Porsche Adds Tech to Base 911 Carrera

Porsche AG has taken the wraps off the base coupe and convertible versions of the next-generation 911 sports car.

The entry-level 911 Carrera, which will arrive at U.S. dealerships early next year, features a slight power upgrade and more standard equipment than the outgoing model. Styling is virtually identical to the Carrera S performance variant, which is currently being launched.

The car’s twin-turbocharged 3.0-liter inline-six engine has been tuned to make 380 hp, up 4% over the current Carrera. Torque is unchanged at 332 lb-ft. In the Carrera S, an uprated version of the engine kicks out 443 hp and 390 lb-ft.

At launch, the only transmission available will be an 8-speed PDK dual-clutch automatic. A manual gearbox will be added as an option later.

Porsche says the coupe (below) can race from zero to 60 mph in 3.8 seconds, while the convertible (above) requires 4 seconds. An optional Sport Chrono performance package trims 0.2 seconds off the accerlation times of both cars. Top speed is 182 mph for the coupe and 180 mph for the Cabriolet.

The list of standard equipment includes heated seats, “wet” mode sensors and Porsche’s active suspension system with adaptive dampers. The new brake sensors detect if the road surface is damp and adjust the car’s ABS and stability control settings accordingly.

Porsche says brakes and wheels are slightly smalleron the new models. Carbon ceramic composite brakes are optional. Aside from badging, the only other exterior differences is that the Carrera coupe and convertible have two rectangular exhaust tips instead of the four rounded ones on Carrera S models.

The new Carrera Coupe will start at $98,800, a $4,400 hike over the current model. The Cabriolet gets a $6,900 bump over today’s model to $111,600.