Porsche 911 (991) - The Ultimate Guide

The Porsche 911 (991) generation was designed under the direction of Michael Mauer, who served as Porsche’s Director of Design throughout the 2000s and 2010s. Mauer, who succeeded Harm Lagaay in 2004, led the team responsible for evolving the 911’s design language into a sleeker, more modern, and aerodynamically efficient form while preserving its instantly recognizable silhouette.

Working closely with Porsche’s engineering and aerodynamics departments, Mauer’s team extended the 991’s wheelbase by nearly four inches and crafted a body made largely from aluminum and high-strength steel, reducing weight while increasing stiffness. The design emphasized a lower, wider stance, sharper lines, and refined details such as slimmer LED lighting and a more sculpted rear end. Inside, the 991 introduced a more luxurious and driver-oriented cabin inspired by the Carrera GT supercar, signaling a new era of sophistication for the 911 lineup.

Mauer’s approach balanced innovation with heritage — a hallmark of Porsche design — and the 991 is widely regarded as one of his finest works, seamlessly merging modern performance with timeless 911 proportions.

The Porsche 911 (991) generation was produced from 2011 to 2019, covering model years 2012 through 2019. It marked the seventh generation of the 911 and was introduced at the 2011 Frankfurt Motor Show as the successor to the 997.

The initial 991.1 models were built from 2011 to 2016, featuring naturally aspirated flat-six engines across the Carrera, Carrera S, and GTS ranges, as well as high-performance variants like the Turbo, GT3, and GT3 RS. In 2016, Porsche launched the 991.2 facelift, which ran until 2019 and introduced significant updates — most notably, turbocharged engines across the entire Carrera lineup, as well as new technology like rear-axle steering, advanced infotainment, and refined PDK and chassis systems.

Production of the 991 generation concluded in 2019, when it was succeeded by the 992 generation. Over its eight-year lifespan, the 991 became known as the perfect bridge between the analog 997 and the digital sophistication of the 992 — larger, faster, and more refined, yet still unmistakably true to the 911 spirit.

The Porsche 911 (991) generation was one of the most technologically advanced and transformative evolutions in the model’s history. When it debuted in 2011, Porsche completely reengineered the 911 from the ground up — only a handful of components carried over from the 997. The 991 was longer, wider, and lighter, built on an all-new platform featuring a hybrid aluminum and high-strength steel chassis that improved rigidity while reducing weight by roughly 100 pounds. This shift not only enhanced handling and performance but also marked the beginning of Porsche’s modern lightweight engineering philosophy that still defines its cars today.

Performance and technology took major steps forward. The 991 introduced Porsche Dynamic Chassis Control (PDCC), electronic power steering, and Porsche Active Aerodynamics, which included an automatically adjusting rear spoiler for optimized stability and efficiency. It was also the first 911 to offer PDK dual-clutch transmission across the entire lineup, providing lightning-fast gear changes that improved acceleration and fuel economy. Later models added rear-axle steering, adaptive dampers, and advanced torque vectoring systems, allowing the 911 to combine everyday usability with supercar precision.

What truly made the 991 special, though, was its ability to balance innovation with identity. Despite its larger footprint and technological sophistication, it retained the unmistakable driving character that defined the 911 — rear-engine balance, direct steering feel, and mechanical honesty. Inside, Porsche revolutionized the cabin with a design inspired by the Carrera GT, featuring a sloped center console and a blend of luxury and sportiness never seen before in the model.

The 991.2 update (2016–2019) pushed things even further, introducing turbocharged engines across the Carrera range, improving torque and efficiency without compromising response. Together, these innovations made the 991 generation a milestone — a car that successfully merged classic 911 soul with 21st-century performance and comfort, redefining what it meant to be a modern sports car while preserving the legacy that made the 911 an icon.

The Porsche 911 (991) generation delivered a major leap in performance across the entire lineup, combining raw speed with newfound precision and everyday usability. Even the base Carrera was a serious performer — the early 991.1 Carrera (with its 3.4-liter naturally aspirated flat-six producing 350 horsepower) could sprint from 0–60 mph in around 4.6 seconds with the PDK transmission and reach a top speed of about 180 mph. The Carrera S, with its 3.8-liter engine and 400 horsepower, cut that time to 4.1 seconds (or even 3.9 seconds with the optional Sport Chrono Package) and topped out near 188 mph, placing it firmly in supercar territory.

When the 991.2 models arrived in 2016, Porsche introduced turbocharged flat-six engines across the entire Carrera lineup — a first for the standard 911. These new powerplants produced more low-end torque and improved acceleration dramatically. The Carrera S (991.2), with 420 horsepower, could launch from 0–60 mph in just 3.7 seconds and hit a top speed of about 191 mph, making it one of the quickest “S” models in 911 history at the time.

Higher-performance variants took the 991 into true supercar territory. The 991 Turbo and Turbo S, using all-wheel drive and twin-turbo Mezger-derived engines, delivered staggering real-world pace — the Turbo S could rocket from 0–60 mph in 2.8 seconds and achieve a top speed around 205 mph. The GT3 and GT3 RS, powered by naturally aspirated 3.8- and later 4.0-liter engines, weren’t far behind — offering 0–60 times in the 3.1–3.3-second range and top speeds around 197–200 mph, combined with razor-sharp handling.

In short, the 991 generation marked the point where the 911 truly crossed into modern supercar performance. Whether in base Carrera form or in its most extreme GT or Turbo variants, every 991 delivered astonishing speed — all while maintaining the usability, refinement, and driver engagement that make the 911 unique.

The Porsche 911 (991) generation has many excellent variants, and the “best” one depends on whether you prioritize everyday usability, pure driver engagement, or long-term collectibility. Broadly speaking, the later 991.2 models (2016–2019) are the most refined and reliable, while certain earlier 991.1 special editions stand out as some of the last truly analog-feeling 911s.

For most enthusiasts, the 991.2 Carrera S or Carrera 4S (2017–2019) hits the sweet spot. These cars feature the newer 3.0-liter twin-turbo flat-six engines that produce 420 horsepower (450 hp with the optional Power Kit), along with updated PDK gearboxes, improved infotainment, and refined suspension systems. They offer supercar-level performance — 0–60 mph in the mid-three-second range — yet remain comfortable, reliable, and practical enough for daily use. The Carrera 4S is particularly beloved for its wide Turbo-style body and all-weather capability, making it one of the most balanced 911s of the modern era.

For purists, the earlier 991.1 GT3 (2014–2015) and GT3 RS (2016) are standout choices. These cars are powered by high-revving, naturally aspirated 3.8- and 4.0-liter flat-six engines and deliver a raw, motorsport-inspired driving experience that’s hard to match. The 911 R (2016) — a limited-production, manual-transmission variant of the GT3 RS — is now a collector’s dream, often commanding prices far above its original MSRP. Similarly, the 991.2 GT3 (2018–2019) is highly regarded because Porsche brought back the manual gearbox option and introduced the 4.0-liter engine, blending modern performance with classic feel.

As for models to approach with caution, the early 991.1 GT3 (2014) had a known issue with engine failures caused by connecting-rod fastener defects, which Porsche addressed under warranty with full engine replacements. That issue is long resolved today, but it’s worth verifying service history. Beyond that, there are few problem models — Porsche had largely worked out the reliability kinks by this generation.

In short, the best all-around 991 for most drivers is a 2017–2019 Carrera S or 4S, offering a perfect blend of modern power, comfort, and reliability. For enthusiasts chasing purity and investment potential, the GT3 (especially 991.2) and 911 R represent the pinnacle of naturally aspirated Porsche performance. The 991 generation, in any form, stands as one of the most complete and rewarding eras in the 911’s storied history.

The Porsche 911 (991) generation covers a wide price range on the used market, reflecting the variety of models and trims offered between 2012 and 2019. Early 991.1 Carrera models (2012–2015) are the most affordable entry points, typically priced between $40,000 and $60,000 depending on mileage, maintenance, and condition. Well-kept examples with manual transmissions and desirable options, such as the Sport Chrono package or PASM, tend to command values at the higher end of that range.

Later 991.2 Carreras (2016–2019) bring updated styling, new turbocharged engines, and greater reliability, and their values reflect that jump in desirability. Clean, low-mileage Carrera S or Carrera 4S models often sell between $60,000 and $85,000, with particularly well-optioned or rare-spec cars exceeding that figure. These models are increasingly viewed as modern classics — the perfect blend of analog feel and modern technology.

Higher-performance variants sit in a completely different tier. The 991 Turbo and Turbo S remain some of the most capable and dependable supercars on the market, often ranging from $100,000 to $160,000, while track-focused models like the GT3, GT3 RS, and limited-production 911 R can fetch anywhere from $150,000 to over $300,000 depending on rarity and condition.

In short, the 991 offers a broad spectrum of choices — from attainable luxury sports cars to highly collectible performance icons. Whether you’re looking for a daily-drivable Carrera or a raw, track-ready GT3, the 991 generation provides one of the strongest mixes of value, performance, and reliability in the modern 911 lineup.

Yes — the Porsche 911 (991) generation underwent one of the most significant mid-cycle updates in modern 911 history, effectively creating two distinct versions: the 991.1 (2012–2016) and the 991.2 (2016–2019). While the overall design and platform remained consistent, the 991.2 brought sweeping mechanical, technological, and aesthetic changes that redefined the car’s character and performance.

The biggest change came under the rear decklid: Porsche replaced the naturally aspirated flat-six engines of the 991.1 with new 3.0-liter twin-turbocharged flat-six engines across the entire Carrera lineup. This was the first time in history that every base 911 Carrera was turbocharged, not just the Turbo models. The new engines delivered significantly more torque and mid-range punch while improving fuel efficiency and emissions. The Carrera now produced 370 horsepower, and the Carrera S made 420 horsepower, while still maintaining the classic 911 feel and soundtrack through refined exhaust tuning.

Visually, the 991.2 received a refreshed, more modern appearance with redesigned front and rear bumpers, four-point LED headlights, 3D-style taillights, and new wheel options. Inside, Porsche introduced the PCM 4.0 infotainment system with a touchscreen interface, Apple CarPlay, and improved connectivity. Mechanically, the car benefited from updates to the PASM (Porsche Active Suspension Management) system, revised steering calibration, and available rear-axle steering—a feature previously reserved for the 911 Turbo and GT3. The introduction of Porsche Active Aerodynamics (PAA) and subtle chassis tweaks further enhanced stability and agility.

Beyond the standard models, the 991 generation also expanded Porsche’s high-performance lineup with new variants such as the Carrera GTS, 911 R, GT3 RS, and GT2 RS, each pushing performance and driver engagement to new heights. The 911 Targa 4 and 4S reintroduced a retro-inspired roof system, and the Turbo and Turbo S evolved into hypercar-level machines capable of sub-3-second 0–60 mph times.

In short, the 991 generation evolved dramatically during its eight-year run. The early 991.1 models preserved the last of Porsche’s naturally aspirated engines in a Carrera, while the 991.2 introduced the next era of turbocharged performance, digital refinement, and advanced driver technology—a transformation that cemented the 911’s reputation as both a timeless sports car and a technological benchmark.