Having downloaded the iPad version of evo 168 a couple of days ago, I finally got around to reading the two cover stories today - group tests pitting the new 911 Carrera and Carrera S against a number of their respective rivals. While I generally apply a healthy dose of skepticism to journalists' reviews, I have always found evo to be particularly good. They consistently apply the standards implied by their strap line, 'The Thrill of Driving' - so reviews are not about highest power or straight-line speed, nor about lowest 0-100 times or even lap times, but about the sensations engendered by the dynamic interplay between suspension, steering, engine and gearbox. They can also certainly not be accused of being anti-Porsche or anti-911 - in fact, they've often faced criticism for being too pro-Porsche (as evidenced by the number of times a 911 has won their eCOTY test, including 2011 and 2010).
I mention all of the above simply to emphasise how unusual (and disappointing) the results of these particular group tests were. To cut to the chase, in the first test, the Carrera came in second behind the Nissan GT-R (the other cars tested were Lotus Evora S, Jaguar XKR, BMW M3 and Mercedes-Benz C63 AMG Coupe). In the second test, the Carrera S finished third behind the Audi R8 V8 and Nissan GT-R (the other cars were Maserati GranTurismo S, Jaguar XKR-S, BMW M5 and Aston Martin V8 Vantage S).
Unfortunately, I can't post any extracts from the articles from my iPad, but I think the following quotes accurately encapsulate the conclusion: "...the 991 is very, very good. But - and it's a massive but - it feels rather aloof and cold. It's lacking that cohesion and sweet uniformity of weights and response that is a big part of the Porsche magic......To the majority of 911 buyers this probably won't matter - if anything it will give them more confidence. But to us it does......Some of this coldness is undoubtedly down to the electric steering, but there's an inconsistency of connection with what's happening at the wheels too that saps confidence....". "As fast, poised and high quality as the 3.8 991 is, there's a layer of gauze between you and the car".
I am not suggesting that this is necessarily the definitive verdict, nor that others may not come to different conclusions. I also don't think any purpose would be served by arguing whether they tested against the correct rivals, etc, etc. i do think, however, that this is a useful test and a view which should be taken seriously (one which is not completely out of line with what others - including some on this forum - have had to say after driving the 991). I'm reminded of a conclusion in another recent test (can't remember which), that said something like: the 991 is undoubtedly a better car, but not necessarily a better 911.
The TechArt AeroKit is way better than that IMO
If so I will stay with my 997.1 GT3 forever! 
Yesterday on the dealer launch of 991 saw the white one in person....I must say - it looks stunning! 
