• Broad choice of versions available
• Can still get Carrera T with a manual gearbox
• An absolute joy to drive

Porsche 911 engines

Choice has always been key to the appeal of the 911 and the latest model is no different. At the time of writing, which isn’t long after the 992.2 had launched, there were already five models available (in price order) – the Carrera, Carrera T, Carrera S, Carrera GTS and Carrera 4 GTS. This doesn’t include the 911 GT3, which we’ve covered in a separate review. 

All but the GTS use 3.0-litre flat-six with twin turbos, which varies in output depending on version. The base Carrera and Carrera T each develop 394hp and 450Nm of torque (pulling power), with the Carrera featuring an eight-speed PDK automatic gearbox, while the T is only offered with a six-speed manual gearbox – it’s the only way of getting a manual 911 at the time of writing outside of the GT3. 

Even the standard Carrera can manage 0-62mph in 3.9 seconds, with the T taking 4.5 seconds – it’s slower because of how rapid the PDK automatic gearbox is at shifting up. Each is capable of a top speed of 183mph. If you want more performance there is the Carrera S, which has a 30hp power boost compared to its predecessor. Now putting out 480hp and 530Nm of torque, it cuts the 0-62mph time to 3.3 seconds and increases the top speed to 191mph. 

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But the real talking point of the 992.2 911 line-up is the new Carrera GTS, which is the first road-going 911 to adopt a hybrid system. But it’s not one particularly designed for fuel economy, rather performance. Referred to as a ‘T-Hybrid’ system, it uses a 3.6-littre turbocharged flat-six with an electric motor within the automatic gearbox and a small battery. 

All in the hybrid system adds only around 40kg, and the combination of engine and electric motor develops 541hp and 570Nm of torque – a sharp increase over the previous GTS. Accelerating to 62mph takes just 3.0 seconds and it’s capable of 194mph. At the time of writing, it was also the only new 911 available with a choice of rear- and all-wheel-drive, too.

What’s it like to drive?

• Still the best sports car to drive
• We strongly recommend a manual
• Hybrid GTS is intoxicatingly fast

Reassuringly it still drives a lot like a 911. There are new adaptive dampers with a wider bandwidth of operation, but even the Carrera is a firmly sprung sports car that’ll be less comfortable than a BMW M4, if still perfectly liveable. The damping is well-judged, so it never crashes or thumps over imperfections, with Sports mode bringing a bit more control and sharpness. Go any firmer on the suspension and it’s a bit much for a British b-road or around town. 

No 911 is slow but the purer Carrera T is the one you need to work hardest to make the best progress. The manual gearbox is a joy to use, well-sprung and with a pleasing, mechanical action. It adds to the involvement and if you’re buying a 911 for Sunday drives, it’s the one to go for. The automatic PDK is still impressive, though, and super responsive. 

The base Carrera engine has plenty of low down muscle but is still happy to rev, making a great noise in the process. The electrically-driven turbo in the GTS has zero lag and feels almost as sharp and responsive as the zinging naturally aspirated engine in the GT3, at any revs. The Carrera S also feels substantially quicker than the base cars, more so than it ever has, though retains that everyday usability. Every 911 sounds fantastic, though, and it’s worth adding the optional sports exhaust. 

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Four-wheel steering boosts agility and cornering stability in many models including the GTS, but there’s a lot to be said for the purity and predictability of the Carrera’s front-wheel steer. Both have plenty of feel, feedback and precision, as do the excellent brakes. 

The heavy rear weight bias gives fantastic traction out of tight bends and an occasional sense of lightness over the front axle for that classic 911 feel. But you don’t feel like it’s going to play tricks on you, as older 911s can. Even jumping on the brakes mid-corner doesn’t unsettle it. 

Our one small gripe with the latest 911 is road noise at speed is quite prevalent, and particularly on the Carrera T, which sheds some weight through reduced sound insulation, and can become quite tiring after a couple of hours at the wheel on a motorway.