By Otsile Kadiege

Porsche’s 911 Carrera is without a doubt the brand’s most iconic model in their steadily increasing stable of cars. The 992-generation was unveiled to the world a couple of years ago and it’s now ready for mid-life refresh dubbed 992.2. The facelifted model ushers in subtle and functional exterior updates, an updated interior with new technologies, uprated power and torque courtesy of an “eTurbo” and a tweaked suspension.

Functional, subtle exterior updates

Most of the 911’s exterior updates are measures to improve the aerodynamics and performance of the sports car. The changes include new, model-specific bumpers. For the first time, Porsche has also integrated all light functions into the now standard matrix LED headlights of the 911. This makes it possible to omit the front driving lights and creates space for larger cooling vents in the front of the car. Optionally, Porsche offers the new headlights with an HD matrix LED function with more than 32,000 light points. 

On the 911 Carrera GTS models, the front end has five vertically arranged active cooling air flaps visible from the outside and another hidden flap on each side. For the first time in the 911, these are complemented by adaptive front diffusers in the underbody, which are controlled together with the cooling air flaps.

A total of seven 19-/20-inch or 20-/21-inch wheel designs are available for the new 911. Available for the first time in the 911 Carrera are Exclusive Design wheels with carbon blades. The 911 Carrera GTS models roll on 21-inch wheels with a width of 11.5 inches and 315/30 ZR 21 tyres at the rear as standard. At the front are 245/35 ZR 20 tyres on 8.5-inch- wide 20-inch wheels.

At the rear, the updated 911 sports a redesigned rear grille with five fins per side connecting to the rear window, a redesigned light strip with an integrated arc and ‘PORSCHE’ logo, and a number plate section that’s positioned higher. Model-specific exhaust systems are integrated into the diffuser fins. A sports exhaust system is optionally available for the 911 Carrera models. The 911 Carrera GTS models come standard with a GTS-specific sports exhaust system.

New interior gizmos

As standard, all coupe variants come as two-seaters. Customers who want a rear bench can opt for the 2+2 configuration at no additional cost. New to the 911 is a curved, full digital instrument cluster measuring 12.6-inches. It offers up to seven views, including an exclusive Classic display inspired by the traditional five-tube Porsche dial design with a central tachometer.

The Porsche Communication Management (PCM) system is still operated via the high-resolution central display with a 10.9-inch screen. However, the customisability of the driving modes and the operation of the driver assistance systems have been significantly improved. 

Uprated power and tweaked suspension

At the heart of the 911 Carrera GTS is a revised 3.6-litre flat-six Boxer engine developing 357kW and 570Nm. Thanks to a lightweight and powerful T-Hybrid system, the 992.2 GTS develops a whooping 398kW and 610Nm. The power increase over its predecessor is 45kW. The new 911 Carrera GTS also beats its predecessor in the sprint to 100 km/h, however, Porsche is yet to share by how many seconds.

The 911 Carrera still features a 3.0-litre boxer engine with twin turbocharging. This engine, too, has been comprehensively revamped. It now develops 290kW, along with maximum torque of 450Nm. The new 911 Carrera Coupé goes from 0 to 100 km/h in a claimed 4.1 seconds (3.9 seconds with the Sport Chrono package) and boasts a top speed of 294 km/h. Compared to its predecessor, this represents an improvement of 0.1 seconds and 1 km/h respectively.

The suspension of the 911 Carrera GTS has also been comprehensively revised. For the first time, rear-axle steering now comes as standard. It increases stability at high speeds and reduces the turning circle. Porsche has integrated the Porsche Dynamic Chassis Control (PDCC) anti-roll stabilisation system into the high-voltage system of the performance hybrid. This enables the use of an electro-hydraulic control system, which makes the system even more flexible and precise. The sports suspension with a variable damper system (PASM) and a ride height lowered by 10 mm provide characteristic GTS handling.

Availability and pricing

Porsche South Africa is yet to confirm local availability. However, we do have the 911 Carrera (992.2) model derivatives and pricing. Here’s the pricing list:

911 Carrera – R2,477,000

911 Carrera Cabriolet – R2,746,000

911 Carrera GTS – R3,386,000

911 Carrera GTS Cabriolet – R3,654,000

911 Carrera 4 GTS – R3,546,000

911 Carrera 4 GTS Cabriolet – R3,814,000

911 Targa 4 GTS – R3,814,000