Road Test: Porsche 911 S 2dr PDK

Even the seats are all-new, and superb. But some things never change. The 997 fires up with arich baritone gurgle that'll be familiar to anyone who's travelled in a 911. Yes it's that flat-six engine, making that noise. It's one of the reasons we come here, time and again. An aural drug.

Then there's the 911's throttle response - there's no inertia, no dead time, just response. Nor do you need any finesse pulling away - no 911 has ever been easier to drive. The new gearbox is never less than brilliant. No 911 has ever been this refined, either. Despite those huge tyres, it's quiet and compliant - in 'normal' mode, anyway - and smothers surface imperfections brilliantly. This 911 minds its manners.

Naturally, it can turn rude in an instant. And, of course, it's fast, and feels fast pretty much all the time: 0-60mph takes 4.8secs, top speed is 182mph. But bury your right foot in third, and its engine begins to howl its signature tune. The 997 has Porsche's Variocam-plus variable intake timing and a redesigned induction system, so it feels as if it has the lungs of Pavarotti himself.

There is seamless urge throughout, but a definite, utterly addictive kick arrives at 5,800rpm. You soon get hooked; reading the rev counter in anticipation - helpfully, it's the dial right in front of you. Soon you're moving through traffic at volcanic pace, overtaking with room and time to spare, irrespective of the weather. We saw 160mph, in greasy conditions. Yet the car handles it with supreme confidence, and ensures that you can too. The 997 has all the uniqueness of a classic 911, and none of its vices.

And, boy, am I trying to find them. Yet on a badly surfaced, undulating road, the Porsche's handling is never less than electric. Perhaps its steering isn't as impressive as a 911's usually is -it's too light at low speeds - but it gets better the harder you go. And while the 997 loses the bobbing nose, the pattering front wheels and the steering wheel jiggle, the traction out of corners remains, accompanied by a new composure. The 997 is almost wholly resistant to under - andoversteer. And all this in 'normal' mode (Sport is best left for track-day work - the ride's fidgetiness doesn't bring enough payback).

The best Porsche 911 yet? I'd say so. Probably the best sports car, full stop. Not to mention a bargain at £65,000. The 997 is faster, safer and prettier. I don't know what your average druid is looking for, but this answers all my prayers.