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| 2020 Porsche 911 |
Overview
The Porsche 911 has long been one of the most celebrated sports cars on the planet, with unmistakable styling and ethereal performance.
The latest generation capitalizes on those characteristics thanks to evolutionary improvements that illustrate Porsche's eternal commitment to driver engagement.
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| 2020 Porsche 911 |
The new-for-2020 911 is currently offered as a coupe and convertible (Cabriolet), and a targa body style is eventually expected to join them.
Every model boasts a terrific twin-turbo six-cylinder engine that comes in two potencies and pairs with an excellent automatic or manual transmission.
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| 2020 Porsche 911 |
Both rear- or all-wheel drive are available, and while the latter setup is quicker and more capable in inclement weather conditions, every model transitions from fiercely athletic to astoundingly graceful at a moment's notice.
Those traits and the 2020 911's surprisingly practical qualities ensure that its legendary status is alive and well.
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| 2020 Porsche 911 |
What's New for 2020?
For 2020, Porsche introduces an all-new 911 generation—code-named 992—that features a handsomely evolved design and meticulously engineered mechanicals.
The redesign also institutes enhanced chassis tuning, more powerful engines, and loads of the latest technology.
The 640-hp Porsche 911 Turbo S, which I review separately, will up the lineup's firepower even more when it goes on sale for 2021.
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| 2020 Porsche 911 |
Pricing and Which One to Buy
- Carrera: $98,750
- Carrera Cabriolet: $111,550
- Carrera 4: $106,050
- Carrera 4 Cabriolet: $118,850
- Carrera S: $114,650
- Carrera S Cabriolet: $127,450
- Carrera 4S: $121,950
- Carrear 4S Cabriolet: $134,750
The highly customizable—not to mention highly expensive—nature of the 911 means that there are a lot of variables involved when tailoring a 911 Carrera.
I prefer the extra 64 horsepower (443 total) that the S model provides, but it's a toss-up whether we'd choose the incredibly proficient eight-speed automatic transmission over the manual transmission.
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| 2020 Porsche 911 |
Since even rear-drive 911s now wear the wider fenders that were previously reserved for all-wheel-drive models, the expensive upgrade is less desirable, except for people like us that want the quicker acceleration and all-weather ability that the 4S provides.
I'd also add the more supportive Sport Seats Plus and the Sport package, which includes lowered suspension, a louder exhaust system, and the Sport Chrono package (launch control, sportier drive modes, and more).
My other preferred options include the heated, multi-function GT steering wheel as well as passive entry, Porsche's Dynamic Light System Plus that includes automatic high-beams and headlights that swivel with the steering wheel. I'd add ventilated front seats, too.
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| 2020 Porsche 911 |
Engine, Transmission, and Performance
Mounted in the rear of the 911 Carrera is a twin-turbo 3.0-liter flat-six-cylinder engine. The base version has 379 horsepower and 331 lb-ft of torque.
The S model pumps out 443 ponies and 390 lb-ft. While all Carreras have a ridiculously quick-shifting eight-speed automatic transmission, a seven-speed manual is offered on S and 4S models.
Both variants come standard with rear-wheel drive, but they can be equipped with all-wheel drive for high-performance driving in all four seasons.
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| 2020 Porsche 911 |
No matter the application, every 911 has astonishing acceleration, especially when their gleefully good launch control is utilized. Porsche's optional sport exhaust system also helps enhance the experience by providing a fuller engine note.
Best of all, the 911 is as comfortable as ever, and also greatto drive. Its steering is communicative and direct, and the coupe and convertible have increased cornering grip and stability.
The ride quality is surprisingly supple, too, despite the 911's amazing body control, which allow drivers to seamlessly switch between relaxed and spirited romps.
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| 2020 Porsche 911 |
Fuel Economy and Real-World MPG
The EPA estimates for the 992-generation dropped dramatically compared to the previous models. I'll start with the automatics: Both the rear-drive 911 Carrera and Carrera S and the all-wheel-drive Carrera 4 (including the convertible versions) are rated at 18 mpg in the city and 24 mpg on the highway.
Step up to the more powerful Carrera 4S and its ratings drop to 18 city and 23 highway. Manual-transmission variants are rated a single mpg lower on the city figures and one higher on the highway.
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| 2020 Porsche 911 |
Interior, Comfort, and Cargo
The 911's interior continues to look sophisticated rather than complicated, with a mix of physical controls and—for the first time ever—a large center cup-holder.
The gauge cluster also deviates from history, ditching the mainly analog instruments for mostly digital ones.
While these screens have some user-experience issues and can be blocked by the steering wheel, the central tachometer still uses a physical needle that follows the engine's revs towards its heavenly 7400-rpm red-line.
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| 2020 Porsche 911 |
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| 2020 Porsche 911 |
The 911's low-slung driving position and supportive front seats are fantastic, and the steering wheel has a wide range of adjustment.
We only wish Porsche used less piano-black trim on the center console, provided more interior cubby storage, and gave this icon of a car a grander shifter than the stubby flipper that comes on automatic-equipped models.
Although the 911 continues to offer seating for up to four in theory, the back seats remain kid-only zones. But they can be used to expand on the limited cargo space. This is the 2020 Porsche 911 carrera.
| 2020 Porsche 911 |
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| 2020 Porsche 911 |
Infotainment and Connectivity
Every 911 is outfitted with a 10.9-inch touchscreen integrated into the middle of the dashboard. In addition to voice commands and buttons on the steering wheel, the center screen also features rotary push-button controls on the console.
The infotainment system supports a Wi-Fi hotspot and wireless Apple CarPlay, but Android Auto isn't offered. Porsche does provide two high-end surround-sound systems that include a 12-speaker Bose unit and a 13-speaker Burmester stereo.
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| 2020 Porsche 911 |
Safety and Driver-Assistance Features
The 2020 911 hasn't been crash tested by the National Highway Traffic Safety (NHTSA) or the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS).
The Porsche does have myriad driver-assistance technology, including desirable options such as automatic high-beams, blind-spot monitoring, and even night vision.
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| 2020 Porsche 911 |
Key safety features include:
- Standard forward-collision warning and automated emergency braking
- Available lane-departure warning and lane-keeping assist
- Available adaptive cruise control
2020 Porsche 911
Warranty and Maintenance Coverage
Porsche's warranty coverage is pretty standard for the segment, and the first maintenance visit is covered free of charge.
However, rivals such as the Jaguar F-type offer far more value by covering maintenance for up to five years.
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| 2020 Porsche 911 |
- Limited warranty covers four years or 50,000 miles
- Power-train warranty covers four years or 50,000 miles
- Complimentary maintenance is covered for one year or 10,000 miles.
2020 Porsche 911
