A base Porsche 911 Carrera is probably all the sportscar you'll ever need, especially in this updated form. Jonathan Crouch drives it.

Ten Second Review

Porsche has subtly updated its entry-level 911, the Carrera. The flat six engine lacks the T-Hybrid tech you pay more for on the GTS model, but it now develops more power - 394PS - and has bigger brakes and rear-wheel steering. Plus you get a lightly evolved exterior look and a more digitalised cabin.

Background

Porsche doesn't need to fundamentally change the 911 formula. But it does need to finesse it in the face of growing competition from increasingly desirable high performance alternatives from Mercedes, Maserati and Aston Martin. In short, it does need this rejuvenated version of the 992-era model, available as ever in Coupe and Cabriolet forms, with most sales based on Carrera-series variants like this one. There's long been quite a debate as to what is the 'sweet spot' in the 911 range. Prior to this 992.2 update, most agreed that this lay with the mid-level GTS model. But that's become extremely expensive and in its latest T-Hybrid guise, possibly needlessly powerful. So enthusiasts for this iconic model line might well now be tempted to turn to the uprated 394PS version of this base Carrera variant. Should they do just that? Let's take a closer look.

Driving Experience

Unlike the 911 GTS, this base Carrera model doesn't feature T-Hybrid electrification. But in this '992.2' form, it does get a bit more power, the twin turbo 3.0-litre flat six gaining turbos from the GTS and a charge cooler from the turbo. Consequently, power for this variant (and its 911 T showroom stablemate) has risen from 385PS to 394PS. For reference, the alternative Carrera S model has 480PS and that Hybrid Carrera GTS we mentioned puts out 541PS. But do you really need that extra power when this base Carrera is now so startlingly quick? There's a gutsy 450Nm of torque (same as before), rest to 62mph occupies 4.1s and this Zuffenhausen sportscar wouldn't let up until it reached 183mph, were you to be on the main straight at the Nurburgring. As part of the '992.2' updates, bigger brakes and rear-wheel steering have been added as standard and Porsche no longer charges more for PASM adaptive damping. As before, you still get a delightful howl from the 'boxer' motor and with so much low and mid-rev torque from this powerplant, you can drive it as lazily as you like. To have a manual gearbox (now a 6-speeder), you've to choose the 911 T. This Carrera is restricted to Porsche's usual 8-speed PDK transmission, but that's what almost all buyers want anyway. As previously, the usual selection of drive modes includes a 'Wet mode' that senses excess road surface spray and can adapt the handling for slippery conditions.

Design and Build

You'd need to be very familiar indeed with the 992-series 911 to spot the visual changes made to this updated model, offered as before in Coupe and Cabriolet forms. The main difference lies with the redesigned headlamps, now with standard matrix tech, which retain the characteristic 4-point graphic but now incorporate all the illuminating functions, so there's no need for front driving lights, which creates space for larger cooling vents at the front of the car. There's also a redesigned rear light strip and model-specific bumpers. Otherwise, the pure 911 shape remains unaltered, as are the staggered wheel sizes - 19 or 20-inch fronts and 20 or 21-inch rears. You might more easily note the major change made to the traditionally driver-focused cockpit; for the first time, the 911 has a fully digital instrument cluster, though the rev counter remains the central feature in the 12.6-inch curved driver's display, customisable with up to seven layouts; including a 'Classic' display inspired by the traditional five-tube Porsche dial design with a central tachometer. There's also now a start button rather than a twisting dial. As before, infotainment is still taken care of by a 10.9-inch Porsche Communications Management central screen. But this monitor now offers more customisation options for drive modes and driver assistance systems, plus there are lots of new connectivity features, including video streaming. As before, you can have two tiny rear seats (which these days must be added as a no-cost option). And under the bonnet, there's 132-litres of storage space.

Market and Model

Carrera model pricing has risen quite a bit with this mid-term update. It now starts at around £100,000 for the base Coupe version. For reference, the similarly-engined 911 T costs around £111,000 and the 480PS Carrera S costs from around £120,000. Allow another £10,000 in all three cases if you want the Cabriolet body shape, rather than the Coupe. That's quite a step up from the pricing applied to this 992-era Carrera at its original launch but at least you get quite a bit more standard equipment now as part of the deal. There's rear-wheel steering, plus Matrix LED headlamps featuring more than 32,000 light points. Their high performance high beam illuminates the road to a distance of more than 600 metres and offers innovative additional functions such as a driving mode-dependent dynamic cornering light, lane brightening, a construction site and bottleneck light and a non-dazzling high beam that is precise to the pixel. Inside, the car now benefits from a fully digital instrument display. You'll want to consider paying extra for the optional electrohydraulic roll-stabilisation PDCC set-up. And the larger 20/21-inch wheel size. As you'd expect on a super sportscar, there's also a driving modes system that primarily tweaks steering feel, throttle response and gear change timings, with 'Normal', 'Sport' and 'Sport Plus' options, along with a 'Wet Mode' that can adapt the behaviour of the car to better suit rainy or icy conditions. And an 'Individual' option so you can personalise your own preferences. These driving modes also tweak the damping thanks to the fact that the brand's 'PASM' 'Porsche Adaptive Suspension Management' system with its choice of either 'Normal' or 'Sport' modes is also standard.

Cost of Ownership

The 911 has long led its class in terms of running cost efficiency - and not much has changed. A base 394PS Carrera Coupe manages up to 28mpg on the WLTP combined cycle - and 229g/km of WLTP-rated CO2. The figures won't vary too much from that if you go for the Cabriolet body style. But they do fall slightly with the identically-engined Carrera T (which in Coupe form records 26.9mpg and 237g/km); but strangely recover a bit with the more powerful 480PS Carrera S (which as a Coupe records 27.4mpg and 233g/km). If you want some segment perspective, we'll tell you that this Carrera model's closest rival, the Mercedes-AMG GT 43, records 27.4mpg and 235g/km. Whatever Carrera-series model you choose, the 67-litre fuel tank might easily take you over 500 miles between fill-ups, helped by the engine's clever VarioCam Plus variable valve control system and by the fact that, as before, the PDK auto gearbox can disconnect itself from the drivetrain when you're coasting at cruising speeds to aid efficiency. All 911 models are covered by the brand's usual three-year unlimited mileage warranty package. And the 911 also has 12 years of corrosion cover and a three year paint guarantee. Insurance for a car of this power and performance is never going to be cheap; all 911 variants attract a top-of-the-shop group 50 rating. Still, residual value percentages are uber-high - think in the late fifties after three years of ownership - or better. Bear in mind that depreciation will take a hit if you load your car up with too many unnecessary pricey extras. And of course showboating on track days will cost you big in rubber wear; the bespoke Pirelli tyres are fearsomely expensive to replace.

Summary

The 911. Whether you've a classic model or this updated version of the eighth generation 992-series model, it's an automotive icon that's globally loved. Which is why though this improved model has been usefully updated, Porsche hasn't messed with the fundamental formula. In other words, if, like us, you've always loved this car, then you'll love this one. There are surely lots of reasons to. The improved six cylinder twin turbo used in this Carrera series is efficient, yet sonorous and gloriously tractable. Plus the cabin's more up to date and the infotainment's been brought up to scratch. In addition, like its predecessor, this 911 is practical and easy to use - and remains satisfying to drive in a way that rivals can't quite match. In other words, though apparently everything's changed, nothing is really different. Thank goodness.

Body Glass

Heated rear windscreen

Windscreen with grey top tint

Windscreen washer system with aero wiper blades and washer jets

Brakes

Electric parking brake

Porsche ceramic composite brake (PCCB) with brake calipers painted in high gloss black

Chassis/Suspension

PASM with 10mm lower sports suspension

Front axle lift system

Porsche dynamic chassis control

Communication

Navigation High

2 USB-C ports in center console main storage compartment lid

Apple CarPlay

Driver Aids

Rear axle steering

Power steering plus

Stationary management with HOLD function

Warn and brake assist including pedestrian protection

Driver Convenience

Automatic start/stop system

Homelink (programmable garage door opener)

Emergency call systems eCall and bCall

Voice control

Driver Information

Rev counter in Black

Driving Mirrors

Automatically dimming interior and exterior mirrors with integrated rain sensor

Exterior mirror lower trims painted in Anthracite grey

Electric folding door mirrors

Engine

63 litre fuel tank

6-cylinder boxer engine with VTG twin turbo

Entertainment

DAB Digital radio

Exterior Body Features

Exclusive design fuel filler cap in turbonite

Model designation in Turbonite

Rear lid grille with vertical slats in Turbonite

Rear side air intakes painted in Anthracite Grey

Side skirts trim in Anthracite Grey

PORSCHE logo painted in satin black

Rear diffusor in louvered design

Rear boot

Exterior Lights

Automatic headlight activation including welcome home lighting

Turbocharger Logo LED door courtesy lights

LED daytime running lights

Tinted LED main headlights with matrix beam including Porsche Dynamic Light System Plus (PDLS Plus)

LED 3rd brake light

Heating/Cooling/Ventilation

Air Ioniser

Two zone auto climate control

Interior Features

PDK gear selector in aluminium look

Leather door panel and central armrests

Delete quilting

Lockable glove compartment

Aluminium pedals

Race-Tex roof lining

Interior Lights

LED ignition light

LED orientation light

LED luggage compartment lighting

LED footwell lights

LED reading lights

LED glove compartment lighting

Packs

Sport Chrono Package - 911 with specific turbo 50 Porsche Design Subsecond Clock

Light design package - 911

Interior package leather with accent in Turbonite - 911

Steering column casing leather in conjunction with memory package - 911

Leather dashboard and door trim package - 911

Safety

Seatbelt pretensioners

Warning triangle

Tyre pressure monitoring system

Airbags

Pedestrian safety

Seats

Seatbelts in Truffle Turbonite

Heated front seats

Headrests with stitched model designation

ISOFIX fastening system

2 seat bench in 2nd row

Single front passenger seat

Front and rear head restraints

Security

Preparation for Porsche Dashcam

Porsche vehicle tracking system (PVTS Plus)

Alarm system with interior surveillance

Keyless drive

Transmission

All wheel drive with map controlled multi plate clutch Porsche Traction Management (PTM)

8 Speed Porsche Doppelkupplung (PDK)

Porsche Torque Vectoring Plus (PTV Plus)

Wheels

TPM valve in black

Wheels - Spare

Tyre sealing compound and electric air compressor kit

Emissions - ICE

HC+NOx: N

WLTP - CO2 (g/km) - Comb - TEL: 278

WLTP - CO2 (g/km) - Comb - TEH: 283

WLTP - CO2 (g/km) - Extra High - TEH: 248

WLTP - CO2 (g/km) - Extra High - TEL: 243

WLTP - CO2 (g/km) - High - TEH: 241

WLTP - CO2 (g/km) - High - TEL: 236

WLTP - CO2 (g/km) - Medium - TEH: 282

WLTP - CO2 (g/km) - Medium - TEL: 276

Standard Euro Emissions: EURO 6

WLTP - CO2 (g/km) - Low - TEH: 471

WLTP - CO2 (g/km) - Low - TEL: 469

Particles: N

Engine and Drive Train

CC: 3745

Catalytic Convertor: No

Fuel Delivery: TWIN TURBO

Camshaft: DOHC

Number of Valves: 24

Cylinder Layout: FLAT 6

Cylinders: 6

Engine Layout: REAR MOUNTED

Transmission: SEMI-AUTO

Gears: 8 SPEED

Fuel Consumption - ICE

WLTP - MPG - Low - TEL: 13.6

WLTP - MPG - Low - TEH: 13.6

WLTP - FC (l/100km) - Comb - TEH: 12.5

EC Directive 1999/100/EC Applies: 0

WLTP - FC (l/100km) - Comb - TEL: 12.3

WLTP - FC (l/100km) - Extra High - TEH: 10.9

WLTP - FC (l/100km) - Extra High - TEL: 10.7

WLTP - FC (l/100km) - High - TEH: 10.6

WLTP - FC (l/100km) - High - TEL: 10.4

WLTP - FC (l/100km) - Medium - TEH: 12.5

WLTP - FC (l/100km) - Medium - TEL: 12.2

WLTP - FC (l/100km) - Low - TEH: 20.8

WLTP - FC (l/100km) - Low - TEL: 20.8

WLTP - MPG - Comb - TEH: 22.6

WLTP - MPG - Comb - TEL: 23

WLTP - MPG - Extra High - TEH: 25.9

WLTP - MPG - Extra High - TEL: 26.4

WLTP - MPG - High - TEH: 26.6

WLTP - MPG - High - TEL: 27.2

WLTP - MPG - Medium - TEH: 22.6

WLTP - MPG - Medium - TEL: 23.2

General

Timing Belt Interval Mileage: 999999

Insurance Group 1 - 50 Effective January 07: 50E

Service Interval Frequency - Months: 24

Service Interval Mileage: 20000

Alternative Fuel Qualifying: 0

Badge Power: 650

Badge Engine CC: 3.7

Vehicle Homologation Class: M1

Generation Mark: 7

Special Order: 0

Special Edition: No

Did at least one aspect of this vehicle's safety give cause for concern?: 0

Standard manufacturers warranty - Years: 3

Standard manufacturers warranty - Mileage: 999999

Coin Description: N

Coin Series: 50Years

Based On ID: 93181

Performance

Engine Power - PS: No

0 to 60 mph (secs): 0

Engine Power - BHP: 650

Top Speed: 205

0 to 62 mph (secs): 2.7

Engine Power - KW: 478

Engine Power - RPM: 6750

Engine Torque - NM: 800

Engine Torque - RPM: 2500

Engine Torque - LBS.FT: 590

Engine Torque - MKG: 81.6

Test Cycles

RDE Certification Level: RDE 2

Emissions Test Cycle: WLTP

Tyres

Wheel Style: 911 TURBO S

Space Saver?: 0

Alloys?: No

Tyre Size Front: 255/35 R20

Wheel Type: 21" ALLOY

Tyre Size Spare: TYRE REPAIR KIT

Tyre Size Rear: 315/30 R21

Vehicle Dimensions

Length: 4535

Wheelbase: 2450

Width: 1900

Height: 1302

Width (including mirrors): 2024

Height (including roof rails): N

Weight and Capacities

Fuel Tank Capacity (Litres): 63

Max. Towing Weight - Braked: N

Max. Towing Weight - Unbraked: N

Luggage Capacity (Seats Up): 264

No. of Seats: 4

Luggage Capacity (Seats Down): N

Minimum Kerbweight: 1640

Body Glass

Lightweight and noise insulated glass including privacy glass

Carpets/Rugs

Personalised floor mats

Driver Aids

Remote park assist

Lane keep assist include speed limit indicator

Porsche innodrive including Adaptive cruise control

Lane change assistant

Night view assist

Park assist including surround view

Adaptive cruise control

Embellishment Trims

Instrument dial in white

Porsche crest on storage compartment lid

Entertainment

Burmester high end surround sound system

Exterior Body Features

Protective front foil

Deletion of 50 years turbo decorative side logo

Light weight carbon roof

Electric tilt/slide glass sunroof

Decorative side logo PORSCHE in Turbonite

Preparation for roof transport system

Paint to sample colour

Porsche additional special metallic paint

Side window trims in high gloss black

Decorative graphic heritage design 50 Years turbo

50 years turbo and PORSCHE decorative side logo

Decorative side Logo PORSCHE White

Deletion of decorative graphic Heritage Design 50 Years Turbo

50 years turbo decorative side logo

Engine compartment lid painted in titanium grey

Porsche special metallic paint

Electric slide and tilt sunroof

Porsche metallic paint

Sports exhaust system including sports tailpipes in silver

Exterior Lights

Exclusive design taillights

Interior Features

Bespoke vehicle key in leather with leather key pouch

Bespoke documentation folder

Personalised documentation folder

Leather cupholder cover

Personalised vehicle key painted with key pouch leather

Personalised vehicle key leather with key pouch leather

Bespoke vehicle key painted with key pouch in leather

Heated GT sports steering wheel in Race tex

Bespoke illuminated door sill guards in black brushed aluminium

Bespoke embossing on centre console storage compartment lid

Glove box tartan

Air vents and slats trimmed in leather

Air vents in leather with painted slats

Packs

Smokers pack - 911 (992)

Storage package - 911 (992)

Heritage design 50 years turbo pack - 911

Extended package Leather - 911 50 Years

Paint - Metallic

Porsche metallic - Jet Black

Porsche metallic - GT silver

Paint - Solid

Porsche solid - Black

Porsche solid - White

Paint - Special

Porsche special metallic - Arctic grey

Porsche special metallic - Aventurine Green

Porsche additional special metallic - Crayon

Porsche special metallic - Guards Red

Porsche special metallic - Ice grey

Porsche special metallic - Carmine red

Paint to sample colour - Custom

Porsche special metallic - Gentian Blue

Safety

Fire extinguisher

Seats

Sports seat Plus backrests in leather with decorative inlay painted in exterior colour

Sports seat plus backrests in leather with decorative inlay in leather

18 way electric adaptive sports seats plus with memory pack

Front seat ventilation

Sports seat plus backrests in leather with decorative inlay in leather in combination with Heritage design 50 years turbo pack

Sports seat Plus backrests in leather with decorative inlay painted in exterior colour in combination with Heritage design 50 years turbo pack

Security

Comfort access system

Trim - Leather

Leather - Black/tartan with seat centres leather

Leather - Black/tartan

Vanity Mirrors

Leather sunvisors

Wheels - Alloy

20"/21" Sport Classic wheels painted in White and Silver