EACH time Porsche fiddles with the design and technology of the 911, it tries to keep the changes to a minimum to make sure the essence of its iconic model – the heart and soul of its range – is not damaged in the eyes of its loyal customers.

When news emerged that the German company was planning to dump natural aspiration on the flat-six engine of the facelifted 991-model base Carrera and next-step-up Carrera S, and replace it with turbocharging, one possibly could have seen the furrows on the brows of 911 devotees from the moon.

Worse, the engine was to be downsized to 3.0 litres in the interest of fuel economy. What next – a three-cylinder engine with a continuously variable transmission?

Fear not, 911 aficionados, Porsche has pulled this one out of the fire, coming up with a package that is meaner yet greener ...

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