2019 Porsche 911 Reviews, Pricing & Specs

The current version of the Porsche 911, codenamed 991, arrived in 2012 and was revised in 2017. Since a brand-new 911 is due for 2020, the...

The current version of the Porsche 911, codenamed 991, arrived in 2012 and was revised in 2017. Since a brand-new 911 is due for 2020, the 2019 model carries over.

The base 911 Carrera series gives drivers a choice between coupe and convertible styles with rear-wheel or all-wheel drive (AWD). A twin-turbocharged 3.0-liter flat 6-cylinder engine, making 370 horsepower and 331 pound-feet of torque, powers the 911 Carrera. Rear-wheel drive (RWD) comes standard and drivers can choose between a standard 7-speed manual transmission and Porsche’s optional 7-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission (DCT), known as PDK. Drivers can expect fuel economy of 22 mpg city, 30 highway, and 25 combined with the automatic and RWD and 20 city, 29 highway, and 23 combined with the manual and RWD. The AWD version of the Carrera sees a slight dip in highway and combined mileage.

The Carrera S, also available as a coupe or convertible, features with the same engine with more power, making 420 hp and 368 lb-ft. With AWD, it gets 21 mpg city, 28 highway, and 24 combined. The Carrera GTS features an engine making 450 hp and 405 lb-ft and includes an enhanced suspension and brakes. It offers 20 mpg city, 26 highway, and 23 combined with RWD and the automatic transmission. With the manual transmission, it returns 18, 26, and 21. Finally, the Carrera T trim gets the base engine, the manual transmission, and decreased sound deadening to save weight. You can even delete the Carrera T’s rear seat. The Carerra S will return fuel economy of 22 mpg city, 28 highway, and 24 combined with the automatic and 20, 29, and 23 combined with the manual. The Carerra T returns 20, 26, and 22 with the automatic and 16, 25, and 19 with the manual.

The 911 Targa trims stand halfway between a coupe and a convertible. The front portion of the roof is made of cloth, while the rear is a giant wraparound glass screen. Should you want an open-air experience, the cloth top can retract. The Targa 4 comes with the base 3.0-liter 370-hp engine, while the Targa 4S comes with the meatier 420-hp version and the Targa 4 GTS gets the 450-hp motor. All Targa trims are AWD and come standard with the 7-speed manual transmission; the PDK is an extra-cost option.

The 911 Turbo vehicles sport a wider track and width, a unique body kit, and more power than the Carrera series. The base Turbo packs a twin-turbocharged 3.8-liter flat 6-cylinder engine making 540 hp and 486 lb-ft, while the Turbo S bumps that up to 580 hp and 516 lb-ft. The PDK transmission and AWD come standard on both trims, and each is offered as a coupe or a convertible. It returns 19 mpg city, 24 highway, and 21 combined.

Lastly, the 911 GT versions optimize track performance and prowess, at the cost of some comfort. They stand out thanks to large spoilers, low ride height, ultra-aerodynamic ground effects, and lack of rear seats. The GT series kicks off with the GT3, which houses a 500-hp, 339 lb-ft naturally aspirated 4.0-liter flat 6-cylinder engine. It offers 15 mpg city, 20 highway, and 17 combined with the automatic transmission and 13, 21, and 16 with the manual. The GT3 RS features the same engine with a lighter-weight package that truly cheats the wind. It returns 15 mpg city, 19 highway, and 16 combined. All GT3 versions come only as a coupe, with the PDK transmission and RWD. Finally, the 911 GT2 RS is the highest-performance 911 available, making a ridiculous 700 hp and 553 lb-ft from a twin-turbocharged 3.8-liter flat 6-cylinder engine. It also sports unique looks that include massive front and side air intakes. It gains 2 mpg on the highway.

The list of options on the 911 is as wide and varied as the model itself. Bi-xenon headlights, LED taillights, leather upholstery, satellite radio, a touchscreen infotainment system with navigation, an 8-speaker sound system, a 4.6-inch instrument cluster, 4-way power seats, and dual-zone automatic climate control all come standard on the base trim. Options include a range of premium seat options, LED headlights, power-folding exterior mirrors, adaptive lights, keyless access, auto-dimming mirrors, heated and cooled seats, a heated steering wheel, and a couple of sound system upgrades. Many models also offer an axle-lift system that can raise the front suspension at speeds of up to 37 miles per hour, to prevent damaging the car on steep inclines or speed bumps.

Since it’s all about the drive, safety options are pretty light on the 911. Standard features include front and rear parking sensors and a reversing camera. The only safety-related options are adaptive cruise control and lane-change assistance. There’s no public data on the 911’s crash performance, but that’s not unusual for low-volume, high-end sports cars.

The Porsche 911 is a veritable icon, and it’s easy to see the design DNA stretch all the way back to its origins half a century ago. As Porsche prepares for an all-new model, the brand has ensured that the current model is at the top of its game, for a strong finish.