New Porsche 911 Carrera S (992.2) debuts - GTS levels of power
Porsche has expanded its 911 lineup with the introduction of the new Carrera S. Positioned between the base Carrera and the higher-performance Carrera GTS, the Carrera S aims to provide a middle ground for buyers seeking a blend of power, driving dynamics, and luxury. With a host of upgrades under the hood and enhanced standard features, the new model seeks to balance performance and practicality while standing out as a significant update to its predecessor.
At the core of the new Carrera S is a reworked 3.0-liter turbocharged boxer engine. It produces 480 PS and 530 Nm of torque, marking a 30 PS improvement over its predecessor. These figures align with the power levels of the previous-generation Carrera GTS, showcasing Porsche’s decision to cascade higher-performance features down to a broader audience.
The Carrera S Coupé can accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h in 3.3 seconds, with a top speed of 308 km/h, figures that place it firmly in sports car territory. Power is managed by an eight-speed Porsche dual-clutch transmission (PDK), which emphasizes smooth, rapid gear changes
The Carrera S also borrows from Porsche’s high-performance models, with upgrades like optimized charge-air cooling and new turbochargers. However, these improvements come in a market segment where buyers increasingly expect greater efficiency alongside speed—an area Porsche says it has addressed through emissions reductions.
Driving dynamics have been another focus of the new Carrera S. Standard features include staggered 20/21-inch wheels, Porsche Torque Vectoring Plus (PTV+), and a braking system derived from the Carrera GTS. With larger brake discs—408 mm in the front and 380 mm at the rear—paired with red calipers, the Carrera S offers robust stopping power.
Optional performance features include Porsche’s Ceramic Composite Brakes (PCCB), rear-wheel steering, and PASM sports suspension, which lowers the ride height by 10 mm. Porsche has also revised the damper hydraulics and front axle kinematics, targeting more responsive steering and improved stability at higher speeds.
Related Posts
Inside, the Carrera S offers a refined, leather-trimmed cabin. Black leather upholstery comes as standard, while optional upgrades allow for extended leather coverage and Crayon contrast stitching for a personalized look. Both the Coupé and Cabriolet versions provide flexibility in seating arrangements, with folding rear seats available for added practicality.
Standard equipment includes Matrix LED headlights and wireless smartphone charging, while optional features like HD-Matrix LED headlights, a front-axle lift system, and the Sport Chrono package—complete with a track-focused app—allow buyers to further tailor the car to their preferences.
The Carrera S appears to be Porsche’s response to an increasingly diverse customer base within the 911 range. With a balance of added performance and luxury, it aims to fill the gap between the entry-level Carrera and the track-focused GTS models. However, potential buyers may need to weigh the value of these upgrades against the base Carrera, which offers a less powerful but still capable package, and the GTS, which caters more directly to enthusiasts.
With orders now open, the new 911 Carrera S provides another option in the ever-growing 911 family. While its enhancements over the previous model are evident, its positioning may invite comparisons not only within the Porsche lineup but also against competitors in the segment. Whether it will resonate with buyers as intended remains to be seen.
