If we calculate and round it off, it’s been almost 20 years since I joined TG. Like many of you, I’ve gone from being a clueless youth to a middle-aged grease monkey. I’ve graduated, started working, got married, and had kids, gradually succumbing to electronic impotence.
Fortunately, I’ve been working in the automotive industry during this time, witnessing the rapid changes in the field. While maintaining my passion and curiosity for cars, I’ve also achieved some personal goals, including owning a few cars I liked from different eras:
2010 Volkswagen CC
2013 BMW E93 335 LCI
2018 F83 M4 LCI
After experiencing “premium” VW, BMW, 3 Series, inline-six, convertible, and M Power, the next logical step is probably the 911. Thanks to some friends in high places, I secured a quota for the 992 Cabriolet last year, even when they were selling above the list price. After the Chinese New Year, I finally took delivery.
Quick First Impressions
Performance: I had the chance to experience the Carrera S of the 992.1 back in 2019 at PEC (Porsche Experience Center). Truly appreciating the “like a hot knife through butter” smooth and responsive steering feel, as well as its agility and dynamic response that feels both firm and flexible, requires an in-depth test drive. All actions are executed in the blink of an eye, precise, and stable. Compared to high-performance offerings from German luxury brands, which cost around a million RMB, the 911’s performance is literally a level above. The road feedback is rich in detail, the suspension is sharp, and it handles with ease. Compared to the somewhat firm seats of the F83, the 992’s seats provide just the right amount of support and comfort, making it the best daily sports car.
Space: Unlike the 4-seater configurations of the E93 and F83, the 992’s 2+2 seating layout is not suitable for comfortable adult passengers. I expect my son to squeeze into the rear seats for a couple of years. The front trunk offers 132 liters of space, enough for a carry-on suitcase. Together with the rear seats, it can accommodate luggage for a family of three on a self-driving trip in the Jiangsu-Zhejiang-Shanghai region for 2-3 days. However, if the baby stroller isn’t folded, it’s a tight fit.
Infotainment: The latest models come standard with CarPlay, which meets the minimum convenience and interaction requirements for daily use, such as navigation and music playback. The native PCM’s functionality feels primitive compared to the current Chinese-made infotainment systems. Voice control involves some vehicle functions, like turning on seat heating and ventilation. However, the response speed leaves much to be desired.
Convertible: This marks the 10th year of owning a convertible for me. I’m pleased to see the visible improvement in air quality in Shanghai over the past few years, increasing the chances of driving with the top down. The 992’s soft-top convertible system can open and close the roof in about 12 seconds at speeds below 50 km/h, making it more convenient than the hardtops of the F83 and E93. Additionally, the rear seats feature an integrated electric wind deflector, which can only be opened when there are passengers in the front seats to reduce turbulence in the cabin. While the Targa model looks great, it can only operate the roof while stationary, and rear passenger headroom is limited. It’s regrettable to give up on that option.
Around the same time, I also got a NIO ET7 as a family car to meet the needs for space, intelligent cabin features, and comfort. One car for sensational pleasure and another for inner peace – it’s probably the best consolation for a midlife crisis… isn’t it?
