2024 Porsche 911

Like the exterior, the cockpit has influences from early 911s, especially in its two-tiered dash and centrally located tachometer. It combines that with modern elements, including a pair of 7.0-inch digital instrument clusters on either side of the analog tach and a 10.9-inch infotainment screen. Every model gets a pair of front sport seats. Manual models have a short-throw gearshift, while automatic versions have a small shifter that looks like a Braun electric shaver. Numerous trim colors allow for plenty of personalization and contrast. 

How fast is the Porsche 911?

With 379 hp and 331 lb-ft of torque from a twin-turbo 3.0-liter flat-6 in its base model, the 911 is quick out of the gate, with a 0-60 mph time of 3.8 seconds and a top speed of 182 mph. The S model ups the output to 443 hp and 390 lb-ft, cutting the 0-60 mph run to 3.3 seconds and raising the top speed to 191 mph. The GTS model increases the power figures to 473 hp and 420 lb-ft, which knocks the 0-60 mph time down to 3.1 seconds and boosts the top speed to 193 mph. In all versions, the power comes on strong above 2,000 rpm, and the wide rear tires help the car hook up efficiently, making the 911 feel even more powerful than it is. The engine also emits the throaty, metallic rasp that has historically helped define the 911.

Those 0-60 mph times are with the quick-shifting 8-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission, but we still prefer the 7-speed manual that has short, positive gear throws and a natural and substantial clutch feel. 

The GT3 and S/T models get a naturally aspirated 4.0-liter flat-6 that makes 502 hp and 346 lb-ft in the GT3 and 518 hp and 342 lb-ft in the GT3 RS and S/T. It doesn’t have as much punch down low as the turbo models, but it pulls hard up the rev range and still launches from 0-60 mph in as little as 3.2 seconds.

The Turbo models use a twin-turbo 3.8-liter flat-6. It cranks out 572 hp and 553 lb-ft in base form and 640 hp and 590 lb-ft in the Turbo S. The power is overwhelming in the Turbos, the 0-60 mph sprint flashes by in as little as 2.6 seconds, and the top speed reaches 205 mph.

Porsche 911 ride and handling

Set wide and low on wide and wider 19-inch front and 20-inch rear tires, the 911 is a model of handling poise. It’s naturally athletic and has lots of grip. Porsche offers plenty of performance features to make it even better, though. They include adaptive dampers, a sport-tuned suspension that lowers the car 0.4 inch, rear-wheel steering, larger brakes and carbon-ceramic brakes, a limited-slip rear differential with torque vectoring, active anti-roll bars, and larger 20-inch front and 21-inch rear tires. These features all conspire to improve grip and add to the car’s already plentiful track performance. 

The 911 also offers lots of feel, too, through quick, weighty steering, strong brakes with a predictable pedal, and road feedback. The ride quality is also smooth enough for everyday driving, though the GTS, Turbo, GT3, and S/T models may be too firm for some drivers.

911 GT3 and S/T

The GT3 and S/T aim for driver engagement more than other 911s, while the GT3 RS is the best version to tackle a racetrack. Porsche cuts weight in these models, makes the engine noise more present, and adds lots of performance equipment. The GT3 RS is a different beast entirely, with up to 1,895 pounds of downforce through ground effects, spoilers, and even an adjustable rear wing; enhanced cooling; dampers that are adjustable on rebound and compression; and an adjustable rear differential. It will be the fastest 911 around most racetracks.

911 Dakar

The 911 Dakar goes for a different type of performance. It’s built with influences from off-road racing, just as its name suggests. Its suspension raises it 2.0 inches higher off the ground, and a hydraulic lift system like that used to raise the nose to enter driveways raises it another 1.2 inches. It also uses knobby all-terrain tires to grab the dirt, and comes standard with the GTS’s 473-hp engine and all-wheel drive. A specially tuned traction/stability control system makes adjustments to better handle off-road surfaces. It’s meant to go fast off-road, though, and doesn’t have a 2-speed transfer case or other low-speed off-roading systems.

The 911 has tiny rear seats befitting its 2+2 body style. They have very little legroom and headroom and short seat bottoms. Rear riders will have to be quite small, as will anyone up front to leave enough legroom. These seats are better used for bags and packages, which is helpful because the front trunk has only 4.7 cubic feet of cargo space, about a third the size of a normal trunk. 

Porsche outfits the 911 with high-quality interior materials, though there is some hard plastic, including piano black that shows fingerprints. Leather upholstery is standard, synthetic suede is available, and contrast stitching adds to the overall look and feel.

Standard features on the 911 Carrera include leather upholstery, four-way adjustable front sport seats, heated front seats, adaptive dampers, LED headlights, ambient lighting, twin 7.0-inch instrument cluster screens, a 10.9-inch touchscreen, navigation, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and 19-inch front and 20-inch rear alloy wheels on summer performance tires. It also comes with a 4-year/50,000-mile warranty that doesn’t include free maintenance like some other luxury brands.

Which Porsche 911 should I buy?

We like the extra power and performance equipment of the Carrera S. It costs $132,950, which is a bump of $8,500 from last year. It gets a limited-slip rear differential with torque vectoring, as well as larger 13.8-inch brakes all around with 6-piston front and 4-piston rear calipers. The $126,550 Carrera T also packages several performance features with the base engine. 

A wide range of luxury and performance options is also tempting. On the performance front, buyers can choose a sport suspension, active anti-roll bars, rear-wheel steering, carbon-ceramic brakes, an active exhaust system, and the Sport Chrono package with its additional driving modes and launch control. Notable luxury features include 14- and 18-way power-adjustable front seats, cooled seats, a front-axle lift system, and Bose and Burmester audio systems. Porsche will also let you personalize almost any aspect of the interior.

How much is a fully loaded Porsche 911?

Porsche has several high-priced models. The 911 Dakar costs $223,650, the 911 Turbo S starts at $232,050, and the 911 GT3 RS runs $244,650, but the S/T tops them all at $293,350.

Porsche requires premium fuel for all models.