The 992 generation of the Porsche 911 entered 2025 as the slightly facelifted 992.2. Besides some aesthetic adjustments, some of the major changes of this new generation include the lack of all-wheel drive, manual transmission, or a hybrid drivetrain in the base Carrera model. Under the hood will be the same 3.0 L twin-turbocharged flat-six engine.
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The Carrera S returns with more power and standard equipment
As is customary for 911s, multiple variations of the German sports car will join the lineup with different horsepower numbers, among other changes. Porsche recently announced that the Carrera S will make a return for the 992.2, sporting a 30 hp boost to 473 horsepower and 390 lb-ft of torque.
Porsche
Equipped with the Sport Chrono Package, the new Carrera S accelerates from 0 to 60 mph in 3.1 seconds, 0.2 seconds quicker than the old S. Its top speed is 191 mph. Much like the base Carrera, the eight-speed PDK and rear-wheel drive are the only available powertrain options.
If a top-down driving experience is more your style, you’re in luck. The S can be had as either a coupe or cabriolet, with standard equipment now including the Sport Exhaust system, brakes borrowed from the last-gen GTS, updated dampers, and even more leather in the cabin. That leather can be customized with 48 different two-tone combos as part of Porsche’s Exclusive Manufaktur program.
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Options include ceramic composite brakes, PASM Sport Suspension, which lowers the car by 10 mm, and rear-wheel steering for easier parking and a tighter turn radius. If you prefer to use your coupe like the four-seater cabriolet, you can also opt to have a pair of no-cost jump seats installed.
The S could be your best choice for non-electrified performance
Speaking of the GTS, many are heralding the 992.2 Carrera S as this generation’s version of the unelectrified GTS. Both have the same hp, brakes, and performance goodies underneath and given that the current GTS is hybrid-only, this is your next best bet.
Price-wise, a Porsche 911 Carrera Coupe S will start at $148,395, while the Cabriolet ratchets the price up to $161,595. That’s a price increase of over $15,000 for both versions. Deliveries should start sometime this spring.
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Final thoughts
I can’t imagine many enthusiasts are going to be pleased with Porsche’s exclusion of a manual transmission or all-wheel drive in the Carrera S, but there is no guarantee that it will remain that way forever. Perhaps with enough letters to your dealership, Porsche will get the idea and reverse course.
Regardless, as it sits, the Porsche Carrera S is a great middle-ground for performance and luxury in the German automaker’s newest lineup. If you don’t want the base version but also don’t want to pony up the extra cash for the hybrid GTS, we’ve got your match.
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