Porsche expands its 911 range with Carrera base model

KUALA LUMPUR: Porsche has expanded its 911 range by introducing the base model of Carrera, unveiled in both cabriolet and coupe body form. Currently, both the models are offered with rear-wheel-drive only. The all-wheel-drive, Carrera 4 would arrive in the future.

This entry-level 911 is powered by a 3.0-litre 6-cylinder turbocharged engine that offers a maximum power of 385 PS along with a peak torque of 450 Nm, i.e., 65 PS and 80 Nm less than the Carrera S models. When compared with the previous-gen 911 cars, it gains 15 PS. On the transmission front, both the cars get an 8-speed dual-clutch PDK gearbox with a Wet Mode.

Talking about the performance, the Porsche 911 Carrera Coupe can hit the 100 kmph mark in 4.2 seconds. The time reduces to 4 seconds with the optional Sport Chrono Package. The Carrera Cabriolet, on the other hand, takes 4.4 seconds to hit 100 kmph, with the Sport Chrono Package the time comes down to 4.2 seconds.

This difference is largely attributed to the folding roof weight that adds another 70 kg over the 1,505 kg coupe. This also affects the top speed of the cars, with coupe sitting at 293 kmph and cabriolet at 291 kmph. In comparison, the Carrera S covers the 0 to 100 kmph patch in 3.7 seconds (3.5 secs with the Sport Chrono package) and has a top speed of 308 kmph. The Carrera S Cabriolet takes 3.9 seconds ( 3.7 with the Sport Chrono package) and maxes out at 306 kmph.

In the looks department, the entry-level trims look more or less similar to the more expensive options, except for the wheels. The new 911 models feature a blended approach with 19-inch units at the front and 20-inch at the rear. Braking duties are taken over by 330-mm brake discs with four-piston monobloc fixed calipers. 

The cabin features the Porsche Communication Management (PCM) infotainment system that includes a 10.9-inch touchscreen and a 7-inch instrument cluster with a centre analogue rev counter.

Both the new entry-level Porsche 911 models are available in Germany, the brand’s homeland and are priced at 104,655 euros (RM 481,80) for the coupe and 118,935 euros (RM 547,543) for the cabriolet version.