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.

Brakes

Electric parking brake

Communication

Navigation High

Apple CarPlay

Driver Aids

Warn and brake assist including pedestrian protection

Sports and WET Mode

Driver awareness detection

Lane keep assist

Traffic sign recognition

Driver Convenience

Voice control

Emergency call systems eCall and bCall

Driver Information

Smartphone compartment with wireless charging up to 15 W

Driving Mirrors

Electric folding door mirrors with courtesy lights

Automatically dimming interior and exterior mirrors with integrated rain sensor

Engine

3.0 liters 6-cylinder boxer engine with twin-turbo

63 litre fuel tank

Entertainment

DAB Digital radio

Exterior Body Features

Rear diffusor in louvered design

Trim on side skirts in black

Badge on air intake grille

Rear boot

Fuel/charging cover

Model designation on rear trim in Light silver

Door handles painted in exterior colour

Exterior Lights

Auto headlights

3rd brake light

LED daytime running lights

Heating/Cooling/Ventilation

Particle/pollen filter with active carbon filter

Two zone auto climate control

Interior Features

USB-C fast charging

Steering wheel with manual fore/aft and height adjustment

Leather door panel and central armrests

Delete quilting

Lockable glove compartment

Packs

Sound pack plus - 911

Light design package - 911

Safety

Airbags

Pedestrian safety

Seat belt warning system for driver and front passenger and rear seat system

Warning triangle

Seatbelt pretensioners

Tyre pressure monitoring system

3 point automatic seatbelts

Seats

2 fixed rear headrests

Front headrests

ISOFIX fastening system

2-seater with rear engine layout

Deletion of model logo embossed on headrests

Heated front seats

Single front passenger seat

2 seat bench in 2nd row

Security

Preparation for Porsche Dashcam

Alarm system with interior surveillance

Comfort access system

Anti-theft wheel bolts

Alcohol interlock preparation

Transmission

Porsche Torque Vectoring Plus (PTV Plus)

Rear wheel drive

8 Speed Porsche Doppelkupplung (PDK)

Wheels

TPM valve in silver

Wheels - Spare

Tyre sealing compound and electric air compressor kit

Emissions - ICE

HC+NOx: N

WLTP - CO2 (g/km) - Comb - TEL: 232

WLTP - CO2 (g/km) - Comb - TEH: 243

WLTP - CO2 (g/km) - Extra High - TEH: 216

WLTP - CO2 (g/km) - Extra High - TEL: 201

WLTP - CO2 (g/km) - High - TEH: 201

WLTP - CO2 (g/km) - High - TEL: 191

Standard Euro Emissions: EURO 6

NOx: 0.014

WLTP - CO2 (g/km) - Medium - TEH: 228

Particles: N

WLTP - CO2 (g/km) - Low - TEL: 425

WLTP - CO2 (g/km) - Low - TEH: 431

WLTP - CO2 (g/km) - Medium - TEL: 220

Engine and Drive Train

Cylinders - Stroke (mm): 76.4

Cylinders: 6

Number of Valves: 24

Camshaft: DOHC

Fuel Delivery: TWIN TURBO

Catalytic Convertor: No

Engine Layout: REAR MOUNTED

Transmission: SEMI-AUTO

CC: 2981

Gears: 8 SPEED

Cylinders - Bore (mm): 91

Fuel Consumption - ICE

WLTP - MPG - Low - TEH: 14.9

WLTP - FC (l/100km) - Low - TEH: 19

EC Directive 1999/100/EC Applies: 0

WLTP - FC (l/100km) - Comb - TEH: 10.7

WLTP - FC (l/100km) - Comb - TEL: 10.2

WLTP - FC (l/100km) - Extra High - TEH: 9.5

WLTP - FC (l/100km) - Extra High - TEL: 8.9

WLTP - FC (l/100km) - High - TEH: 8.9

WLTP - FC (l/100km) - High - TEL: 8.4

WLTP - FC (l/100km) - Medium - TEH: 10.1

WLTP - FC (l/100km) - Medium - TEL: 9.7

WLTP - FC (l/100km) - Low - TEL: 18.7

WLTP - MPG - Comb - TEH: 26.4

WLTP - MPG - Comb - TEL: 27.7

WLTP - MPG - Extra High - TEH: 29.6

WLTP - MPG - Extra High - TEL: 31.9

WLTP - MPG - High - TEH: 31.9

WLTP - MPG - High - TEL: 33.5

WLTP - MPG - Medium - TEH: 28.1

WLTP - MPG - Medium - TEL: 29.1

WLTP - MPG - Low - TEL: 15.1

General

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

Insurance Group 1 - 50 Effective January 07: 50E

Badge Power: 480

Based On ID: N

Badge Engine CC: 3.0

Vehicle Homologation Class: M1

Generation Mark: 7

Alternative Fuel Qualifying: 0

Special Edition: 0

Special Order: 0

Coin Description: N

Coin Series: S [4 Seat]

Performance

Engine Torque - NM: 530

0 to 60 mph (secs): 0

Engine Power - PS: No

Engine Power - BHP: 480

Engine Power - KW: 353

Engine Power - RPM: 6500

Engine Torque - LBS.FT: 391

Top Speed: 191

0 to 62 mph (secs): 3.5

Engine Torque - MKG: 54

Test Cycles

RDE Certification Level: RDE 2

Emissions Test Cycle: WLTP

Tyres

Tyre Size Spare: TYRE REPAIR KIT

Tyre Size Rear: 305/30 R21

Wheel Type: 21" ALLOY

Wheel Style: N

Alloys?: No

Space Saver?: 0

Tyre Size Front: 245/35 R20

Vehicle Dimensions

Length: 4542

Wheelbase: 2450

Width: 1852

Width (including mirrors): 2033

Height: 1302

Height (including roof rails): N

Weight and Capacities

Max. Towing Weight - Braked: N

Max. Towing Weight - Unbraked: N

Fuel Tank Capacity (Litres): 63

Max. Loading Weight: 345

Luggage Capacity (Seats Up): 373

No. of Seats: 4

Gross Vehicle Weight: 1885

Max. Roof Load: 75

Luggage Capacity (Seats Down): N

Turning Circle - Kerb to Kerb: 10.9

Minimum Kerbweight: 1540

Body Glass

Rear wiper

Privacy glass

Windscreen with grey top tint

Lightweight glass

Protective foil front

Lightweight glass including privacy glass

Brakes

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

High gloss black brake calipers

Porsche ceramic composite brake (PCCB)

Carpets/Rugs

Bespoke floor mats

Floor mats in carbon with leather edging

Personalised floor mats

Chassis/Suspension

Front axle lift system

PASM with 10mm lower sports suspension

Driver Aids

Adaptive cruise control

Night view assist

Power steering plus

Porsche innodrive including Adaptive cruise control

Rear axle steering

Remote park assist

Lane change assist

Surround view with active parking support

Driver Convenience

Homelink (programmable garage door opener)

Driving Mirrors

Exterior mirrors painted in exterior colour

Exterior mirror upper trims carbon

Embellishment Trims

Porsche crest on storage compartment lid

Sport chrono stopwatch instrument dial and digital rev counter in guards red

Sport chrono stopwatch instrument dial and digital rev counter in racing yellow

Sport chrono stopwatch instrument dial and digital rev counter in arctic blue

Sport chrono stopwatch instrument dial and digital rev counter in white

Entertainment

BOSE surround sound system

Burmester high end surround sound system

Exterior Body Features

Electric tilt/slide glass sunroof

Electric slide and tilt sunroof

Model designation deletion

Sport design front apron

Aluminium side window trim

Porsche metallic paint

Porsche special metallic paint

Model designation on doors in black

Model designation on doors in red

Model designation on doors in silver

Model designation painted in exterior colour

Side model logo in black

Side model logo in red

Side model logo in silver colour

Decorative PORSCHE side logo in black

Decorative PORSCHE side logo in red

Decorative PORSCHE side logo in silver colour

Motorsport decorative sticker set in black

Motorsport decorative sticker set in silver colour

Motorsport decorative sticker set in red

Engine compartment lid painted in titanium grey

Model designation painted in high gloss black

Painted 911 logo in high gloss black

Light weight carbon roof

Exclusive design fuel filler cap

Painted 911 logo in exterior colour

Door release levers painted in high gloss black

Rear lid slat inlays painted in exterior colour

Sport Design sideskirts

911 logo - 2RA

Preparation for roof transport system

Paint to sample colour

Decorative PORSCHE side logo in Neodyme

Model designation on doors in Neodyme

Side model logo in Neodyme

Window triangle trims front in carbon with side window trims painted in high gloss black

Sports exhaust system tailpipes in black

Carbon window triangle trims

Model designation on doors in arctic blue

Porsche additional special metallic paint

Titanium sports tailpipes

Decorative PORSCHE side logo in arctic blue

Motorsport decorative sticker set in arctic blue

Side model logo in arctic blue

Side window trims in high gloss black

Exterior mirror lower trims in exterior colour including mirror bases painted in black (high-gloss)

Porsche painted logo in high gloss black

Exterior Lights

PORSCHE logo LED door courtesy lights

HD-Matrix LED main headlights

Tinted HD-Matrix LED main headlights

Exclusive design taillights

Heating/Cooling/Ventilation

Air Ioniser

Interior Features

Aluminium pedals

Luggage net in passenger footwell

Inner door sill guards in leather

Leather cupholder cover

Leather fuse box cover

PDK gear selector in aluminium look

Storage compartment lid with model logo

Club leather upholstery

Two tone leather interior

Illuminated brushed aluminium darksilver door sill guards

Two tone club leather upholstery

Illuminated door sill guards in matt carbon

Roof lining in Race tex

Steering column casing in leather

Storage compartment lid in Race tex with Porsche crest

Exclusive manufaktur two-tone leather interior

Storage compartment lid in race tex with Porsche logo

Steering column casing leather in conjunction with memory package - 911

Bespoke embossing on centre console storage compartment lid

Heated GT sports steering wheel in leather

Heated GT sports steering wheel in Race tex

Illuminated bespoke door sill guards in matt carbon

Illuminated bespoke door sill guards brushed aluminium in dark silver

Bespoke vehicle key in leather with leather key pouch

Bespoke vehicle key painted with key pouch in leather

Personalised vehicle key leather with key pouch leather

Personalised vehicle key painted with key pouch leather

Porsche crest on headrests

Personalised documentation folder

Bespoke documentation folder

Heated GT Sports steering wheel in Race-Tex with carbon matt

Heated GT sports steering wheel leather with steering wheel panel carbon matt

Air vents leather with slats leather and coloured decorative stitching

Air vents leather with slats painted and coloured decorative stitching

Interior mirror panel in Race-Tex with coloured decorative stitching

Leather interior exclusive manufaktur

Interior mirror panel in leather with coloured decorative stitching

Packs

Dashboard and door trim package leather - 911 in combination with two tone club leather upholstery

Door trim leather package in combination with Two tone club leather upholstery - 911

Interior trim package with decorative stitching and seat accents in contrasting colour - 911

Aerokit-911

Aerokit Painted in high gloss black-911

SportDesign Package - 911

SportDesign Package painted in high gloss black - 911

Exterior Package in Anthracite Grey - 911 in conjunction with Aerokit

Exterior Package in Anthracite Grey - 911

Sport Chrono Package - 911 with Porsche Design Subsecond Clock

Interior trim package with decorative stitching in contrasting colour - 911

Carbon matt interior package with accent in black - 911

Paldao dark openporous interior package with accent in lightsilver - 911

Brushed aluminium interior package with accent in lightsilver - 911

Leather package 930 - 911

Interior package leather with accent in lightsilver - 911

Dashboard trim package leather - 911

Dashboard and door trim package leather - 911

Door trim leather package - 911

Interior package Diamar lightsilver - 911

Interior Package painted in Exterior Colour with accent in Black - 911

Carbon matt Interior Package with accent in Ceramica - 911

Brushed Aluminium Interior Package with accent in Ceramica - 911

Smoking package - 911

Sport chrono package - 911 with porsche track precision app and tyre temperature display

Extended package leather interior exclusive manufaktur - 911 Carrera S

Paint - Metallic

Porsche metallic - GT silver

Porsche metallic - Jet Black

Porsche metallic - Ice grey

Porsche metallic - Vanadium Grey

Paint - Solid

Porsche solid - Black

Porsche solid - White

Paint - Special

Porsche special metallic - Carmine red

Porsche special metallic - Gentian Blue

Paint to sample colour - Custom

Porsche special metallic - Provence

Porsche special metallic - Guards Red

Porsche special metallic - Cartagena Yellow

Porsche special metallic - Lugano Blue

Porsche additional special metallic - Shade green

Porsche additional special metallic - Slate grey neo

Porsche additional special metallic - Crayon

Porsche additional special metallic - Oak green neo

Safety

Fire extinguisher

Seat Belts racing yellow

Seat Belts guards red

Seat Belts arctic blue

Seat Belts bordeaux red

Seat Belts silver grey

Seat Belts crayon

Seats

Front seat ventilation

4 way electric sports seats plus

14 way electric sports seats with memory pack

18 way electric adaptive sports seats plus with memory pack

Sports seat plus backrests in leather with decorative inlay in leather

Sports seat plus backrests in leather with decorative inlay in matt carbon

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

Belt outlets trimmed in Race tex

Sports seat plus backrests leather with brushed aluminium decorative inlay

4 way electric sports seats plus in combination with Club leather upholstery

4 way electric sports seats plus in combination with Two tone club leather upholstery

4 way electric sports seats plus in combination with Leather interior

4 way electric sports seats plus in combination with Two tone leather interior

18 way electric adaptive sports seats plus with memory pack in combination with Club leather upholstery

18 way electric adaptive sports seats plus with memory pack in combination with Two tone club leather upholstery

18 way electric adaptive sports seats plus with memory pack in combination with Leather interior

18 way electric adaptive sports seats plus with memory pack in combination with Two tone leather interior

Sports seat plus backrests leather with decorative inlay paldao dark openporous

Seat consoles in leather with coloured decorative stitching

18 way electric adaptive sports seats plus with memory pack in combination with leather interior exclusive manufaktur two tone

4 way electric sports seats plus in combination with leather interior exclusive manufaktur two tone

Trim - Leather

Leather - Black

Leather - Bordeaux red

Club leather - Truffle brown

Two tone leather interior - Black / Bordeaux red

Two tone leather interior - Slate Grey / Crayon

Leather - Black with Crayon stitching

Leather - Bordeaux Red with Crayon stitching

Exclusive manufaktur two-tone leather interior - Bordeaux Red / choice of leather colour

Exclusive manufaktur two-tone leather interior - Bordeaux Red / choice of leather colour

Exclusive manufaktur two-tone leather interior - Black / choice of leather colour

Leather - Dark Night Blue

Leather - Dark Night Blue with Crayon stitching

Two tone leather interior - Black / Chalk Beige

Two tone leather interior - Dark Night Blue / Crayon

Club leather - Basalt black

Two tone club leather - Black and Classic Cognac

Exclusive Manufaktur Leather upholstery - Crayon Grey

Exclusive Manufaktur Leather upholstery - Magnesium grey

Exclusive Manufaktur Leather upholstery - Nightgreen

Exclusive Manufaktur Leather upholstery - Dark night blue

Exclusive Manufaktur Leather upholstery - Aquamarine blue

Exclusive Manufaktur Leather upholstery - Slate grey

Exclusive Manufaktur Leather upholstery - Riviera blue

Exclusive Manufaktur Leather upholstery - Lavender

Exclusive Manufaktur Leather upholstery - Blackberry

Exclusive Manufaktur Leather upholstery - Guards Red

Exclusive Manufaktur Leather upholstery - Black

Exclusive Manufaktur Leather upholstery - Bordeaux red

Exclusive Manufaktur Leather upholstery - Cohiba brown

Exclusive Manufaktur Leather upholstery - Cognac

Exclusive Manufaktur Leather upholstery - Chalk beige

Exclusive Manufaktur Leather upholstery - Kalahari beige

Exclusive manufaktur two-tone leather interior - Dark Night Blue / Choice of leather colour

Vanity Mirrors

Leather sunvisors

Race tex sunvisors

Wheels

Wheel centres with full colour Porsche crest

Wheels painted in exterior colour

Wheels painted in high gloss black

Wheels painted in satin black

Wheels painted in jet black metallic

Wheels painted in satin darksilver

Personalised wheels painted

Wheels painted in high gloss black with highly polished surfaces

Wheels painted in Neodyme

Wheels painted in Anthracite Grey

Wheels - Alloy

20" / 21" Carrera classic wheels

20"/21" Carrera Exclusive design wheels

20"/21" Carrera Exclusive design wheels with carbon blades

20" / 21" RS Spyder Design wheels in stain darksilver