These are the ‘entry-level’ Coupé and Cabriolet models of the eighth-generation 911 range, which join the Carrera S models that have been around since November 2018. These Carrera versions are powered by a 379bhp version of the twin-turbo 3.0-litre flat-six, which makes them 9bhp more powerful than their Carrera predecessors—but 64bhp less powerful than the Carrera S.
The Carrera still include many of the same features as the S, with the same interior features, including 10.9-inch touchscreen display, improved connectivity and a control panel of five buttons with the look of classic toggle switches. There are also assistance systems like the Porsche Wet Mode that keeps all that power heading the right way on wet roads.
The big clue externally is smaller diameter wheels—235/40 ZR tyres on 19in alloys at the front; 20in wheels with 295/35 ZR tyres at the rear. Brakes are 330mm diameter discs with black, four-piston monobloc fixed calipers. And if you want to be really good at distinguishing between a Carrera and a Carrera S, you’ll find that the 911 Carrera models feature one rectangular, single-tube tailpipe on each side, while the S models are fitted with a set of round twin-tailpipes on each side. The optional Sport Exhaust system distinguished by two oval tailpipes can be ordered for all models.
The turbos on the Carrera engine are smaller than in the higher power S, and the power is fed to the rear wheels via an eight-speed dual-clutch transmission (PDK). Performance is 0-60 mph in 4.0 seconds, with a top speed of 182mph, though there’s an optional Sport Chrono Package that shaves a further 0.2 seconds off the 0-60 time.
The 2020 911 Carrera will cost $97,400 in the USA, £82,793 in the UK, while the 911 Carrera Cabriolet retails for $110,200 (£92,438). They can be ordered from today, with deliveries expected in early 2020.
Images courtesy of Porsche
