The 2020 Porsche 911 is available in a long list of trims: The Carrera which also comes in T, S, GTS and 4 GTS form; the Targa which also comes in S and GTS form; finally, the Turbo model can be upgraded to either S or full race-car-style GT3 RS. Variations between trims include different wheels and seating to more significant differences such as engine and rear-wheel or all-wheel drive.
The Carrera, Carrera 4, Carrera T and Targa 4 are all powered by a turbocharged 3.0L direct-injected 6-cylinder that makes 370 horsepower and 331 pound-feet of torque. Carrera S, Carrera 4S and Targa 4S buyers get a more powerful turbocharged 3.0L engine, which makes 443 horsepower and 390 pound-feet of torque. With the Carrera GTS and Carrera 4 GTS, the 3.0L pushes 450 horsepower and 405 pound-feet of torque. The GT3 RS receives a 4.0L H-6 engine making 520 horsepower and 346 pound-feet of torque. The Turbo and Turbo S 3.8L H-6 engines push horsepower to the limits, with the Turbo making 540 horsepower and Turbo S making 580 horsepower.
All engines other than those on the new S models can be mated to a standard 7-speed manual transmission. The 7-speed PDK double-clutch automatic is optional but comes as standard on Carrera S, Turbo, Turbo S and GT3 RS models. In the manual, the ratios are close together with 7th coming in ultra-tall to achieve a better fuel consumption rate during highway use. Other features include electric power steering and a hydraulic decoupler of the front and rear sway bars, known as Porsche Dynamic Chassis Control. In addition, the 911 features a rear-wheel torque vectoring system that helps build traction using the rear brakes in conjunction with the rear differential.
Inside, the 911 interior features styling touches consistent with Porsche's Panamera and Cayenne. Digital gauges replace the earlier analogue version and the center console sports a large color touchscreen monitor for navigation and stereo functions. Standard features include power adjustable front seats, leather steering wheel, keyless entry, dual-zone climate control, leather seats, leather interior trim, 8-speaker sound system and a rearview camera. The GTS model adds a sport-tuned suspension, sport exhaust, special exterior styling, sport seats and more. The GT3 RS is designed for track performance, with lighter weight body components, special track suspension tuning and rear-wheel steering. Overall, the 911 strikes a good balance between being a focused sports car and a luxurious cruiser, never feeling too hardcore to keep its occupants comfortable.
Several packages add features such as special sports seating, Bose audio, ambient lighting, auto dimming mirrors and more. The Sport Chrono Package includes dynamic engine mounts, a dash-mounted analog and digital stopwatch, performance display, a Sport Plus button to control engine mapping and throttle response and launch control for cars equipped with PDK.
Iconic Design
Exceptional Handling And Agility
Top-level Engine Performance
Available All-wheel Drive
Open-roof Options
Surprising Fuel Efficiency
Comfortable Interior
Porsche has done something a little different with the 2020 911. While the standard car and the Turbo and the high end GT3 and GT2RS models utilize the same chassis as underpinned last year's cars, the Carrera S in both all-wheel drive 4S and rear-wheel drive S get a brand new chassis, which will eventually be extended to the rest of the 911 lineup. For now though, the Carrera S is unique and the first to get Porsches slightly longer body style.
The new body features wider wheel arches than before which house a variety of 20 or 21-inch wheel designs. New electronic door handles respond to an owner's touch, while the front end benefits from new LED headlights, while the rear gets a new, wider rear spoiler and a different tail-light design. The exterior car also utilizes more aluminum than before for increased weight savings.
In the world of high-performance sports cars, the 911 is arguably the most iconic model in history. Though the design has continued to evolve over the last 50 years, the fundamentals are still in place: rear-mounted flat-6 engine and a precision chassis developed with handling in mind. Together, the components add up to a sports car that's hard to beat both in terms of aesthetics and performance. The 911's a capable competitor to other sport coupes such as the Aston Martin V8 Vantage, Audi R8, BMW M3 and Nissan GT-R.
