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AUTO REVIEW

2018 Porsche 911 By Stephen Schutz, MD

The automotive world is changing in fundamental ways. In 30 the company. Regrettably Mr. Schutz died a few months ago.
years automobiles, assuming they’re still here, will look much more While much larger and sleeker than its 55 year old predecessor,
different from today’s than today’s do from the ones we drove 30 the 2018 911, known internally as the 991.2, could never be mistaken
years ago. Autonomy, electrification, and urbanization will change for any other car. The pinched tail, sloping rear roofline, and droop-
everything. ing hood framed by fenders that connect to round headlights are all
I don’t want to talk about any of that. Instead I’ll give you this styling elements that have been retained over the years. Well-heeled
challenge: name a vehicle that is, in its essence, the same as it was 50 customers of today demand maximum safety, luxury, and perform-
years ago but has nevertheless evolved significantly, continues to de- ance, so the newest 911 is wider and longer than it was back in the
light its owners, and is so entrenched in our collective psyches that day — larger crumple zones, less twitchy handling, and additional
we can’t imagine a world without it. I thought of three: the Ford F- passenger/luggage space – heavier – ain’t nothing for free – and
series pickup, Jeep Wrangler, and Porsche 911. more expensive – ditto.
I had the chance to drive a new 911 recently and was impressed. Fast, The interior has been similarly transformed with modern materi-
luxurious, and distinctive, Porsche’s icon instantly reminds you why it als, gauges, and controls. While the updated interfaces are more con-
resonates in 2018 as much as it did in 1963 when it was first introduced. temporary than the previous (991.1) generation, they’re still behind
A quick aside: the 911 was scheduled to be discontinued in the much of the competition and even the current Porsche Panamera.
early 1980s, but the new CEO who took over in 1981, Peter Schutz Like many luxury vehicles, the 911 uses a modern touch screen to
(no relation), decided to save it. In saving that car, he probably saved control many functions such as the sat nav, climate, and audio, but

44 San Antonio Medicine • April 2018