To commemorate the 40th year of 911 production, Porsche built 1963 of the 40th Anniversary Porsche 911 Carrera for model year 2004. Painted only in a GT Silver Metallic finish, with a dark gray leather interior, the 40th Anniversary (or 40 Jahre in German) took the Base Model 996 Carrera and added the front fascia of the 996 Turbo, side skirts and luxury features for the cabin – including a luggage set that matched the special grey leather interior. Mechanically, the X51 Powerkit increases power to 341hp, combined with rear wheels power wheels, a standard 6-speed manual and sport suspension and limited-slip differential included.
The open-top 991 Carrera S Cabriolet requires an $11,600 premium over a comparable coupe; ta not-cheap $108,950 price point for those shopping. For that, you get the best overall open-top sports car around. With the 400-hp, 3.8-liter six and the benefit of the PDK automatic’s launch control, the Carrera S cabriolet should hit 60 mph in 3.8 seconds and cover the quarter-mile in the low 12s. Performance is on-par with the coupe on backroads so any fears that this is a soft-911 are thrown out the window. This is a serious sports car, sans roof.
Thought it carries a similar design to the new 911, the Carrera 4 has its own unique features, the most obvious being an AWD system hooked up to its new turbocharged 3.0-liter flat-six engine. The C4 gets a spate of new goodies, including a unique taillight section, and an updated infotainment system that brings the sports car’s connectivity to a whole new level. Inside the new 911 Carrera 4, there are only a few changes, the most important is the new infotainment system. With 370 hp on tap from the direct-injection, twin-turbo flat-six and all-wheel drive putting all those ponies to the ground, the C4 is more than quick enough.
Introduced in 1994 the Porsche 911 Cabriolet was more of a Grand Tourismo vehicle than a sports car. The 911 Cabrio featured the same cues as its coupe version, but with a few differences apart from the lack of a fixed roof, of course. The 3.6-liter engine was offered in two versions, with 275 hp and 285 hp. The latter featured the VarioCam system. Both versions were mated to either a 6-speed manual or a 4-speed automatic.
While the 997 Carrera 4S coupe sold a healthy 15,056 units between 2006 and 2008, the equally exciting Carrera 4S Cabriolet sold 12,587 units, making it a pretty popular 997 model. The reason is pretty simple. It had a gorgeous wide-body stance, all-wheel drive traction and that potent 3.8 L Flat 6 that was good for 350 bhp and 295 ft lbs of torque. The first convertible 911 that was as good a performer as it coupe siblings with the added benefit of open top driving in the summer with the comfort of being a great daily driver all year round.
Based on the 530-bhp 911 Turbo S, the special-edition Porsche has carbon-fiber trim inside and out, plus upgraded leather, badging and the exterior colors of the 918, including the use of Acid Green on the brake calipers, illuminated sill plates, interior stitching and instrument cluster needles. Also limited to 918 units, the 911 Turbo S Edition 918 Spyder will be available in Coupe ($160,700) and Cabriolet ($172,100) forms, making this one very expensive dealer option.
The 991.2 generation Carrera range update was a big one. The base coupe looks about the same, but under the hood Porsche did something crazy. Gone is the 3.4 liter naturally aspirated flat 6, replaced by a 3.0 turbocharged flat six. The good news is that the new engine is pumps out 370 hp and 331 ft lbs of torque, a big leap over the previous generation (output is up over the previous car by 20 horsepower and 44 lb-ft of torque). Inside, the updated 911 hasn’t changed dramatically, and although Porsche’s new PCM infotainment system is faster and more intuitive to use.
The GTS 4 Cabriolet reminds us how awesome Porsche cars are. This is a 911 that can be used as a regular car, an all weather convertible 911 that does everything really well. And when you want to push hard, the car transforms into a true sports car, a car that no enthusiast will ever complain about. Drop-top 911s have always played a supporting role to the fixed roof versions, but in GTS specification the Cabriolet is now better than ever.
Porsche makes sports car history by launching its first publicly available rally car, the $223,450 911 Dakar. After extensive testing, Porsche has settled on a 3.0-liter twin-turbo six-cylinder boxer engine with 473 hp and 420 lb-ft of torque and an 8-speed PDK. True to rally form, an 80-mm suspension lifts the car, along with an optional roof rack and model-specific Pirelli Scorpion all-terrain tires.
In 2011, Porsche China released a special limited edition model to celebrate an active decade in the Chinese market. The Porsche 10 Year Anniversary Edition is yet another 911 of only ten copies, each with a stylish plaque with the chassis number. The Porsche has a Gold Bronze Metallic paint, combined with matte black carbon components such as the hood, rear wing, tailgate and side mirrors. Underneath, you will spot a 911 Turbo S. The interior is a combination of black with gold stitching leather, alcantara and carbon.
Even more powerful, faster and more dynamic than ever before, the updated 997 Porsche 911 GT3 (differentiated from the earlier with a new 997.2 designation) is about to prove its enhanced potential. The Porsche 911 GT3 now reaches an even higher standard in its two main qualities: power and driving dynamics. The naturally-aspirated six-cylinder now increased in size to 3.8 litres is 435 bhp (320 kW), up 20 bhp over the previous model. In particular, the flat-six power unit carefully upgraded for even more muscle and performance offers a significant increase in torque at medium engine speeds. Road performance is spectacular.
In 2002, the entire generation of the 996 was facelifted. The Carrera 4S Cabriolet was introduced in the lineup with the new engine and the Turbo bodywork. Many publications called the Carrera 4S the sweet spot in the 911 lineup when it was introduced, providing more performance than the base car without the exorbitant pricing of a Turbo or GT2. The Carrera 4S paired the aggressive bodywork and suspension of the Turbo with the base Carrera 4 drivetrain, though it didn't get the Turbo's huge rear wing. It’s easily identified by “Carrera 4S” badging and a large reflective strip on the rear end, spanning the gap between the taillights.
The 2012 Carrera 4S Cabriolet had the same wider rear track when compared to the non-S version of the vehicle. It wasn't something everyone would notice, but the difference was there for a reason, and that reason was the wider tires installed. From behind, a rear red light-strip united the LED taillights. Inside the Carrera 4S Cabriolet, there were some luxury features. The leather-covered sport-bucket seats were covered in leather. Even the rear, unusable, seats were wrapped in leather. The center console was higher to give a sense of a single-seat racing roadster.
The 993 Turbo S, available between 1997 and 1998, bumped the power from the standard 993 Turbo up to 450hp (430 for the United States market) with larger turbochargers and a modified engine management system. The Turbo S was fitted with more luxury trim bits on the interior – with more leather and carbon fiber than on the standard Turbo. A larger rear wing was installed as well. Only 345 were built. Its direct successor was the 996 Turbo S for model year 2005.
The Porsche 911 Turbo Cabriolet (993 generation) is an incredibly rare car – only 14 were built in 1995, in the early days of 993 production. Rather than the contemporary twin-turbo powerplant in the 993 Turbo Coupe, the 993 Turbo Cab was fitted with the single turbo of the 964 Turbo 3.6. Although the Turbo Coupé was introduced earlier, the actual production started after the Turbo Cabriolets were sold. Turbo Cabriolets were 1995 models by VIN and Turbo Coupés were immediately produced as 1996 models although the 1996 model year had not yet started.
For the 997.2 generation, power from the 3.6-liter Carrera engine was increased to 345 hp while the Carrera S saw 385 horsepower from its 3.8-liter flat-six. Power was sent to the rear wheels via a standard manual box but for the first time, the 997.2 saw the introduction of the dual-clutch PDK as an option. The chassis remains largely unchanged, with slightly modified springs and dampers. The sports suspension is replaced with a variable, electronically controlled sports suspension based on the active PASM suspension. The sweet spot in the used car market at the moment.
The 1989/90 change of model year saw the launch of the Porsche 911, 964 series onto the market. This 911 model was initially available as a Coupe, Targa and Convertible. From model year 1991 onwards Porsche also introduced its top-of-the-line model - the Turbo - into this series. In spite of bearing a major similarity in terms of look to the naturally-aspirated model, the extended wings remained. This meant that the new Porsche could retain its turbo look. The 964 Turbo model was the successor to the Porsche 930. The 964 Turbo was the end of an era, the last of the single turbo rear-wheel drive 911 Turbos.
From model year 2001, the model range was extended to include the 911 GT2. The body of the extreme sports car was based on the body of the 911 Turbo. The GT2 engine was also based on the 911 Turbo but had ten percent more power. The bi-turbo engine delivered 462 horsepower. The GT2 was offered with a Clubsport Package for use in motorsport. In late 2003 the Porsche 911 GT2 received a power upgrade from 462hp to 483hp, maximum torque also increased from 457 lb ft to 472 ft lbs, thanks to a revised engine management program. Top speed increased by 2mph to 198mph while 0-60 is claimed to take 3.8 sec.
The Cabriolet version of the new Porsche 911 Carrera 4 GTS is just as potent as its coupe sibling. It combines a 408 hp 3.8-litre flat six engine with intelligent all-wheel drive that delivers a further exhilarating dimension to the dynamics of the iconic rear-engined sports car. The 911 was first offered with four-wheel drive in 1989 and the drivetrain has been a popular option ever since. Now, the 911 Carrera 4 GTS broadens customer choice in 2011, building on the success of the two-wheel drive Carrera GTS that went on sale in December last year. Carrera 4 GTS power unit is the 3.8-litre flat six with power kit.
The 2014 50th Anniversary Edition 911 was built by Porsche to commemorate the 911’s birthday, 50 years after its production launch in 1964. In homage to 1963, the year the 911 debuted at the 1963 Frankfurt Motor Show, production was limited to 1,963 units. The 50th Anniversary uses the wider body from a Carrera 4S (but remains only rear-wheel-drive) and is lower than a standard Carrera by 10mm. The 20 inch-alloys are a modern take on the original Fuchs wheels, and the seats are finished in “Pepita” cloth. Includes Porsche Active Suspension Management (PASM), sports exhaust and powerkit tickled 430 hp flat six.
Röhrl and Geistdörfer very nearly won that San Remo Rally, after a comeback that would have been one for the ages. Röhrl and Geistdörfer were up against a field of faster, more powerful four-wheel-drive cars in their rear-wheel-drive Porsche 911 SC, and somehow managed to pull within an eyelash of victory. Unfortunately, a broken driveshaft forced the pair to retire, leaving Michele Mouton's Audi Quattro to run away with the race.
Along with its sibling Carrera 4, the 2005 Carrera 4S offered an all-wheel-drive system for the Porsche 911, but unlike the 4, the 4S gets the Carrera S' more powerful engine and it turns out that makes a big difference. The Carrera 4S was the more powerful and more dynamic version of the 997 Carrera 4 and an overall great sports car, especially for those in colder climates who need the safety of all-wheel traction. All rounder that fits nicely in the 911 lineup as perhaps the most practical.
To the untrained eye, the Carrera T may appear to be a bare-bones and sparingly equipped 911 at first glance. The purpose of the T is to create a driver-focused 911, equipped with only the necessities required to appeal to those of a purist’s ilk. The Carrera T employs the same power plant used in the current base Carrera - a twin-turbocharged 3.0L flat-six with 370 horsepower and 331 lb-ft of torque. A 7-speed manual transmission comes standard with the T, along with a shorter final-drive ratio and the limited-slip differential. Porsche Sport Exhaust (PSE) is also standard. PASM sport suspension comes standard in the T, which lowers the chassis by 0.4 inches relative to the base Carrera and allows for two modes of dampening.
This is the fastest convertible GT you can buy. The Turbo S cab gets 572 bhp (39 hp more than the base turbo cab) and 553 ft lbs (9 ft lbs more than the regular cab) of torque. With the Turbo S, the PDCC Porsche Dynamic Chassis Control hydraulic roll bars came as standard. The PCCB Porsche Ceramic Composite Brakes had been standard on the Turbo S already since the 996 generation. New options included the radar-based lane change assist and a lift system for the front axle (increased ground clearance by 1.6″/40 mm). The PCM now had a multi-touch screen like in the facelifted 991 Carrera.
The base Carrera has essentially the same 3.6 L flat-6 engine that its predecessor, the Type 996 Carrera used, now good for 321 bhp @ 6800 rpm and with torque of 273 ft lbs @ 4250 rpm. The sprint from 0 to 60 mph is over in just 4.80 seconds and top speed is 177 mph. The quarter mile is over in a respectable 13.1 seconds. The 911 Carrera is now faster, more stable, more precise and forgiving, an altogether superior-make that more efficient-sports car than the 996.
The Carrera 4 is the base model 911, equipped with all-wheel drive. It starts at $109,850 for 2022, which is about $7,000 more than the standard rear-drive Carrera. Other than the additional all-wheel-drive system and the 150 odd pound increase in curb weight, the Carrera 4 is identical to its rear-drive sibling. It gets the same 379-hp, twin-turbo 3.0-liter flat-six engine. The twin-turbocharged 3.0-liter flat-six has 379 hp.
More aggressive looks, significant extra power, and highly desirable options. This is the perfect all-round 911. In manual, there is nothing that feels as complete. Some of the technical ingredients that generate even more driving dynamics and driving fun: 430 hp (316 kW) power, the Sport Chrono package and the PASM active damper system which lowers the car's ride height by ten millimetres. The extra punch of the 430-hp engine pushes the 911 Carrera GTS coupe up to 190 mph in rear-wheel-drive/manual-transmission configuration, 2 mph higher than the 400-hp Carrera S.
The 993 Carrera Cup 3.8 was developed from the 993 Carrera RS, as purpose-built competition car designed by Porsche for its single-model racing series taking place around the world. Replacing the 964 Carrera Cup, the 993 Carrera Cup had a claimed 315 bhp on tap, weighed only 1,100kg, and offered a top speed of around 270km/h (170mph). Approximately 216 samples were built. The Carrera Cup should not be confused witth the Carrera RSR, or the 993 Carrera RS Clubsport version.
A single car - the 911 GT1-98 Straßenversion - was built in 1998 to homologate the all-new racing version under the new FIA regulations. The engine had to be slightly de-tuned to meet European emissions laws, although its 400 kW (544 PS; 536 hp) at 7,200 rpm and 600 N⋅m (443 lb⋅ft) of torque at 4,250 rpm proved to be more than adequate; the car could accelerate to 100 km/h (62 mph) from a standstill in 3.6 seconds on its way to a top speed of 193 mph.
Introduced in 1989 (the year of the 911’s 25th anniversary), the 964 Carrera 4 was a significant new model for the company, but the 4-wheel drive system was deemed unsuitable for the company’s racing series. Manufactured alongside the Carrera 4 at the same time was the more traditional rear-wheel drive Carrera 2, but this model’s launch was only planned for a year later, in the hope that it would not detract from potential sales of the Carrera 4. The 1990 season was the first season that saw the 911-based model become the pillar on which the Porsche Carrera Cup series has been established.
The Carrera S convertible was introduced to the market at the same time with the Carrera Cabriolet, a few months after their coupe-versions were unveiled. The convertible version for the Carrera S got reinforcements needed for the cabriolet built while the engineering was going on for the coupe, ensuring that the drop-top version was just as strong and performance-focused. It got the same engine as the Carrera S and made a case for itself as the best 911 of the range at the time.
The Porsche 911 Black Edition was a limited production Carrera built at the end of the 997 generation. Based on the 3.6-litre 997.2 Carrera coupe and Cabriolet, the car was finished in plain black as standard, with Basalt Black Metallic as an option. The words ‘Black Edition’ are printed in black on the stainless steel door sill covers, and there’s a numbered plaque on the glovebox lid. 19-inch Turbo wheels were standard. Porsche built exactly 1,911 Black Editions, of which approximately 25 percent were intended for the U.S. market.
The 1998 GT1 car was a totally rethink and vast upgrade versus the prior year car. 1998 Le Mans 24-hour race In the 1998 jubilee year, the Porsche team celebrated its 16th overall victory in Le Mans with a double win for the 911 GT1 98. On 6th/7th June, the winning car was driven by Laurent Aiello, Allan McNish and Stéphane Ortelli. It was almost 50 years to the day on which the first Porsche sports car saw the light of day.
Porsche has also decided to gift the GTS a more distinct and dynamic personality that can’t be duplicated via the Carrera S’s options list (even if you could get the engine, which you cannot). The downside is that the price has gone up too and ticking a few more options boxes can get the Carrera 4 GTS Cabriolet into 911 Turbo territory price-wise. In the engine department, the 3-litre twin turbo flat six develop 473 bhp and 420 ft lbs.
Ultimately, the Carrera 4 GTS is the ideal all-round 911. Its bag of tricks gives you accessible, astonishing performance on the right road – but its price tag and comfort levels make it a little more acceptable for everyday use than a GT2, GT3 or Turbo. The GTS scores particularly well on the practicality to performance ratio. Its rear seats can accommodate people and its all-wheel drive system means you can really use this car all-year round. The GTS-spec 3.0-litre flat-six develops 30bhp more than a Carrera S (at 444bhp) and 37lb ft more torque (at 406lb ft).
Features like Porsche’s active suspension and the new-for-992 “wet mode” are standard on the Carrera 4 variants, but the electronically controlled limited slip rear differential (standard on the 4S), as well as ceramic composite brakes (cast iron rotors are standard). The current 911 Carrera 4 Cabriolet is equipped with PASM (Porsche Active Suspension Management). The twin-turbo flat-six has 379 hp and 331 ft lbs of torque.
The sixth generation of the 911 series’ top-of-the-range model was unveiled at the 2006 Geneva Motor Show. The 997 911 Turbo has 473 bhp @ 6000 rpm, 60 bhp more than its predecessor. Rated torque is now 473 bhp @ 6000 rpm. The speed range in which this power is available has also been extended. While the previous model’s maximum torque was available between 2,700 and 4,600 revolutions per minute, the corresponding figures are now 1,950 to 5,000 revs. 0 to 60 mph is over in a blistering 3.6 seconds and top speed is 193 mph. The ultimate GT.
In the case of the 911 Carrera 4S Cabriolet that begins with a larger, more potent six-cylinder engine. The Carrera 4S is powered by a 3.8-liter flat six that produces 355 horsepower and 295 lb.-ft. of torque. The roughly ten percent increase in power translates to improved acceleration and higher top track speed. The 911 Carrera 4S Cabriolet with the six-speed manual gearbox races from a stop to 60 mph in only 4.7 seconds, topping out at the track at 185 mph. When carrying the optional Tiptronic S transmission, the zero to 60 mph sprint takes a mere 4.5 seconds.
Porsche added the rear wheel drive Carrera 2 variant to the range in 1990. It was developed alongside the 964 Carrera 4, Porsche waited a year to release the Carrera 2 as a 1990 model year car. Like the Carrera 4, the Carrera 2 was available as a coupé, Targa or Cabriolet. Think of the cabriolet as a C2 coupe but with a fabric roof and more fun and you are right on the money. It was popular amongst buyers, particularly in the United States, with a total of 11,013 units sold, making it the third most popular 964 model.
The Carrera S was the ultimate, naturally aspirated version of the Carrera 2. Porsche decided to offer something more to its customers when it launched the Carrera S version. It featured a stiffer and lowered suspension. Its wider tires made it better in the corners and faster around a race-track than its Carrera 2 sibling. The Carrera S took its bodywork from the Porsche Turbo. But it didn't get the turbocharger or the all-wheel-drive system. Its wider rear fenders and lowered stance than the Carrera lineup made it a desirable car for the Porsche fans. The engine was the same 3.6-liter naturally aspirated, but it was offered in the higher power output of 285 hp. The only transmission available was a 6-speed manual.
This is the best 911 Porsche has ever made. The headline power figure and the ability to rev to 8,500 snare your attention, but the most staggering aspect of this engine is actually its tractability. Mid-range lunge is marvelous, even if the peak number of 339 pound-feet doesn't sound huge in the context of short gear ratios, lightweight, and a compact frontal area. In third gear, the way this thing flies between 4,500 and 8,500 rpm is scintillating. Plus, the utter progression of the delivery makes it vastly easier to take advantage of compared to the GT2's ridiculous turbo surge. This is one special car.
The GT3 was based on the standard 996 Carrera, but was stripped of a great deal of equipment for weight savings, featuring stiffer, adjustable suspension and upgraded brakes. The GT3 used the bodyshell of the four-wheel-drive Carrera 4, which incorporated additional front-end stiffening. It featured a naturally aspirated 3.6-litre flat-six engine generating a maximum power output of 360 bhp @ 7200 rpm and torque of 273 ft lbs @ 5000 rpm. This engine was shared with the 996 Turbo and was a derivative of the engine developed for the 911 GT1 race car.
The new all-wheel drive 911 is being launched on the market in four versions – as the 911 Carrera 4 and 911 Carrera 4S and each as Coupé and Cabriolet. The Coupé and Cabriolet of the 911 Carrera 4 S each have a 3.8-litre rear-mounted boxer engine that produces 400 hp (294 kW); this enables acceleration to 100 km/h in 4.1 seconds (Cabriolet: 4.3 seconds) and a top speed of 299 km/h (Cabriolet: 296 km/h) with a suitable equipment configuration. Fuel consumption values with PDK are 9.1 l/100 km (CO2 215 g/km) for the Coupé and 9.2 l/100 km (CO2 217 g/km) for the Cabriolet.
With the Turbo S, the PDCC Porsche Dynamic Chassis Control hydraulic roll bars came as standard. The PCCB Porsche Ceramic Composite Brakes had been standard on the Turbo S already since the 996 generation. New options included the radar-based lane change assist and a lift system for the front axle (increased ground clearance by 1.6″/40 mm). The PCM now had a multi-touch screen like in the facelifted 991 Carrera. Routes and places could be visualized with 360-degree images and satellite images. Engine gets more horsepower too, now with 572 bhp and 553 ft lbs of torque.
The 991.2 Targa did get some mild design changes, but they are all inline with the rest of the 991.2 changes. Despite the mild styling revisions, it’s a dramatically different car in terms of its engine. The iconic and highly regarded naturally aspirated 3.4-litre flat-six engine has been ousted for a more environmentally friendly twin-turbocharged 3.0-litre. It keeps its all-wheel drive system and is still an all-weather 911. A sports car with all-wheel drive is the first choice for more than one in three Porsche 911 buyers. It is sporty and comfortable, the turbo engines more powerful and consume less, with the improved all-wheel drive.
The new Porsche 911 Carrera 4 unites the excellent performance and efficiency of the new generation of the 911 Carrera with the dynamic benefits of the latest version of the active all-wheel drive system PTM (Porsche Traction Management). The typical Porsche all-wheel drive with rear-focused layout in this latest 911 version guarantees maximum vehicle dynamics on a wide variety of road surfaces and in all weather conditions. The new 911 Carrera 4 models deliver traction and dynamic performance the power of four.
The 2013 Porsche Carrera 4 featured a 3.4-liter flat-six engine. It was mated as standard to a world's first seven-speed manual transmission. An automatic, PDK (dual-clutch) transmission was offered as an option. The Carrera 4 featured an all-wheel-drive torque distribution in the instrument cluster display. The most distinctive identifying feature of the 911 with all-wheel drive is still the wide rear section: compared to the two-wheel drive 911 Carrera models, the rear wheel housings 22 mm wider, and each of the rear tires is 10 mm wider.
The Turbo-look Porsche 964 has always been a very desirable automobile, among them 1,532 Carrera 2 Cabriolets constructed worldwide. Within that group, there were some cars that were even more specialized. The Register says six Turbo-look cabriolets were pulled off the production line in Zuffenhausen and transported to the Porsche Exclusive shop in Weissach. Three of these six powerful and luxuriously equipped drop-tops were equipped with left-hand drive for buyers in Germany (Code C00), and the other three were fitted with right-hand drive
It would be a disservice to call this new Turbo a "lesser" car than the Turbo S, but it does have less in most departments. Less power at 573 HP. Less features compared to the jam-packed Turbo S. Most importantly, less money required to put one in your garage. This also is not to say that the new Turbo isn't anything short of a monster. It will still go 0 to 60 in 2.8 seconds, will corner like it was on rails with Porsche Torque Management (PTM) all-wheel-drive.
In March 1993, Porsche presented the Porsche 911 anniversary model “30 years 911” at the Geneva Motor Show. Since then, the special model is also called “Jubi” for short. Under the Porsche internal code M096, there is essentially a Carrera 4 with the wide turbo body but without wings. The 964 anniversary edition could be ordered with exclusive interior design and numerous possibilities of customization. According to Porsche, the special model was limited to 911 vehicles and manufactured in the model years 1993 and 1994.
In 1978, the works team fields two 911 SC at the East African Safari Rally. The name of game is to survive 5,000 kilometres of the toughest tracks in sweltering heat and torrential rain. The conditions take their toll: of the 72 starters, 13 reach the finish line. Martini Racing Porsche System Engineering signs on two specialists to drive: Sweden’s Björn Waldegård (Start No. 5) and Kenyan Vic Preston Jnr (Start No. 14).
The original 1973 Carrera RS was available in Europe but not in the USA. Porsche decided to build the 1993 Carrera RS both to European spec and a limited number in compliance with US regulations. These US spec cars were assigned the name “RS America”. The intent was to create a basic lightweight, no frills 911 with minimal luxury options. The standard US Carrera 2 brakes, engine and gearbox were used. The RS weighed 2,945 pounds so it was almost 80 pounds lighter than a standard Carrera 2.
Like the Carrera 4, the Carrera 2 was available as a coupé, Targa or Cabriolet. This was the last generation Targa with traditional removable Targa roof (till 991). It sold ok, with 3,534 units sold over its lifetime. The engine was the 3.6 liter unit which produced 250 horsepower and a maximum speed of 162 mph while the 0 to 60 mph acceleration was made in about 5.6 seconds. Performance was on par with the coupe and it is the looker in the 964 range.
All Porsche 911s are turbocharged these days but the Turbo model is something special. It gets the twin-turbo 3.7-liter flat six with tons of power and a huge $33,000 savings over the Turbo S. Thanks to an output of 573 hp, marking an increase of 32 hp over the predecessor, the new 911 Turbo Cabriolet accelerates from 0 to 60 mph in 2.8 seconds (0.2 seconds faster than before). The Turbo Cabriolet basically handles like a coupe.
While the base Targa isn't the most dynamic 911, it will suit a certain buyer well. If you want the sexiest looking 911 that is a great all-rounder and you don't plan on spanking it all the time, then this is a great 911 to buy. Even in lower-powered form, the 3.0-liter is a peach of an engine. Torquey across its rev range, it responds quickly to prods of the throttle. The real problem with the Targa is the added weight and the structure, which hurts it dynamically.
With all-wheel drive and all the GTS goodies, the Carrera 4 GTS sits in a very practical place in the Porsche 911 lineup. The 4 GTS is a Carrera 4S with all the items Porsche thinks you should have at a price that is less than choosing them yourself. Standard equipment on the GTS that is normally optional on the Carrera S includes the Sport Chrono Package, Sport Exhaust, bi-xenon lights with PDLS (Porsche Dynamic Lighting System) and PASM (Porsche Active Suspension Management). Inside, four-way adjustable sport seats are standard.
Arguably the most extreme 911 to be build as a production car for the road and track. The most significant improvements made to the RS—over both the 992 GT3 and the previous-gen 991 GT3 RS—were applied to the aerodynamics and chassis departments of the car. The new 911 GT3 RS is even more optimized for track use than its predecessors. The spontaneously responsive, high-revving four-litre, six-cylinder boxer engine has proven ideal for use at track days and club sport events.
Engine based on modified 3.6 litre 964 unit. Speedline wheels with big red brake calipers. Lessons learned in the Carrera Cup series proved the reliability of the new 3.6-litre engine. An additional three millimetres on the bore and two millimetres on the stroke, resulted in an increase in capacity of 300 cc. Combined with the turbo optimised cylinders, pistons and crank train, and an increase in the compression ratio from 7.0 to 7.5:1, this helped to boost power to 360 bhp. Torque was increased significantly to 520 Nm at 4200 rpm, up from 450 Nm at 4500 rpm in the earlier car.
The Carrera 4 Cabriolet gets that wonderful extra-wide body and an AWD system hooked up to its new turbocharged 3.0-liter flat-six engine. Additionally, the Carrera 4 Cabriolet gets a spate of new goodies, including a unique taillight section, and an updated infotainment system that brings the sports car’s connectivity to a whole new level. The open top Carrera 4 does a great job as an all-rounder, giving drivers the all-weather assurance of all-wheel drive and combining it with open top driving fun. Dynamically, it is up there with its coupe sibling.
The 2022 Porsche 911 Carrera GTS Cabriolet arrives with 473 horsepower and 420 ft lbs of torque. Porsche's ultimate Carrera cabriolet model is brilliant, and flexible. Sure, you can go faster in a 992 911 Turbo, but we guarantee it won't be as much fun or as engaging as the GTS Cabriolet. This is just a great car, an all-round sports car that combines effortless performance with open top fun. It gets a 3.0-liter twin-turbocharged flat-six engine producing 473 horsepower.
The 997 Carrera S was the first step up in performance over the base 997 Carrera. Available over two distinct generations, the 997.1 Carrera S used a 3.8-liter engine producing 355hp – the available X51 Powerkit bumped that number to 376hp. From 2009 onwards, the 997.2 Carrera S offered 380hp from 3.8 liters. Besides a more powerful engine, it also comes standard with 19 inch wheels, larger brakes, and a lowered suspension with PASM.
The GT2 was the hardcore, race-focused version of the 993 Turbo, using essentially the same 3.6 L twin-turbocharged engine, but slightly modified with increased power output. The car was made to compete in the FIA GT2 racing class. Among this already very exclusive circle of 57 cars there is an even more rare community. 20 of the 57 road-legal cars were produced in a second – and last – badge with upgraded engine power (450 PS) called GT2 “Clubsport” which make them the last Porsche models with air-cooled engines.
The Porsche 911 Targa 4S Heritage Design Edition showcases what is possible with Porsche's Exclusive Manufaktur program and what to expect from Porsche's Heritage Design Strategy. Inspired by the 356 and previous generations of the 911, Porsche's Heritage Design Strategy is bringing period-correct design cues into the current 992 generation 911. Cherry Metallic is the stunning color. Limited to just 992 units globally.
Porsche purists might moan that the flat-six engine in the rear is no longer naturally aspirated, but with more power and torque, improved efficiency and some advanced interior tech giving this 911 an even bigger breadth of ability than before, this facelifted 991-generation model carries on where the old car left off. Sure, it’s lost a touch of that high rev zing from the old car, but if you add the sports exhaust, the bark from the engine inside and out is still intoxicating. And so is the speed. The 991.2 Carrera S is absolutely amazing on both road and track and still the best sports car around.
The new Porsche 911 GT3 carries the same four-litre flat engine from the GT3 RS with its power increased by 25hp for a new total of 500hp. The chassis is also redesigned and now features a rear-axle steering and a lighter construction. The Porsche 911 GT3 type 991.2 comes in at 1,430 kg when its tank is full. Although it is a bit heavier than the previous model, it still manages to reach 0-100km/h in just 3.4 seconds and reach top speeds of 318km/h. What’s more interesting here is that Porsche finally decided to switch back to a 6-speed manual gearbox (7-speed PDK is standard).
The Type 964 911 first launch with an all wheel drive model. It was a serious investment by Porsche in updating the chassis and tech platform. The 964 Carrera 4 was powered by the M64/01 3.6 liter flat six engine, developing 250 bhp and 229 ft/lbs of torque. The objective of the C4’s all-wheel-drive system was not only to provide improved traction but also better handling, especially in the wet and on slippery surfaces. The system sends power front/back in a 31:69 ratio because a 50:50 split would have made the 964 feel like a front-wheel-drive car.
Designed as a grand tourer, the Porsche Carrera 4 Cabriolet was the base all-wheel-drive version for the open-top 911 range in 2001. It offered enough comfort to be used as a daily driver, on all weather. The 996 Porsche was facelifted in 2002. Along with the coupe versions, the convertibles were reshaped also. There was not a big difference on the outside. It was the same sports-car and open-top grand tourer. The Carrera 4 Cabriolet, continued on through 2004, receiving the same updates as the Carrera, including the 3.6-liter engine.
The second generation GT3 takes all that was good about it's predecessor and then improves it! Power from the GT1 derived flat-6 is up by 21 bhp to 381 bhp (with an 8200 rpm redline), ride height is lowered for increased stability and also has an upgraded braking setup, as it features a 6-piston calipers on the front. Two versions are offered, the more extreme 'Clubsport' showing it's track day colors with a full roll cage, racing seat and a 6-point harness. The 996.2 GT3 was the first GT3 marketed in the North America. The new Porsche 911 GT3 comes with all the features of half a century Porsche motorsport. It is a sports car for the purist through and through.
The 997 Sport Classic is a limited edition version of the 997.2 Carrera S coupé inspired by the 1973 Carrera RS 2.7. The engine is rated at 413 PS (304 kW; 407 hp) and features a newly developed resonance intake manifold with 6 vacuum-controlled switching flaps. It includes a 6-speed manual transmission, double-dome roof (informally called double bubble roof), 44 mm (1.7 in) wider rear fenders, SportDesign front apron with a front spoiler and a fixed 'duck tail' rear wing. Only 256 were made.
The 964 based Speedster was the 1994 Speedster which was based on the 964 Carrera 2 platform. There are far fewer 1994 911 Speedsters in the world than the 1989 model, with production reportedly totaled only around 936 units, less than half as many as the 1989 example. Whereas the 1989 Speedster was primarily an aesthetic package, the 964 version sought a happy medium between the regular Carrera 2 and the hardcore Carrera RS. It had the same engine as the base Carrera and didn’t have the same suspension bits as the RS.
The reality was that in the past you could basically build your own GTS. In the past, Porsche offered an optional factory "power kit" for 911 Carreras, but things are different now. That isn't an option for the 992. The 992 Porsche 911 Carrera GTS is therefore your only pass for accessing a version of the 3.0-liter twin-turbo flat-six tuned up to 473 hp and 420 ft lbs of torque. Those figures are achieved via an approximately 14.5 percent increase in turbo boost pressure.
The 2009 Porsche 911 Carrera 4 Cabriolet shares the same internal 997 model designation as its Coupe siblings. It also shares the same essential all-wheel-drive architecture, interior appointments, suspensions and drivetrains. It is an open-top sports cars that deliver the same exhilarating acceleration and dynamic response as the coupes, regardless of weather or road conditions. The Carrera 4 Cabriolet boast a unique body over their all-wheel-drive powertrains with a wide-body design.
In 2002, all of the standard models received a minor makeover in 2002 which included Turbo-style headlights, a freshly designed front clip and an increase in engine capacity to 3.6L along with a subsequent 20HP boost. The bodies were more rigid which further improved handling and safety and the lower, stiffer X74 suspension became available as a factory modification. From the outside, it was hard to notice the difference between the 1998 version and the facelifted model. The main difference was on the headlights. Including the Mk 1 cars, the 996 Carrera Coupe sold 46,317 units.
The engine is the same 3.0-litre, twin-turbocharged flat-six petrol engine as in the 911 Carrera S, but it has been fettled to produce 473 bhp. The GTS also has a bespoke suspension set-up that sits 10mm lower than the standard 911, and that's true no matter whether you choose two- or four-wheel drive. Most of the time, there's absolutely no difference between the standard GTS and the all-wheel-drive version. But when you need it, the AWD Carrera 4 GTS will save you.
Towards the end of the 1996 season, Porsche made revisions to the 911 GT1 in preparation for the 1997 season. The front end of the car was revised including new bodywork which featured headlamps that previewed the all-new generation of the (996) Porsche 911 which would be unveiled in 1997. It had the same engine as the previous version, but new aerodynamic elements allowed the 1997 version to be considerably faster than the 1996 version. At Le Mans the works cars led the race but did not last the full distance; a privately entered 1996 specification GT1 managed 5th overall and third in its class.
If the 996.1 911 GT3 was all about the engine, in the 997.1 completes the rest of the formula. The surgical clarity of its transmission, steering, brakes, pedal weights and heights, and overall chassis balance represented a clear step-change from its regular 997 911 siblings. But the engine was still the heart of the car, the water-cooled 3.6-liter flat-six boasting a new intake and a new exhaust compared with the 996 versions. Official output was 415 hp, though insiders admit some engines made close to 430 hp. Launched in 2006, today this is in many ways the sweet-spot GT3, way more affordable than the later 4.0.
The 2005 Porsche 996 Turbo S was available as both a coupe and cabriolet – it was basically a standard Turbo model with the X50 Powerkit and carbon-ceramic brakes fitted, alongside a few luxury features for the interior. Approximately 1558 Turbo S models (split between coupe and cabrio) were sold in 2005. Also included are small aluminum appointments to the interior and Turbo S badging. A great all-rounder with the extra power to surprise most. The Turbo S with manual transmission (coupé) sprints from zero to 200 km/h in 13.6 seconds. This is another 0.8 seconds faster than the 911 Turbo. Quite rare, with only a total of 600 units made.
Top down summertime driving in the current 911 Carrera 4S Cabriolet is about as good as it gets. It checks all of the right boxes, as while it has matured into almost a GT-type car; it still boasts more performance than ever. Like the rest of Carrera S models, the Carrera 4S Cabriolet is powered by the same 3.0-liter twin-turbo flat-six that makes 443 horsepower and 390 ft lbs of torque. It comes standard with the same eight-speed twin-clutch automatic transmission.
The Porsche Mobil 1 Supercup features the Porsche 911 GT3 Cup, the world’s best-selling race car. For this season, it’s the new generation. 510 hp, optimised intake manifold, electronic gearshift and power steering, fully digital cockpit, larger rear wing, and a double-wishbone front axle. This is a meaningfully upgraded race car. The new 911 GT3 Cup is taking on a great legacy. And it has already proven itself!
The GT2 RS's reputation as the most powerful street-legal car is as monstrous as this comprehensive guide. Suffice to say, this supercar has been built with the best Porsche has to offer. It's not bragging, it's just facts. There is no doubt that the new GT2 RS is the pinnacle of the 911 in terms of performance. It is simply the fastest 911 in history, and that’s a fact. It is the quickest production car to lap the Nürburgring Nordschleife. It is the most powerful 911 ever made.
Towards the end of the 996 production run, Porsche introduced the Turbo S, boasting even more power than the standard 996 Turbo — 450 PS (331 kW) and 620 N·m (457 lb·ftf)— courtesy of the X50 package being standard. The Turbo S was limited to approximately 1,500 units worldwide, of which 598 were coupé (hardtop) and 960 were cabriolet (convertible). It was available with a 6-speed manual or an automatic (Tiptronic S) transmission, driving power to all four wheels. The basic price is EUR 122,500 for the Turbo S Coupé or EUR 131,100 for the Turbo S Convertible. Sprints from zero to 200 km/h in 13.6 seconds.
For 2009, engine power is distributed to all four wheels via the same electronically controlled Porsche Traction Management system found previously only on the Porsche Turbo. The electronic controls respond to driving conditions even more instantaneously than the previously used hydraulically activated all-wheel drive system. The Carrera 4S model, with a 3.8-litre engine developing 355 bhp, can go from 0 to 60 mph in 4.5 seconds and has a top speed of 185 mph.
The 996 Cabriolet was introduced in March 1998 at the Geneva Motor Show. The 996 Cabriolet was long ready (remember, it was tested already in 1995), but for marketing and production-related reasons it was launched in 1998 as a 1999 model. While the evolution with the 911 coupe was questionable from 993 to 996, the real evolution came with the cabriolet. In USA - the biggest market - 911 Cabriolets outsold the Coupés. The all-wheel-drive system provides between 5-40% of torque to the front wheels depending on the situation.
Porsche added the rear wheel drive Carrera 2 variant to the range in 1990. It was developed alongside the 964 Carrera 4, Porsche waited a year to release the Carrera 2 as a 1990 model year car. Like the Carrera 4, the Carrera 2 was available as a coupé, Targa or Cabriolet. Overall, the Carrera 2 packed almost the same technical specifications as the Carrera 4 model. The engine was the same 3.6 liter unit which produced 250 horsepower and a maximum speed of 162 mph. Looked like C4 but was 200 lb lighter and more fun to drive.
The 911 Carrera Cabriolet is a true Porsche, from top to bottom. Like the rest of the range, the base Cabriolet got a mild refresh in terms of design that made it more modern and a little more crisp. The engine was upgraded, now with direct direction. The direct-injection 3.6-liter engine also got new air filters, a more free-flowing exhaust system, and reduced engine friction, making it more powerful than before. It has peak power of 339 bhp @ 6500 rpm and torque of 287 ft lbs @ 4400 rpm. The Carrera equipped with PDK covers 0-60 mph in 4.5 seconds and runs to a top speed of 179 mph.
So what else do you get when you buy a 991 Carrera 4 GTS Cabriolet? First of all you get a 30 hp bump over the Carrera 4S to 430 hp from the 3.8L naturally aspirated flat-six. You get forged centre-lock black 20-inch wheels, dynamic engine mounts, the Sports Chrono Package, PASM adaptive damping with a lowered ride height, an interior swathed in Alcantara, a sinister front fascia with black intakes and custom rear apron with black tailpipes that broadcast the goods through an uber-nasty sport exhaust system. Other trim details include black lettering and smoked headlights.
A forgotten part of the 964s history is the Turbo S2. It was built to adhere to homologation rules so Porsche could participate in IMSA's sports car racing series. IMSA's homologation rules meant that Porsche had to build at least 200 road-going versions of the participating car, 20 of which needed to share most of the primary components of the race car. The 911 Turbo S2 was built specifically for this purpose and exclusively for the United States and Canada. The 20 homologation specials left the factory as stock 964 Turbos, heading immediately to California-based tuner for "S2" engine upgrades.
The Porsche 911 GT2 (or GT as it was initially called) from the 993 Porsche series was built in order to meet homologation requirements for the GT2 class racing which had banned all-wheel-drive vehicles by the mid 1990's. As a two-wheel drive vehicle, the GT2 had significant weight savings as compared to the standard 993 Turbo from Porsche, making it instantly competitive in racing. The 993 GT2's original 3.6 L (220 cu in) engine generated a maximum power output of 316 kW (430 PS; 424 hp). There was an update in 1998 that upped power to 450 bhp.
The 964 Carrera RS 3.8 was produced as a base for homologation for the venerable 3.8 RSR. It was unveiled in 1993 and produced in a very small series by Porsche’s Racing Department in Weissach-Flacht, and was an extreme evolution of the 964 Carrera RS that was released two years prior. It featured the wide-body look of the Type 964 Turbo, a massive rear spoiler, and three-piece “Speedline for Porsche” wheels with 235/40 and 285/35 tires, making it distinctively more aggressive in appearance than the fairly restrained styling of the Carrera RS of 1992 and capable of providing significantly more mechanical grip.
The optional X50 Performance Package gave the base Turbo larger K24 turbochargers and intercoolers, a revised ECU and a quad-pipe exhaust, raising the engine’s output from 415 to 450 bhp and maximum torque from 415 to 457 ft lbs. With power at 450 bhp @ 6000 rpm and torque of 457 ft lbs @ 4400 rpm, the X50 option is a monsters. Porsche engineers achieved the increase in power and performance through modifications to the Turbo charger, the change air cooler, the control units and exhaust system in particular. The base constructions of the manual and automatic transmissions were also improved.
The Targa was the half-convertible bodywork offered by Porsche for the 911. By removing only a part of the roof and leave the closed-coupe rigid structure. It was offered a better sensation than a sunroof and it wasn't as heavy as a convertible. Unlike the previous Targa generation, the 993 featured a glass panel over the front passengers instead of a fabric one. The rest of the bodywork looked similar to the Carrera. The engine was a completely reworked flat-six, with a 3.6-liter displacement with the VarioCam system, which offered 285 hp. It was mated either with a 6-speed manual or a 4-speed automatic.
The Carrera 4 Cabriolet was released with the rest of the 4 and 4S models as 2006 model year cars. With a sure-footed, four-wheel drive powertrain as well as that "wide-body" stance, and with tops that open or close at the touch of a button, the Carrera 4 Cabriolet really started to make the case it could do it all. The wide look gave the 4 a widened track, larger wheels and tires and four-wheel-drive powertrain that gives more dynamic stability, especially in inclement weather conditions. Developed at the same time as the coupe.
The return of the Touring badge, now on the Type 992. In a way, the car may seem sparingly equipped, and apart from the paint color, the wheels, and if you want a 7-speed manual or 8-speed PDK, it is. But it’s what it’s equipped with that makes the Porsche drivers smile. The purist-focused Carrera T is perfectly specced for fun, with its sweet rear-wheel drive, no rear seats, and a manual gearbox for just $118,050.
Just a few months after the introduction of the 2004 911 (997 series), the convertible version was released. The release of the 997 911 Carrera Cabriolet marked the first time since 1977 that Porsche has given the convertible 911s the same engines as their Coupe siblings. The base 997 Carrera Cabriolet gets the 3.6-liter flat six-cylinder engine with 321 bhp and 273 ft lbs of torque. The convertible version for both Carrera and Carrera S was developed at the same time with the coupe.
Paying homage to the first Porsche model that bore the name Speedster – the 356 Speedster – the production run for the new model is limited to 356 cars. The two-seater is significantly different from the other members of the 911 family. In the best tradition, the 60 millimetre lower, more raked windscreen, the flat contour of the sporty-look manual hood, and the characteristic double-bubble hardcover for the soft top define the striking profile of the new 911 Speedster. This makes the body of this rear-wheel drive with its 44 millimetre wider rear stand out even more.
Porsche faithful are probably shaking their heads right about now. Porsche never officially made a production 993 Speedster. Notice we said “production.” In 1995, the company created a dark green 993 Speedster for Ferdinand “Butzi” Porsche 60th birthday. Jerry Seinfeld apparently felt left out; he commissioned a silver 993 Speedster in 1998, though it seemed to have begun life as either a Targa or Cabriolet before being sent to Porsche Exclusive. Only two 993 Speedsters were ever made; if you see one that’s not silver or dark green, chances are it’s a phony. The rarest among these models is the 911 Speedster.
The seventh generation 911 was revealed 2011 Frankfurt Motor Show as an all-new model. It sports a longer wheel base, seven-speed gearbox and more efficient 3.4-liter flat-6. Major options include a 7-Speed automatic transmission , dynamic engine mounts and a Sport Chrono Package with a dash mounted analog stopwatch. This package also features a Sport Plus button that changes the settings of the chassis, engine and transmission for spirited driving. Launch Control is also new.
It's not often Porsche creates an all-new model in their 911 lineup. But the 997 Carrera GTS is just that. It's faster, more powerful and better looking than any other model in the Carrera family. However it's still a little less hardcore than the 911 GT3, and a lot cheaper than the 911 Turbo. The Porsche 911 Carrera GTS features a 3.8 litre flat-six engine which is tuned to develop 408 horsepower, that's 23 hp more than the Carrera S manages. Think of it as the perfectly optioned Carrera S for less money.
The 500 hundred numbered 911 Turbo S Exclusive Series cars cross the 600 hp mark with their 446 kW engines. The power increase does not make much difference performance wise, but it is good to know you have more than 600 hp. Similar in acceleration and top speed to the ‘regular’ Turbo S, the car reaches 200 km/h (124 mph) in 9.6 seconds (0.3 seconds faster than the regular Turbo S). The car comes standard with the Turbo Aerokit and roof panel made of carbon-fibre reinforced plastic.
The switch to turbocharging delivers predictably faster acceleration, with 0 - 60 mph taking just 3.9 seconds with the PDK transmission and Sport Chrono optioned. The quarter mile is dispatched in 12.2 seconds and the top speed for the open top Carrera S is 190 mph. These numbers are pretty impressive for an open top 911 that is just as comfortable driving around town as it is on back roads on spirited runs. With the 991.2 Carrera S Cab, it can be argued that there is no real need dynamically to opt for. the coupe body. A great overall sports car that is fast, fun and happens to have no roof.