is the driving position, and with the 911’s trademark 2+2 layout, this is one of the most practical sports cars on sale. Those seats can be used for children or to complement the 132-litre boot in the nose.

Our choice

Porsche 911 Carrera S PDK (£93,110)

Only the S model with Porsche’s eight-speed PDK box is available for now; Carrera and manual options will appear later, as well as a hybrid. But the rear-drive Carrera S is all the 911 you’ll need because traction is so good. You get acceptable kit, so revel in the car’s balance, grip, poise and performance, or its usability when conditions restrict your fun. 

Commended

Aston Martin DBS Superleggera

Aston Martin’s second century has started with a boom, and the DBS Superleggera is one of the finest cars it has ever produced. The twin-turbo V12 delivers superb performance and plenty of theatre to match the Superleggera’s looks. But it’s the car’s GT comfort that makes it so appealing. It’s ferocious when you want it and relaxing when you don’t.

McLaren 600LT

McLaren 600LT - front

By applying its more focused LT tweaks to the 570S, McLaren has created the pinnacle of its Sports Series range with the 600LT. Communicative steering, superb braking, a rip-roaring twin-turbo V8 and wonderful chassis balance make this carbon fibre-tubbed sports car one of the most thrilling machines on sale.

Auto Express New Car Awards 2019

For complete, in-depth coverage of the 2019 New Car Awards, buy your collector's edition copy of the Auto Express magazine now or click here to subscribe...

Auto Express Issue 1,583
Skip advert
Advertisement
Continue Reading
Skip advert
Advertisement

Recommended

Best sports cars to buy 2025
Best sports cars - header image

Best sports cars to buy 2025

Fun and thrills by the bucketload, these are the best sports cars for your money
Best cars & vans
5 Feb 2025
Best GT cars 2025: the top 10 grand tourers on sale
Best GT cars - header image

Best GT cars 2025: the top 10 grand tourers on sale

If you want to cross continents in style and comfort, these are the best grand tourers to buy
Best cars & vans
3 Feb 2025
Porsche 911 GT3 review: track weapon is sharper still in 992.2 spec
Porsche 911 GT3 (992.2)

Porsche 911 GT3 review: track weapon is sharper still in 992.2 spec

The GT3 was a phenomenal car to begin with and, true to form, Porsche managed to make it even better with this facelift
Road tests
30 Jan 2025
Best performance cars to buy 2025
Best performance cars - header

Best performance cars to buy 2025

Performance cars have reached new heights of speed and interaction - here’s a list of our ten favourites from the current crop
Best cars & vans
28 Jan 2025

Most Popular

Car Deal of the Day: new Ford Capri looks a lot less controversial at this price
Ford Capri - front cornering

Car Deal of the Day: new Ford Capri looks a lot less controversial at this price

Rebooted Seventies classic is now an electric SUV for a low monthly outlay. It’s our Deal of the Day for 5 February
News
5 Feb 2025
Best car insurance comparison sites 2025
Person browsing on a laptop

Best car insurance comparison sites 2025

It’s always a wise policy to shop around for car insurance cover, so which websites make it easiest?
Product group tests
6 Feb 2025
Car Deal of the Day: Bag one of the last Jaguar I-Pace electric SUVs for under £400 a month
Jaguar I-Pace - front cornering

Car Deal of the Day: Bag one of the last Jaguar I-Pace electric SUVs for under £400 a month

The I-Pace shows how good an electric Jag can be. It’s our Deal of the Day for 7 February
News
7 Feb 2025

Find a car with the experts