From the metallic bark of the engine that sits behind you, to the way the car’s bum wiggles seductively when you get stuck into the throttle pedal and the huge brakes that just about make your nose bleed, the Porsche 911 is guaranteed to bring a smile to the face of anyone who understands it.

Though it has to be pointed out that anyone who is sitting at the wheel of one of these Porsches for the first time may turn pale when they feel the way a 911 seemingly has a mind of its own. Particularly in the aforementioned wiggle of the tail. The latter is caused by the flat-six engine throwing the German sports machine out of balance due to its location right at the back of the car. Once you understand what it’s all about the car’s personality is a joy to feel, but until then…

Push this sports machine really hard and treat it incorrectly in the way you use the throttle pedal and you can get into strife. Do it right and the Porsche 911 responds beautifully. It holds the road with great precision, responds accurately to your every wish and stays under control at speeds way above those ever felt by the average driver.

They tell me riding a high-spirited thoroughbred feels exactly the same, but my (very) occasional horse riding has all been on low-spirited animals of uncertain origin, much to the disgust of my horse-mad niece, Melissa!

Porsche 911, 997 is now in its second series. By far the biggest change lies under that most distinctive tail. While the flat-six engines retain their 3.6- and 3.8-litre capacity they have been completely revamped.

Thanks to the extra efficiency of direct petrol injection their power outputs have been increased to 254 and 283 kW respectively, up 15 and 22 kW. Yet the new engines use 15 per cent less fuel than the old when measured to Australian government standards. That’s a huge improvement and highlights the engineering expertise of this German giant amongst sportscars.

Best of all is the introduction of double-clutch gearboxes, called PDK (Porsche-Doppelkupplung, which means double coupling). Porsche engineers first came up with the clever concept for their racing cars back in the early 1970s, but it wasn’t until a lot more computing power became available in the early years of this century that the double-clutch principal could be applied to the level of refinement needed in passenger cars.

Porsche's seven-speed PDK gearbox gives most of the advantages of a manual transmission and can be used fully automatically or manually according to the driver’s wishes. It is actually faster in its changes than a pure manual gearbox.

Yet, despite being quicker than the manual ‘box the PDK plays quite a big part in the aforementioned reduction in fuel consumption. And of course in the lower emission levels that result from the engine using less fuel.

Then again, we still feel a longing for a pure-manual gearbox whenever we sample one of these new generation double-clutch models. There's something about making your own precise mental calculations and getting the best from the ‘box.

Allied with the optional electronic launch control, the new 911 3.8-litre with PDK can be accelerated from rest to 100 km/h in a shattering 4.3 seconds. Without launch control it takes 4.5 seconds so the advantage of the race-inspired launch system are instantly obvious.

In the correct circumstances the Carrera S coupe can exceed 300 km/h so we suggest that all buyers should join a car club, and either book themselves into a new advanced driving or one that tops up their existing professionally-taught skills. Then take the car to a track as often as possible and really learn how to get the very best from themselves and their 911.

Those who don’t know their Porsches (poor things!) may not even recognise this as being the latest 911. But lovers of the marque will note the changes in the lines of the front of the car, particularly in the under-bumper zone, the slight reshaping of the headlights and just introduced LED daytime running lights. The rear lights benefit from the faster lightup and increased style of LEDs.

Inside, there are minor changes to the design of the trim and the dashboard area, as well as some new colour choices. But on the whole the latest Porsche 911 is still instantly recognisable by its simple, no-fuss layout and the semi-race appearance.

The front seats support well, particularly if you are about the size and shape of the ‘average’ sized person for which they are designed. Anyone planning serious track use should perhaps investigate other seats. Stowage space isn’t too bad inside, though the rather skinny door pockets require a bit of forethought before you start to squeeze things into them.

Though it’s really a two-seater there are tiny rear seats that can be used in emergencies. Better than being left behind, we suppose, but I’m not sure I would like to spend any more than a few minutes back there.

Now comfortably into its fifth decade, the Porsche 911 has been an iconic car for longer than its rivals care to remember. The combination of a modern shape that still carries strong cues to the 1963 original with the latest in engine and transmission technology make this a very special machine. One that all keen drivers should experience at least once in their automotive lives.

AT A GLANCE

MODEL RANGE

911 Carrera 3.6-litre two-door coupe - $219,300

911 Carrera 4 3.6-litre two-door coupe - $236,400

911 Carrera Cabriolet 3.6-litre two-door convertible - $241,500

911 Carrera S 3.8-litre two-door coupe - $248,100

911 Carrera 4 Cabriolet 3.6-litre two-door convertible - $258,600

911 Carrera 4S 3.6-litre two-door coupe - $265,200

911 Carrera S Cabriolet 3.8-litre two-door convertible - $270,300

911 Carrera 4S Cabriolet 3.6-litre two-door convertible - $287,400

911 Targa 4 3.6-litre two-door coupe - $258,400

911 Targa 4S 3.8-litre two-door coupe - $287,400

911 Turbo 3.6-litre two-door coupe - $361,100

911 Turbo 3.6-litre two-door convertible - $386,800

FEATURES

ABS Brakes: Standard in all models

Air Conditioning: Standard in all models

CD Player: Standard in all models

Central Locking: Standard in all models

Cruise Control: Standard in all models

Dual Front Airbags: Standard in all models

Front Side Airbags: Standard in all models

Stability Control: Standard in all models

Traction Control: Standard in all models

SPECIFICATIONS (Porsche 911 Carrera S 3.8-litre two-door coupe)

ENGINE:

Capacity: 3.800 litres

Configuration: Rear mounted, six cylinders horizontally opposed

Head Design: DOHC, four valves per cylinder

Compression Ratio: 12.5:1

Bore/Stroke: 102.0 x 77.5 mm

Maximum Power: 283 kW

Maximum Torque: 420 Nm @ 4400 rpm

DRIVELINE:

Driven Wheels: Rear

Manual Transmission: Six-speed

Automatic Transmission: Seven-speed

Final Drive Ratio: 3.44:1

DIMENSIONS, WEIGHT AND CAPACITIES:

Length: 4435 mm

Wheelbase: 2350 mm

Width: 1852 mm

Height: 1300 mm

Turning Circle: 10.9 metres

Kerb Mass: 1480 kg

Fuel Tank Capacity: 64 litres

Towing Ability: Not recommended for towing

SUSPENSION AND BRAKES:

Front Suspension: MacPherson struts, coil springs, anti-roll bar

Rear Suspension: Multi-link axle, coil springs, anti-roll bar

Front Brakes: Ventilated Disc

Rear Brakes: Ventilated Disc

PERFORMANCE:

0-100 km/h Acceleration: 4.7 secs

FUEL CONSUMPTION:

Type: Petrol 98RON

Combined Cycle (ADR 81/01): 10.4 L/100km

GREEN VEHICLE GUIDE RATINGS:

Greenhouse Rating: 5/10

Air Pollution Rating: 6.5/10

STANDARD WARRANTY:

Two years/unlimited km