This sounds like a first world problem but choosing a new 911 is dizzying and confusing to say the least. After first releasing the 911 Carrera S and 4S models, the German carmaker is about to make waves with the release of the 2020 Porsche 911 Carrera and 911 Carrera Cabriolet.
For those who know little about the idiosyncrasies of Porsche 911 models, the Carrera in coupe and cabriolet body styles are considered the base models in the lineup. What this means is a turbocharged flat six motor in the back, standard rear-wheel drive, an analog tachometer in the center of the instrument console, and outstanding all-weather capabilities even in base trim.
The 2020 Porsche 911 Carrera coupe and cabriolet gets a more powerful turbocharged motor
Like the new 911 Carrera s and 4S, the base Carrera coupe and cabriolet receives a 3.0-liter twin-turbo flat-six motor mounted in the back. Porsche fitted model-specific turbochargers in the 911 Carrera that allows the motor to pump out 379 horsepower, which is nine horsepower more than the previous 911 Carrera.
More importantly, the retuned motor produces 331 pound-feet of torque from 1,950 to 5,000 rpm. This means you get maximum push without burying the throttle pedal to the floor. The engine is bolted to a standard eight-speed PDK dual-clutch transmission driving the rear wheels.
The new 911 Carrera remains properly quick
It doesn’t matter if you choose the hardtop coupe or cabriolet; the new 911 Carrera is still a properly quick, everyday type of sports car. The new 911 Carrera accelerates from 0 to 60 mph in 4.0-seconds while the cabriolet achieves the same feat in 4.2-seconds.
When equipped with the optional Sport Chrono Package, the 911 Carrera coupe is faster still at 3.8-seconds while the cabriolet reaches 60 mph in 4.0-seconds flat. The coupe is good for a top speed of 182 mph while the cabriolet tops out at 180 mph.
Porsche Active Suspension Management (PASM) is standard
One of the main feature in the 911 Carrera S and 4S is the standard active suspension system. The good news is both the 911 Carrera coupe and cabriolet are getting the same Porsche Active Suspension Management (PASM) as standard equipment.
PASM is an electronically variable damping system that adjusts the firmness of the dampers accordingly. The system offers two selectable modes: Normal and Sport. The former is tuned to improve ride comfort while the latter emphasizes better handling and agility.
It still looks very much like a 911
The Porsche 911 hasn’t changed much over the years. In fact, the eight-generation 992 model still has the familiar styling cues of the original first-gen 911. However, the new 911 Carrera is bigger and wider with a slightly elongated wheelbase. The new 911 receives a longer bonnet with angular leading edges for a more dynamic look. The muscular appearance is enhanced by taut surfaces and wider rear wings.
But the 2020 Porsche 911 Carrera coupe and convertible have distinctive styling cues like clearly defined fender arches, a recessed front luggage compartment lid, and a full-width LED light strip stretching across the rear of the vehicle.
Are you interested in finding out what differentiates the base 911 Carrera from the S models? Look at the tailpipes. The 911 Carrera has a single rectangular tailpipe on each side. Meanwhile, the S models are equipped with a set of round twin-tailpipes on each side. The Sport Exhaust system is optional and comes with two oval tailpipes. Now you know how to tell a Carrera from a Carrera S and 4S by simply looking at the exhaust tips.
New wheels and stronger brakes
The 2020 Porsche 911 Carrera and Carrera Cabriolet have staggered diameter wheels. Both cars receive 19-inch wheels with 235/40 ZR 19 tires in the front and 20-inch wheels with 295/35 ZR 20 tires in the rear. If you like the larger staggered 20-inch front and 19-inch rear wheels in the Carrera S models, Porsche is offering those as an optional extra on the new 911 Carrera.
And if you’ve never driven a 911 before, the ability to achieve ludicrous speed demands a stronger set of anchors. When talking about a pure-bred sports car, there’s no such thing as having too much stopping power. Porsche knows this all too well and fitted the new 911 Carrera with 13.0-inch grey cast-iron rotors in the front and rear with black four-piston brake calipers. Ceramic brakes are an optional extra as well.
The new 911 Carrera also receives the new Wet Mode in the braking system. Fitted as standard on the Carrera S models, the system preconditions the anti-lock brakes and stability control upon detecting water on the road. Of course, the driver can also activate wet mode by pushing a button.
The interior is a nice blend of sporty luxury
There’s more good news! The 2020 911 Carrera and 911 Carrera Cabriolet receives the same interior as the S models. This means you get redesigned power-operated seats, the familiar analog tachometer placed centrally in the instrument console, a new 10.9-inch touchscreen with Porsche Communication Management (PCM) system, and five classic toggle switches in the center console.
Standard equipment includes leather upholstery, dual-zone climate control, a rearview camera with parking sensors, Bluetooth connectivity, and the requisite USB ports for charging your electronic gadgets.
The 2020 Porsche 911 Carrera starts at $97,400 while the 911 Cabriolet has a base retail price of $110,200 (not including $1,350 delivery and handling fees). Initial deliveries are expected to begin by early 2020.
