Jason Cammisa on the base 991.2 Porsche 911 Carrera - Vintage Motor Trend Ignition Full Episode 156

The non-Turbo turbocharged 991.2 spelled the end of the naturally aspirated 911 Carrera - did that mean the end of the 911 as a driver's car?
We took the 911 - and Randy Pobst - to Thunderhill Raceway to set a lap time and see if the base 991.2 was quicker than a BMW M2.
My verdict: this is downsizing done right. But for more info and entertainment, you'll have to watch. But you know this.
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This video was uploaded as part of Jason Cammisa's professional showreel and portfolio as a writer, on-screen talent, and precision driver.

[@MaelstromMephistoPEM]

The motortrend shows from mid 2016 to early 2018 were life. Every month, I would religiously watch the Head 2 Head, the Ignition & the roadkill episodes. These are partly why I am a petrolhead in the first place. Thank you for inspiring me.

[@JasonCammisa]

You're very welcome - and thanks for joining the club!

[@PaulLukeBonenfant]

Me too- really made me into a full enthusiast

[@zeca78]

@@JasonCammisa Jason are you leaving hagerty?

[@JasonCammisa]

@@zeca78 My answer to you: Nope! My answer to you if my boss reads this: Yes, immediately, if those mothafckas don't give me a raise. 😜

[@hobear637]

@@JasonCammisa Cammisa is a damn national treasure lol

[@biditnow8869]

I sold Porsche from 2016 to 2021 and have driven most variants of 911 from the original of 1964 all the way through 992 (except 992 Turbo models). I personally found the 991 to be the greatest overall generation of 911 ever. So many great variants, ground breaking technologies, refinements and so aesthetically perfect. The air cooled cars are crude dinosaurs, 996 to 997 had significant issues and kinks to iron out and 992 is far too digital. Peak 911 was 991. Alot of significant developments in the 911 story occurred during the 991 era ie turbocharging all engines, manual to PDK back to Manual for GT3, rear steer, torque vectoring available on all variants, magnesium wheels, last N/A Carreras, GT3 with solid lifters (still blows my mind), bringing back the FULL Targa roof (993 to 997 had an exaggerated sunroof) and first Speedster with motorsport engine rather than Carrera based engine. One thing I dont hear enough talk about is how reliable the 991 was. I RARELY saw 991's in service for anything major (even at a top 20, Premier rated, high volume dealership). In fact, I can only remember ONE major incident which was a headgasket on a 17 C2S at 8k miles and of course Porsche paid for a replacement engine. We had many customers that beat their cars on the track and never had any significant issues. 991 really was the first watercooled 911 with zero Achilles heel. Pertaining to trim levels for 991.2 turbo engines, the base has NOTABLY less turbo lag than S/GTS. Absolutely the best trim for a primarily street driven daily driver. Almost imperceptible turbo spool and the most linear power delivery of the three trims. Realistically, plenty of juice for spirited street driving. The performance, reliability, livability, build quality and style is unmatched with any other 911 generation. 991 is the GOAT!

[@dannymac6368]

99,985 miles on mine so far. Not a hiccup.

[@CaptCanuck4444]

Agree, and I think the 991.2 Carrera T is the best daily driver 911 ever made.

[@rogerl7533]

Great overview, and insight. Perhaps the only downside to the base 991 is the unavailability of certain options, most notably, Porsche's fancy chassis control feature which apparently makes a significant difference on the Cabriolet. Your thoughts?

[@biditnow8869]

@@rogerl7533 wasn't needed after lengthening the wheelbase on the 991 compared to 997. Combine that with Sport PASM and Torque vectoring diff and that chassis is locked in. Even a 991 without all that drives more true than a 997 with the whole kit.

[@rogerl7533]

@@biditnow8869 thanks!

[@_WyreTheWolf]

I was always an admirer of Porsche from afar. My Uncle had a 911 turbo in the late 80s, it was a monster. I got married in my 20s, kid and house in my 30s. When I reached my 40s I realized I had been driving the 1999 Honda Civic Si that I bought new for over 15 years. After discussing it with my wife I bought a 2014 Porsche 911 Carrera 4S. Nicely loaded, purchased just 1 years from new. The Porsche has been everything that I really wanted in a comfortable luxury sports car. Funny how those that do not keep up with Porsche still think that my old Carrera is a new car. That is one benefit of the 911. It doesnt seem to matter how old the cars get, they never really look old.

[@colin5577]

I have a 991.2 Cabriolet. With a manual gearbox. I’ve had a lot of 911s over the years starting with 993 and going through each subsequent generation and IMO, my 991.2 is up there with the very, very best of them. I don’t plan to regret selling it - it’s a keeper. Roof down, when the turbos spool up, it also sounds like the Back to the Future DeLorean and/or the Millennium Falcon - all whines and whistles. Fantastic. There’s still room for a T or a GT3 Coupe to do other more extreme things, but as a fantastic sports car… perfect.

[@rootsmanuva82]

I’ve always found the “poverty-spec” 911 Carreras as the rarest and most interesting of all 911’s. There’s something cool about an expensive car in its most distilled form.

[@rootsmanuva82]

But I also understand why people option these out. It’s hard to resist the Sport Chrono, PASM suspension, sport exhaust and a few other performance enhancing options.

[@geerstyresoil3136]

@@rootsmanuva82 yea, the problem is they give you so little in terms of features the car becomes very overpriced in a way. you almost have to option it out to get some features that are standard in many cars.

[@tjabaley]

Thats how i ordered mine. All the essence of porsches basic engineering with none of the fluff.I love manually adjusting my seats.

[@longtailgt]

Same here! Out of all the 911s I've seen myself, the absolutely bog-standard Carreras have been the rarest (I've only ever seen two or three) and I especially love when some people get very interesting specs on those kind of cars. I've seen some cars on Instagram that were painted in rare-ish colours, and also had a few interesting options, but were otherwise totally bare-bones with the cheapest wheels. Those are my favourites.

[@thatcopenguy]

too bad a manual 992 can't come in poverty spec as it has to be at least an S. Base model Carrera, no active suspension/ chassis control, manual trans, and a nice leather interior would make a really nice daily. At least in my city where stop & go traffic isn't an issue.

[@mannyrosado9887]

Jason, you and Randy have the coolest jobs in the world. The chart is the icing on the cake.

[@madrettorfotrop6016]

This video is pure gold. The car, the explanation of turbo lag, the humor, the message, Randy Probst and last but not least; the footage. A work of art.

[@2fast2nick]

Agreed!

[@Psyco6string]

Sooooo glad we are finally getting some content on this channel ! .......Go JC, GO !

[@TexasRiverRat31254]

Having Randy is part of the magic!

[@obi-wankenobi7160]

Great review Jason, I have a 17 Carrera with the 7spd. It has to be the best all around GT/sports car available for the money. I paid 69k for it at 3 years old, with 21k miles. I have done countless autocross, hpde, and road trips and have loved it every mile. I did get a tune, an exhaust/sport cats, and the dsc pasm upgrade. Couldn’t imagine parting with it unless it was for a GT3, but not convinced the GT3 would be as good as a daily/only vehicle.

[@melondoc]

Feared this would be 13 minutes and 23 seconds of dumping on the turbo 3.0 and how 911's have been ruined by turbocharging them; but I should have known that Cammisa and Pobst would give a good balanced assessment instead of going for the easy/lazy click bait👍

[@a.kblur04]

Just for the purity of the drive, the mechanicals, and the design, the Carreras and the other entry level models are the best 911s. Just perfect

[@hioctane1981]

Your best review ever! Thanks for uploading, Jason.

[@Wanderhirsch]

This was so much fun to watch! Loved every second, great balance between entertainment and information

[@the_track_enthusiast]

Man I’m so happy to see you dropping videos on YOUR channel

[@kent570253]

Thank you for uploading this treasure. You are the man Jason. Randy drives like a maniac in this one, holy fudge.

[@charliecharlie8621]

Love how in depth your channel is. I can tell you actually know how to drive and I learn just from the way you describe things. Cheers!

[@mx01pdx]

So pleased to see you have regained access to this content! Congrats and Huzzah!

[@skf2]

This duo is a true gem. Much love and respect.

[@dre32pitt]

I literally asked for this very video like yesterday or the day before. Great customer service Señor Cammisa!!

[@RingsAndSwoundabouts]

Thanks for uploading all of these. Please keep them coming. Excellent motoring content mate!

[@DarkClosetOfTheMind]

Your delivery is always so spot on, you are one of my favorite KZbin personalities. If you and Brian Cooley did a bit together on cars, I think my head would explode.

[@AQSKY]

I love how you guys push these cars to the limits

[@maverickphantom005]

Thank you for all these episodes I’m taking a vacation watching them while my Benz is getting looked at from that jump I did earlier last week.

[@thomasaleva]

Amazing to watch these back. Best car video’s of all time, hands-down. thanks for (re-)uploading! Is there more coming?

[@GlennsCarCollection]

Great video. I did exactly that, i purchased a 2017 Base Carrera with a manual transmission in Miami Blue and couldn’t be happier, had a 993 Turbo before. I bought the 2017 CPO two years ago and it came with a 3 year unlimited mile warranty (one year left on the original 4/50k warranty plus 2 year unlimited mile warranty). I have had it two years and double the mileage. Most reliable car i have ever owned and I drive it hard. Love these videos

[@DopravniPoradce]

I absolutely adore the way you do your videos. The information you provide, the passion you convey, the quality of production... it's absolutely outstaning. Thank you for your work. I suddenly need to buy red basic 911 and I don't know why.😀

[@komodotanjidor7272]

I remember enjoying this episode so much, his explanation, gear shifting, and then just flooring the pedal right away

[@tjabaley]

One of my favorite videos! Inspired me to get a guards red poverty spec 992. Absolutely love the car. Thanks jason and randy.

[@Porsche996driver]

Man that looks and sounds like an “all-motor” 911. I had a 996 with a couple mods and Auspuff for several years. That is pure 911 - no excuses! 🏁🇩🇪🇺🇦

[@TheHorsemenRed]

man, this guy's my hero, I want to be this guy's apprentice. Keep making videos dude.

[@dynomike4142]

My favorite car review of all time. I love the way Jason rings the neck of this car. I like Doug but his videos put me to sleep. This one had me on the edge of my seat. Thank you Jason. More please

[@NoahBB]

This episode is so good, it makes me want to re-up my MT on Demand subscription for one more month just to re-watch all the old Ignition and Head2Head episodes.

[@mashudali8482]

Thank God, your old videos live!

[@yuraplus3]

Just want you to know man - this video is the best Porsche review ever. Your excitement is natural and exactly demo's how you feel driving this car every day... You feel happy like a kid. Once Porsche owner - forever Porsche driver!

[@JasonCammisa]

Thanks!

[@rs-flamingo]

I just bought a 991.1 base Carrera last year and it’s so fun to hear Jason’s take on the .2!

[@jesseshaffer6105]

This is your best video yet

[@L1ttlepsych0]

Thank you for the turbo lag graph. It is very useful to understand it.

[@dcarts5616]

Geez these were gems!

[@AmraphelofShinar]

This is how I've always wanted a 911. Simple and pure.

[@blue_lancer_es]

I just found this channel. I guess I'll binge it.

[@The_Ry_Guy]

Just went to my local dealer and checked out a 997.1 C4, booked a test drive for next week. Would prefer RWD but the 997 C4 has the wide hips and is more usable in our Canadian weather. First time driving a Porsche, but it’s been an evolving dream my whole life. Wish I could try a 991, but a bit too out of reach right now. Great to have you posting these classic MT vids Jason!

[@PlayafromtheHimalayas]

Jason and Randy are the power duo we didn't know we needed.

[@simsneon2]

Jason rules give this man a additional raise he deserves it and his production crew of course they’re hilarious

[@bodyimager]

Great video sir. Love Randy!

[@boxterjeff]

great video. Glad to see a base Carrera used. Randy is an awesome driver.

[@bowlkiller1975]

MotorTrend hasn’t been the same since you left. Wish you all the best 👍

[@lloydmafs]

Beautiful review l just cant stop smiling u should have been comedian in ur past life, keep it up

[@speedcircuit]

When the 991.2 came out, everyone cried foul. I suspected it would be great, and I'm glad to see people finally warming up to it.

[@dre32pitt]

It's my 'End Game' car... I'm sad at the prices though.. I literally just want a base model manual in black lol

[@speedcircuit]

@@dre32pitt they've been coming back down to reality for months now so check again soon.

[@RyanHarris77]

I adore Jason.

[@GaddiAdda_]

I am in the office. I see Jason Cammisa. I see base Porsche. I open I like, I subscribe. I add it to watch later, and I will see it tonight. That's when you know content is good, without even opening in. Never stop making these. Also I own an e90 330i. Its the last NA BMW non-M sedan. Review it? 🙏🥺

[@TheMusicFan1297]

Oh awesome, I had a 320i E46 and still miss it, amazing car. Enjoy yours as long as possible.

[@mikeDinOC]

Amazing video, nice work.

[@raymondpaik4324]

Been looking for these reviews. I would love to watch your motor trend takes on all porsches especially 981's.

[@bioduntube]

Beautiful video

[@TH-ox5ig]

Amazingly good review of an amazing car.

[@gonzalosanabria2251]

2017 911 991.2 owner here since new, PDK, PASM & Tuned, can run on high octane racing fuel Dyno 520 hp, an absolute rocket ship blows away many 911s so very happy owner here @18,000 miles with resale price same as original, fyi, MOTUL and Pirelli PZeros❤. If u find one, get it

[@derekwhoelse8359]

Same here but a tuned C4. Change your Pirelli's for Michelin Pilot Sport 4 and you will be even more impressed!

[@romeropostali520]

Nice video, Carlos!

[@cmweek19]

Great vid

[@TheSlowoldman]

I had a '17 base Carrera in Graphite Blue.... LOVED it. Bought ten acres in Idaho and sold it to buy a John Deere tractor..... eventually I'd love to find a well maintained '17 base model with a manual someday to enjoy again.

[@MeteCanKarahasan]

Say hi to Mr. Pabst, I love this channel. So pure in its aspirations...

[@maldridge7630]

You are the best!

[@2VintageRacer2]

Jason is the best.

[@murraypollard]

I bought a base (+ a few non performance options) 2016 911.1 which was the last of the "affordable" naturally aspirated Porsches. Great car, well balanced. People get stuck on small incremental differences in performance that are not really applicable to everyday street driving. Thanks for this video!

[@maxkobalt8328]

I'm looking at 991.1 base after having a 992 for a few months. How's your treating you these days?

[@murraypollard]

@@maxkobalt8328 It is awesome! Basically it's bullet proof. I bought it with the intent that this would be the final car I would buy for myself as it's a really balanced car for a Porsche 911. I have driven various ones over the years and even went to the Porsche Advance driving school. I had no intent to track this car. It is amazing over all.

[@gabrielmillien7439]

My favorite 911 generation

[@WFO.]

Danke Jason.

[@michaeljordan6008]

This guy is the best. I haven’t locked in on anyone since Davis, Jr. and Yates.

[@AndreThompson925]

Dear lord that sounds fantastic. Another car that I simply have to drive before it's all over.

[@regisnieto]

I’ve been using this video, since it came out, to explain people what is turbo lag. Thanks so much Jason. The measurements are awesome. By the way, where they done in sport plus mode? (Sport plus mode keeps intake valve open and should have less lag than sport mode)

[@brucefromaz7708]

I have owned my 991.1 for 4 years now with the stock exhaust and the sound is tremendous. I also wanted the get a modern 911 that was the closest cousin to my 1971 Targa.

[@pietdebeer7972]

NO ONE makes videos like the CarMisa 🙂

[@jeffreyfulmergardner478]

This is awesome I love this old ignition style videos. What made re-upload these now?

[@yigitaslanturk1007]

The fast driving pleases the eyes

[@Oversight85]

Watching this in 2024 is so quaint. The car world was so different when the 991.2 came out.

[@georgec2126]

This is the only supercar I've ever considered. Off the scale good!👌

[@amirrahmanovic3417]

thank u man!!

[@marcusthestarlord4936]

One of the best intro's ever...

[@TheMarko57]

How many times did you say whoopie, in this video show??!!!! Thanks for bring these to youtube Jason!!

[@xodiaq]

I’ve never much liked Porsches from behind the wheel, but they always look fun as hell when somebody else drives them 🤷🏻‍♂️

[@marcodirusso2077]

great content!! you finally made me hit "subscribed" to something.

[@joeshmuckatelli4447]

When this version came out, I like every other 911 guy, was not happy. However, I assumed the engineers at Porsche would have understood this way before we thought of it, and did their Porsche engineering magic, which is what they seemed to do. I have had a Panamera Turbo for years, since I have kids. It is an incredible car. I absolutely love it, but once my kids drive and i no longer need to cart them around in a four door, guess what I'm trading it in for? hahah

[@chriscarbaugh3936]

I owned a boosted 930. It was better than w regards To lag; however it was hugely fun! Most fun I ever had in a car!

[@blakslee720]

Honestly, I like turbo lag. It's a little fun and adds character. I loved that I could play around with the turbo on my 2010 wrx before all hell broke loose.

[@cowanscott9047]

I remember this clip vividly.. it basically confirmed to me that the 991.2 base manual was the way to go.. Guess what.. Went to a Silverstone Porsche experience day ( in the UK) and found the manual box to be the biggest negative aspect of the experience.. chose the pdk instead. The 992 gen has rectified that issue despite it having a reworked version of the same box. Great clip though!..and have just subscribed!

[@TZ281]

I really wish you’d bring the silver necklace back Jason.

[@jacksonbarinowski3966]

I can't wait for the re-release of Jason's GT350 review!

[@opbk88]

Also, 911s are slow-in, fast-out cars. In other words, you brake hard, and trail the throttle into the corner to keep weight in the rear of the car (assuming you don’t want it to oversteer). In which case, the effective turbo lag is less when you do get more aggressive with the throttle on corner exit, because you’re already applying partial throttle.

[@joconnell3473]

Love this video! Try the Carrera T, like this but even lighter.

[@EspenX]

That was a really, really good and informative video. Now I see why Jerry Seinfeld spoke so highly of Jason Cammisa as a KZbinr with deep knowledge of cars.

[@kiktkikt2863]

Informative and funny 👍

[@confuzionn4843]

Thanks for uploading these, but if you can, can you put the air date on these videos in the description? KUTGW!

[@ScorpioIsland]

All the Jason all the time. But seriously. Camissa, Fenske, Torchinsky. Together, on one show. Drive Jason, it would be called, and it would be glorious. Three brilliant mad Jason's driving each other crazy. Come on!!

[@jmoo876]

In the turbo and turbo s the sport mode settings have the turbos engaged regardless of throttle input so when you do hit the throttle it’s instant response

[@suryaraghavendran3627]

Man I used to watch these religiously coming out of middle school

[@hypeboi676]

The 991 C4S is my dream car i hope to get one some day

[@TheMystro1971]

30+ years of 911 ownership experience and the #1 rule is you option up as much as you can afford on any 911. You will only miss the options you don’t have so regardless if it’s a Turbo S or Base model or Carrera S/GTS you option up as much as you can and then add some more. Porsche knows this and a sock/low optioned Turbo S still feels cheap without moderately optioned up and Porsche knows this. The halo model now is any “Exclusive Manufaktur” as these cars are finished with bespoke options at the end of manufacturing in a different area by hand getting special attention inside and out. FYI: I went from a 991.2 to a 992 (hated it) now back to the 991.2 because it feels and looks significantly higher end inside and out than the 991.2. The materials in the 991.2 is more premium. I also for the 991.2 design better in every way over the boxy exterior lines of the 992 and horrible cockpit layout. I would bet the 992.2 might come back to a 991 look like what the 997 did for the 996. The 991.2 is THE best generation of the modern 911.

[@thnktank1]

My Favorite ❤

[@mahimscarreview1778]

Please bring back head 2 head & Ignition in KZbin 🙏

[@michaellorenson2997]

I was going to say that I could make a strong case for this base-model 991.2 Carrera being the best 911 of all time. But others have already done it, so I won't bother.

[@EmoDKTsuchiya]

Well it's about! Time!

[@abergreg]

Turbo lag comment? No longer the case, a new development inlets cold air into the impeller when the throttle is off. Its cools and keeps the impeller spinning, lag is tiny.

[@manu144x]

This guy should have been the US TopGear. Just him. By himself.