Porsche's 911 might have the broadest range of any car offered for sale. There are coupes, convertibles, targas, turbos, all-wheel drive, and rear-wheel drive. There are comfortable cruisers and track-day monsters. And the lineup has expanded to add the Carrera T. It pays tribute to a classic Porsche racer and is a high-performance version of the basic model.
This is the classic sports car, with communicative steering, handling, performance, and drivability that has been chased by competitors for decades. Still, the 911 is one of the best for track days, grand touring, or even commuting.
The 911 starts with the basic Carrera model. That car uses a 3.0L flat-six that makes 370 hp and 331 lb-ft thanks to twin-turbochargers. Transmission choices are a seven-speed manual or a seven-speed dual clutch automatic. New this year is a standard heated steering wheel. The 911 has standard leather upholstery and a 7.0-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay. But with Porsche, the options list is extensive. The base Carrera is available in coupe, Cabrio, and all-wheel drive Carrera 4 models. All-wheel drive cars have a wider body to fit the all-wheel drive system and wider wheels.
Dozens of leather combinations, sports seats, LED headlights, carbon ceramic brakes, more power from a Sport Chrono package, sports exhausts, carbon trim, and even seat belt colour are on the list. Plus luxury features like heated and ventilated seats.
The Carrera S adds power, up to 420 hp and 368 lb-ft from the same flat six. It uses a torque vectoring mechanical differential to transfer power from side to side for improved handling. Larger wheels are also standard. The Carrera S comes in coupe, cabrio, and all-wheel drive.
The 911 Targa uses the 370 hp engine but has an opening roof panel that stows behind the cabin. It's an open-air car that offers a hard top when the roof is closed. Targa comes in 4 and 4S with the 420 hp engine.
Although most 911s are now turbocharged, Turbo on the trunk lid still designates the more powerful cars. The 911 Turbo uses a 3.8L flat six that generates 540 hp and 523 lb-ft of torque. All Turbo models are all-wheel drive. For even more performance, the Turbo S offers 580 hp. Both models are available as coupes or convertibles.
The 911 GTS adds more power to the base Carrera line, packing 450 hp. It's a middle ground between the Carrera and the Turbo models. It's lower and wider than the Carrera S and uses the larger brakes from the Turbo. Even rear-drive GTS models get the wider Carrera 4 body. It's available as coupe or convertible in rear-drive and coupe, convertible, and Targa in all-wheel drive.
Next up are the truly hardcore models. The ones more at home on the track than on the street. The GT3 uses a 4.0L naturally aspirated flat six that makes 500 hp, 339 lb-ft, and revs to 9,000 rpm. It drives the rear wheels through a six-speed manual or seven-speed dual clutch. Outside it has big wings and carbon fiber. Inside it has massively bolstered sport bucket seats.
At the top of the line is the GT2 RS. It's a 700 hp twin-turbo monster that powers the rear wheels to go from 0-100 km/h in under three seconds. This is the race car of the bunch. It's lightweight, bold, and fast. The door handles are fabric straps instead of handles, which gives you an idea of how lightweight this car is.
The Porsche 911 range is rated for between 10.6 L/100 km city, 8.0 highway for the base Carrera and 18.0/11.5 for the GT3. GT2 fuel economy figures are not currently available.
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