- Base versions of the new 911
- Twin-turbocharged 3.0-liter flat-six with 379 hp
- 8-speed PDK automatic only—for now
- 0-60 mph in 3.8 seconds (coupe) and 4.0 seconds (convertible)
- Available all-wheel drive coming
- Priced at $97,400 (coupe), $110,200 (convertible)
- Available for order now with deliveries in early 2020
Porsche has taken a major step toward filling out the lineup of its new 992-generation 911 with the unveiling of the base-model cars, the 2020 911 Carrera coupe and convertible. Unlike past generations, the base versions now share the same bodywork as the higher-performance 4S models. They also share their twin-turbo 3.0-liter flat-six engine, but with slightly lower output. Notably, the base 911 coupe is the only variant of the new-generation 911 with a starting price that sneaks in under $100,000.
No skinny-hipped styling this time
Whereas in previous generations the 4S model sported wider bodywork with flared rear fenders (a feature adopted from the 911 Turbo), with the new 992 generation, the base cars have the same body styling as the 4S and the S. Porsche has made it harder than ever to distinguish between the 4S, S, and Carrera. The only design detail separating the new 911 Carrera from the S/4S is the exhaust outlets: Base cars get single rectangular outlets at each corner while the S/4S have dual round outlets. Buyers of the standard Carrera can confuse the issue, however, by opting for the Sport Exhaust system, which brings dual oval tailpipes just as it does with the S/4S.
The interior of the new Carrera retains the central tachometer, which is flanked by configurable screens. The central infotainment display features the brand’s 10.9-inch touchscreen, with a row of toggle-style switches below and flat-panel buttons with haptic feedback on the center console.
Twin-turbo flat-six has more power than before but less than an S
The twin-turbocharged 3.0-liter flat-six returns for duty in the 992 Carrera models, having received a 9-horsepower bump, to 379 ponies at 6,500 rpm. Torque remains unchanged 331 lb-ft available between 1,950 and 5,500 rpm. Those figures maintain a respectful distance from the 911 S/4S, which wrings 443 horsepower and 390 lb-ft of torque from the same engine, thanks to a different turbocharger.
The factory-stated 0-to-60-mph time for the 911 Carrera coupe is 3.8 seconds with the optional Sport Chrono package (which includes launch control) and 4.0 without. For the convertible, those 0-to-60 times are 4.0 seconds with Sport Chrono and 4.2 without. Porsche claims to have shaved 0.2 second off the time of the outgoing car. Top speed is 182 mph for the 992 Carrera coupe and 180 mph for the convertible.
As with the previously introduced 911 S/4S, Porsche is making the now-8-speed PDK automatic transmission standard. The company isn’t yet talking about whether a 7-speed manual will be offered as an option, saying only, “Manual availability for the 992 will be announced at a later point in time.” That sounds to us like the stick shift will become available—fingers crossed. Also not yet announced but said to be on the way is all-wheel drive for this model.
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Staggered wheel sizes, standard PASM
As on the S/4S, the wheel diameters of the base Carrera models are now staggered, with the standard front wheels here measuring 19 inches and the rears at 20 inches (versus 19-inchers all around before). The standard tire size is 235/40 (front) and 295/35 (rear). Buyers can opt for a 20/21-inch wheel fitment, matching that of the S/4S. Porsche Active Suspension Management (PASM) active damping is now standard, bringing with it Sport and Normal suspension modes. The standard brakes utilize 13.0-inch cast-iron rotors front and rear, but Porsche Ceramic Composite Brakes (PCCB) can be had.
The only 911 under $100k
At a base price of $97,400 ($98,750 with destination), the Carrera coupe is the last remaining Porsche 911 with a 5-digit price tag. And of course, even the most casual dalliance with the options sheet can tip that bottom-line figure into the 6-figure zone. (If you’re wondering, a move up the price ladder to the 911 S coupe requires an additional $15,800.) The days of a 911 convertible for under $100k are gone. The starting price for the 2020 911 Carrera convertible is $111,550 with destination. Both models are available for order now, but deliveries are not set to begin until January 2020.
