We appear to be in the modern era of manufacturers underrating their cars. Porsche is the latest automaker found to be giving buyers more power than promised. MotorTrend took a yellow 2020 911 Carrera S to the dyno to see what sort of power the car made.
Porsche rates it at 443 hp and 390 lb-ft of torque at the crank. Typically when figuring power, you expect a car to lose about 15% of what it is rated for at the crank at the rear wheels.
The Dyno Test Results
The Porsche 911 Carrera S made 414 hp and 406 lb-ft of torque at the wheels. That is more torque at the wheels than the car is rated for at the crank. The real crank numbers are believed to be more in the area of 487 hp and 478 lb-ft at the crank. This discrepancy highlights a growing trend among automakers to underrate their vehicles’ performance figures, possibly to exceed customer expectations or to comply with regulatory standards.
Implications of Underrating Performance
Underrating performance can have several implications. For one, it can enhance the brand’s reputation for delivering more than promised, creating a sense of trust and satisfaction among customers. When buyers discover that their vehicle performs better than advertised, it can lead to increased brand loyalty and positive word-of-mouth marketing.
Moreover, underrating can also be a strategic move to navigate stringent emissions and fuel economy regulations. By officially rating the car lower, manufacturers might be able to meet regulatory requirements more easily while still delivering high performance to the end user.
Real-World Examples
Porsche is not alone in this practice. Other manufacturers, such as BMW and Mercedes-Benz, have also been found to underrate their cars. For instance, the BMW M5 has been dyno-tested to produce more power than its official ratings suggest. Similarly, Mercedes-AMG models often show higher performance figures than advertised.
Customer Reactions
Customer reactions to these findings are generally positive. Enthusiasts and car buyers appreciate the extra performance, which adds value to their purchase. However, some critics argue that transparency is essential and that manufacturers should provide accurate performance figures.
The Future of Performance Ratings
As technology advances and testing methods become more sophisticated, it will be interesting to see how manufacturers adapt their rating strategies. Will they continue to underrate their vehicles, or will they move towards more accurate and transparent performance figures? Only time will tell.
The discovery that the 2020 Porsche 911 Carrera S produces more power than advertised is a testament to the engineering prowess of modern automakers. It also raises important questions about the future of performance ratings and the strategies manufacturers use to meet regulatory and customer expectations.
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