The 2017 Porsche 911 Lineup Explained
Like most European manufacturers, Porsche has introduced new models into its lineup, re-named a couple, and most shockingly, turbocharged all 911 models for 2017. So what does the current lineup look like as a whole?
The most iconic of all Porsche cars, the 911, is now offered in many dizzying variations that can easily confuse new customers and tenured ones alike. The 911 Carrera can be had in a whopping 16 variations, including three body styles — the Coupe, Targa, and Cabriolet — two transmission choices, two drivetrain options, and a plethora of engines.
Confused? Don’t worry, here’s the breakdown.
Porsche 911 Carrera/S and Carrera 4/4s and Cabriolet
The allure of Porsche begins with the base Carrera and the more potent Carrera S. The now turbocharged flat-six engine pumps out 370 horsepower for the Carrera, while the S packs 420 horsepower, which respectively achieve 60 mph from a standstill in 4.0 and 3.7 seconds alike. The Carrera 4 is four-wheel drive instead of only rear-wheel drive, and shares the same horsepower in the base and S trims as well. This model can be had as a Coupe or Cabriolet.
Transmission choices for these models include a 7-speed manual transmission or a 7-speed PDK dual-clutch automatic. The base 911 Carrera starts at $89,400 and climbs up to $122,600 for a range-topping Carrera 4S.
Porsche 911 Targa 4 and 4S
The iconic Targa has been a great seller for Porsche since its inception in 1972, when U.S. lawmakers nearly banned drop-top convertibles due to roll-over safety issues.
The Targa refers to a partially removable roof that still offers a rear window and solid roll bar. Originally, the aluminum roof was removable manually, but nowadays its automatic and features a glass rear window instead of plastic. Horsepower remains the same as the Carrera at 370 for the Targa 4 and 420 for the Targa 4S. The Targa is only offered in all-wheel drive, and starts at $108,600 and tops out at $122,600 for the Targa 4S.
Porsche 911 GT3 and GT3 RS
The epitome of a race car for the streets. The GT3 moniker is an actual racing category, while the RS stands for Rally Sport. Perhaps slight clues at what this model is all about.
It doesn’t take long to understand the DNA of the GT3 and GT3 RS once you witness its front diffuser, rear spoiler and center-lock racing wheels. This Porsche model was designed for owners who like to track their cars. The powerful flat-six engine increases displacement to 4.0 liters and 500 horsepower, and Porsche’s lightning-quick PDK 7-speed automatic is the only transmission available for this hot pair. The 911 GT3 RS can achieve 60 mph from a stand still in just 3.1 seconds, and has a top speed of 193 mph.
Sticker price on this bad boy is $175, 900, but good luck finding one for that much, because most are selling for over $230,000 due to limited availability.
The Porsche 911 R
The R moniker has only been worn by the most exclusive rally and road-racing prepared Porsches, yet, this time the R returns for a street-legal model that’s bound to make Porsche purists drool.
In many ways the 911 R is like the GT3 RS, meaning it went on a lightweight diet, shedding 110 more pounds than its racing-sibling, and it even features plastic windows instead of heavier glass ones. The R features rear-wheel steering, and sports less aero work than the GT3 RS, and even lighter and more powerful ceramic-composite brakes. All of which results in a higher top speed of 200 mph, but a slower 0-60 mph of 3.7 seconds.
Good luck finding a 911 R for sale, but sticker price on it is $185,950
911 Turbo and Turbo S
The pinnacle of the 911 lineup. The Turbo is the maddest 911 of them all, at least until the new widow-maker comes out next year, the 911 GT2.
The FIA (Fédération Internationale de l’Automobile) asked Porsche to create 400 street-going models (homologate) in order for Porsche to be able to race the Porsche 911 Turbo on the FIA GT World Championship. That’s when the 930 model was born, and four decades later the Porsche Turbo and Turbo S are considered the flagship models of the famous automaker.
The “standard” turbo features a twin-turbocharged 3.8 liter engine which pumps out 540 horsepower, while the Turbo S pumps out 580 horses. When it comes to 0 to 60 mph times, they are nearly identical at 2.9 and 2.8 seconds for the Turbo S, though quite unsurprisingly the price difference is much larger. The Turbo starts at $159,200 and the S at $200,400.
Now you know everything there is to know about the Porsche 911 lineup!
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Photos [MotorTrend & EVO]