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2006 Porsche 911 Full Review
Date Published: 12/03/08
Also in the 2006 Porsche 911 Review:
2006 Porsche 911 Review
The midyear return of a turbocharged model makes news for Porsche's flagship sports car lineup. The 911 roster includes rear-wheel-drive Carrera, all-wheel-drive Carrera 4, and new Turbo models. Carreras are available in sportier S form and offer coupe and convertible body styles. Turbos are launched as 2007 models and are AWD coupes. All have a rear-mounted, horizontally opposed 6-cyl engine. Carreras have 325 hp, S models 355, Turbos 480. A 381-hp Power Kit is available for S versions. A 6-speed manual transmission is standard on all. A 5-speed automatic with manual-shift steering wheel controls is optional. Also standard: ABS, traction/antiskid control, front side airbags, and curtain side airbags. Convertibles have a power top and heated glass rear window. Turbos have specific suspension tuning, brakes, and styling. Optional on all models is a Sport Chrono Package that alters various engine and chassis controls for high-performance driving.
Competition
Consumer Guide® Automotive places each vehicle into one of 17 classes based on size, price, and market position. Offering more power and style than typical Sporty/Performance vehicles, Premium Sporty/Performance Cars usually cost much more and have more comfort and convenience equipment. Two-passenger convertibles and 4-seat coupes rule the roost in this class.
Our Best Buy is Chevrolet Corvette. Our Recommended picks include BMW Z4 and Mercedes-Benz CLK.
Our Best Buy is Chevrolet Corvette. Our Recommended picks include BMW Z4 and Mercedes-Benz CLK.
News
Porsche is almost finished updating the 911 line from the 996 generation to the 997 series that kicked off two years ago with Carrera and Carrera S coupes. "Wide-body" Carrera 4S and Turbo Cabriolets are next on list as '07 models. Also expected soon are new Targa coupes with retractable glass sunroof in Carrera, Carrera S and Carrera 4 trim. For weekend racers, there's a new 997-based version of the track-oriented GT3 coupe. It uses a 415-hp 3.6-liter naturally aspirated engine to drive the rear wheels through a specially calibrated (and mandatory) 6-speed manual transmission. Porsche claims just 4.1 sec for the 0-60 sprint. A first-time GT3 standard is the Porsche Active Suspension Management System (PASM) with variable firmness to suit different driving situations. Also standard are a new electronic traction-control system, 19-inch wheels with "sports" tires, and mechanical limited-slip differential. The 2007 GT3 begins sale this summer at a base price of $106,000. The 997 series is still pretty young, so the 911's next redesign won't occur until well into the next decade.
2006 Porsche 911 Road Test
| Pros | Cons |
| Acceleration | Rear-seat room/comfort |
| Steering/handling | Cargo room |
| Braking | Noise |
| Build quality | Entry/exit |
| Exterior finish | |
Consumer Guide® Road Test Ratings
Acceleration
Torque-rich engine delivers bursts of speed in virtually any circumstance. Works in impressive harmony with precise-shifting manual transmission. With manual, Porsche pegs Carrera at 4.8 sec 0-60 mph, Carrera S at 4.6. No opportunity yet to test 2007 Turbos, but Porsche says it's under 4.0 sec with manual or automatic transmission. Performance suffers little with crisp-shifting automatic; it's most always in the right gear and can be operated like a manual.
| Carrera 4 cpe w/nav. sys., man. | Carrera S cpe w/Sport Chrono Pkg., man. | Class Average |
| 9 | 9 | 8.2 |
Torque-rich engine delivers bursts of speed in virtually any circumstance. Works in impressive harmony with precise-shifting manual transmission. With manual, Porsche pegs Carrera at 4.8 sec 0-60 mph, Carrera S at 4.6. No opportunity yet to test 2007 Turbos, but Porsche says it's under 4.0 sec with manual or automatic transmission. Performance suffers little with crisp-shifting automatic; it's most always in the right gear and can be operated like a manual.
Fuel Economy
Test manual-transmission Carrera 4 averaged 17.2 mpg in mostly highway driving. Test manual-transmission Carrera S averaged 17.6 mpg, ranging from 13.6 mpg in city driving, 21.6 in highway trip. No opportunity to measure with automatic transmission. All 911s require premium-grade fuel.
| Carrera 4 cpe w/nav. sys., man. | Carrera S cpe w/Sport Chrono Pkg., man. | Class Average |
| 4 | 4 | 4.2 |
Test manual-transmission Carrera 4 averaged 17.2 mpg in mostly highway driving. Test manual-transmission Carrera S averaged 17.6 mpg, ranging from 13.6 mpg in city driving, 21.6 in highway trip. No opportunity to measure with automatic transmission. All 911s require premium-grade fuel.
Ride Quality
Low-profile, high-speed tires, taut suspension, short wheelbase combine for ride that's extremely firm, though seldom punishing, despite rear tires' tendency to jolt over sharp surface imperfections. Carreras with adjustable suspension set in Sport mode can border on harsh. Test convertible showed impressive structural stiffness, with little body flex over bumps.
| Carrera 4 cpe w/nav. sys., man. | Carrera S cpe w/Sport Chrono Pkg., man. | Class Average |
| 3 | 3 | 4.3 |
Low-profile, high-speed tires, taut suspension, short wheelbase combine for ride that's extremely firm, though seldom punishing, despite rear tires' tendency to jolt over sharp surface imperfections. Carreras with adjustable suspension set in Sport mode can border on harsh. Test convertible showed impressive structural stiffness, with little body flex over bumps.
Steering/Handling/Braking
Car works in harmony with driver to furnish balanced, grippy, stable roadgoing despite aft weight bias of rear-engine layout. Traction/antiskid control enhances dynamic safety, as does AWD on models so equipped. Quick, informative steering, strong, progressive brakes per Porsche tradition. Compact exterior dimensions an underrated facet of superb handling.
| Carrera 4 cpe w/nav. sys., man. | Carrera S cpe w/Sport Chrono Pkg., man. | Class Average |
| 10 | 10 | 8.5 |
Car works in harmony with driver to furnish balanced, grippy, stable roadgoing despite aft weight bias of rear-engine layout. Traction/antiskid control enhances dynamic safety, as does AWD on models so equipped. Quick, informative steering, strong, progressive brakes per Porsche tradition. Compact exterior dimensions an underrated facet of superb handling.
Quietness
Lots of engine, tire noise, but no more than other ultra high-performance sports cars. And Porsche's unique engine sound music to the ears. Cabriolets have insulated, nicely trimmed tops that isolate well against highway wind noise. Top-down wind noise enough to drown out conversation. Some squeaks, rattles noted in test Carrera 4.
| Carrera 4 cpe w/nav. sys., man. | Carrera S cpe w/Sport Chrono Pkg., man. | Class Average |
| 3 | 2 | 4.1 |
Lots of engine, tire noise, but no more than other ultra high-performance sports cars. And Porsche's unique engine sound music to the ears. Cabriolets have insulated, nicely trimmed tops that isolate well against highway wind noise. Top-down wind noise enough to drown out conversation. Some squeaks, rattles noted in test Carrera 4.
Controls
Gauges monitor daunting array of functions, performance; are very closely spaced and to some testers, lose clarity when lights must be turned on in daytime rain or overcast. Many controls buttons undersized and take time to decipher. Navigation system incorporates many audio functions, also takes time to master. Cabin materials solid, upscale, though far from extravagant.
| Carrera 4 cpe w/nav. sys., man. | Carrera S cpe w/Sport Chrono Pkg., man. | Class Average |
| 5 | 6 | 6.3 |
Gauges monitor daunting array of functions, performance; are very closely spaced and to some testers, lose clarity when lights must be turned on in daytime rain or overcast. Many controls buttons undersized and take time to decipher. Navigation system incorporates many audio functions, also takes time to master. Cabin materials solid, upscale, though far from extravagant.
Room/Comfort/Driver Seating (front)
Low-slung cockpit taxes entry/exit, but there's good room once aboard. Seats hug without binding, are long-haul supportive. Good basic driving position.
| Carrera 4 cpe w/nav. sys., man. | Carrera S cpe w/Sport Chrono Pkg., man. | Class Average |
| 6 | 6 | 5.7 |
Low-slung cockpit taxes entry/exit, but there's good room once aboard. Seats hug without binding, are long-haul supportive. Good basic driving position.
Room/Comfort (rear)
Toddler-sized seat has split folding backrests. Best used as padded parcel hold.
| Carrera 4 cpe w/nav. sys., man. | Carrera S cpe w/Sport Chrono Pkg., man. | Class Average |
| 1 | 1 | .7 |
Toddler-sized seat has split folding backrests. Best used as padded parcel hold.
Cargo Room
Great for a sports car. Not much by absolute standards. A weekend's soft luggage fits in back-seat area. Front compartment takes a couple of gym bags.
| Carrera 4 cpe w/nav. sys., man. | Carrera S cpe w/Sport Chrono Pkg., man. | Class Average |
| 2 | 2 | 2 |
Great for a sports car. Not much by absolute standards. A weekend's soft luggage fits in back-seat area. Front compartment takes a couple of gym bags.
Value within Class
Desirable for their unique high-performance driving experience alone, 911s also offer surprising utility. You'll pay plenty, but all Carreras retain lots of value at resale time.
| Carrera 4 cpe w/nav. sys., man. | Carrera S cpe w/Sport Chrono Pkg., man. | Class Average |
| 4 | 4 | 4.5 |
Desirable for their unique high-performance driving experience alone, 911s also offer surprising utility. You'll pay plenty, but all Carreras retain lots of value at resale time.
Total Score
| Carrera 4 cpe w/nav. sys., man. | Carrera S cpe w/Sport Chrono Pkg., man. | Class Average |
| 47 | 47 | 48.5 |
Scores for all Premium Sporty/performance Cars
| Low Score | 37 | |
| Average Score | 48 | |
| High Score | 58 |
2006 Porsche 911 Prices & Equipment
Model Prices
Prices Updated: 03/23/2006
| Trim Name | Retail Price | Dealer Invoice | Destination Charge |
|
|
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| Carrera 2-door coupe | $71,300 | $62,248 | $795 |
|
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| Carrera Cabriolet 2-door convertible | $81,400 | $71,091 | $795 |
|
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| Carrera 4 2-door coupe | $77,100 | $67,326 | $795 |
|
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| Carrera 4 Cabriolet 2-door convertible | $87,100 | $76,081 | $795 |
|
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| Carrera S 2-door coupe | $81,400 | $71,091 | $795 |
|
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| Carrera S Cabriolet 2-door convertible | $91,400 | $79,846 | $795 |
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| Carrera 4S 2-door coupe | $87,100 | $76,081 | $795 |
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| Carrera 4S Cabriolet 2-door convertible | $97,100 | $84,836 | $795 |
Pricing Key: Retail prices listed with each report are set by the vehicle's
manufacturer. These figures appear on each car's federally mandated window sticker.
Most price lists also include dealer-invoice prices. Dealer-invoice prices are
what the dealer pays the manufacturer for the car and its factory-installed options.
The destination charge is not included in the suggested-retail or dealer-invoice price
and must be added to the cost of the vehicle. Car companies change prices frequently
throughout the year. If the prices published do not match those on the vehicle's
window sticker, the manufacturer has probably altered the price recently.
NA = price note available, NC = no charge.
Rebates and Incentives
There are no rebates or incentives at this time.
Consumer Guide®'s Rebates and Incentives represent a summary of national
manufacturer programs available. Regional restrictions may apply, and offerings
may vary by model. For a complete list of Rebate & Incentive programs click here.
Standard Equipment
Carrera
Powertrain
3.6-liter 6-cylinder engine, 6-speed manual transmission, traction control.
Safety
Dual front airbags, front side airbags, antilock 4-wheel disc brakes, antiskid system, automatic roll bars (convertible).
Comfort and Convenience Features
Air conditioning w/automatic climate control, interior air filter, power steering, tilt/telescope leather-wrapped steering wheel, cruise control, partial leather upholstery, front bucket seats w/manual height adjustment and power recliners, center console, cupholders, split folding rear seat, heated power mirrors, power windows, power door locks, remote keyless entry, power sunroof (coupe), AM/FM/CD/MP3 player, digital clock, tachometer, trip computer, power convertible top (convertible), rain-sensing intermittent wipers, universal garage-door opener, illuminated visor mirrors, map lights, rear defogger.
Appearance and Miscellaneous
Theft-deterrent system, front and rear fog lights, windblocker (convertible), rear spoiler, 235/40ZR18 front tires, 265/40ZR18 rear tires, alloy wheels.
Carrera 4 adds to Carrera:
Powertrain
All-wheel drive.
Carrera S adds to Carrera:
Powertrain
3.8-liter 355-horsepower 6-cylinder engine.
Appearance and Miscellaneous
Bi-xenon headlights w/washers, active suspension, 235/35ZR19 front tires, 295/30ZR19 rear tires.
Carrera 4S adds to Carrera S:
Powertrain
All-wheel drive.
Optional Equipment
Major Packages |
Retail Price |
Invoice Price |
|
Power Kit
|
||
|
Carrera S, Carrera 4S
|
$16,900
|
$
|
|
381 hp via modifications to engine and exhaust system.
|
||
|
Sport Chrono Pkg.
|
||
|
Carrera, Carrera 4, Carrera 4S, Carrera S
|
$920
|
$
|
|
Analog and digital chronometer, sport button for engine- and chassis-electronic controls, personal-preference adjustment for lighting, air conditioning, wipers, door locks.
|
||
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Powertrain |
||
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5-speed automatic transmission w/manual-shift capability
|
||
|
Carrera, Carrera 4, Carrera 4S, Carrera S
|
$3,420
|
$
|
|
Sport shifter
|
||
|
Carrera, Carrera 4, Carrera 4S, Carrera S
|
$765
|
$
|
|
NA w/5-speed automatic transmission.
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|
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Safety |
||
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Rear-obstacle-detection system
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Carrera, Carrera 4, Carrera 4S, Carrera S
|
$530
|
$
|
|
Ceramic composite disc brakes
|
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Carrera, Carrera 4, Carrera 4S, Carrera S
|
$8,150
|
$
|
|
Tire-pressure monitor
|
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Carrera, Carrera 4, Carrera 4S, Carrera S
|
$590
|
$
|
|
|
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Comfort and Convenience Features |
||
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Navigation system
|
||
|
Carrera, Carrera 4, Carrera 4S, Carrera S
|
$2,070
|
$
|
|
Extended navigation system
|
||
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Carrera, Carrera 4, Carrera 4S, Carrera S
|
$2,275
|
$
|
|
Includes off-road navigation and reverse-route guide.
|
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Power front seats
|
||
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Carrera, Carrera 4, Carrera 4S, Carrera S
|
$1,550
|
$
|
|
Includes driver-seat and mirror memory.
|
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Power adaptive sport seats
|
||
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Carrera, Carrera 4, Carrera 4S, Carrera S
|
$3,055
|
$
|
|
Requires full leather upholstery.
|
||
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Heated front seats
|
||
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Carrera, Carrera 4, Carrera 4S, Carrera S
|
$480
|
$
|
|
Full-leather upholstery
|
||
|
Carrera, Carrera 4, Carrera 4S, Carrera S
|
$1,520
|
$
|
|
Bose sound system
|
||
|
Carrera, Carrera 4, Carrera 4S, Carrera S
|
$1,390
|
$
|
|
6-disc CD changer
|
||
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Carrera, Carrera 4, Carrera 4S, Carrera S
|
$650
|
$
|
|
Automatic day/night rearview mirror
|
||
|
Carrera, Carrera 4, Carrera 4S, Carrera S
|
$385
|
$
|
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Rear wiper
|
||
|
coupe
|
$360
|
$
|
|
Floormats
|
||
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Carrera, Carrera 4, Carrera 4S, Carrera S
|
$115
|
$
|
|
|
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Appearance and Miscellaneous |
||
|
Bi-xenon headlights
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Carrera, Carrera 4
|
$1,090
|
$
|
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Includes headlight washers.
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Special paint
|
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Carrera, Carrera 4, Carrera 4S, Carrera S
|
$825
|
$
|
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Removable hardtop
|
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convertible
|
$3,490
|
$
|
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Active suspension
|
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Carrera, Carrara 4
|
$1,990
|
$
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|
19-inch alloy wheels
|
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Carrera, Carrera 4
|
$1,550
|
$
|
|
Includes 235/35ZR19 front tires, 295/30ZR19 rear tires.
|
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|
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2006 Porsche 911 Specs & Safety
Vehicle Dimensions
| Specification | Porsche 911 2-door coupe | Porsche 911 Cabriolet 2-door convertible |
| Wheelbase, in. | 92.5 | 92.5 |
| Overall Length, in. | 175.6 | 175.7 |
| Overall Width, in. | 71.2 | 71.2 |
| Overall Height, in. | 51.6 | 51.6 |
| Curb Weight, lbs. | 3075 | 3263 |
| Cargo Volume, cu. ft. | 4.4 | 4.4 |
| Standard Payload, lbs. | -- | -- |
| Fuel Capacity, gals. | 16.9 | 16.9 |
| Seating Capacity | 4 | 4 |
| Front Head Room, in. | 38.0 | 38.0 |
| Max. Front Leg Room, in. | 41.6 | 41.6 |
| Rear Head Room, in. | -- | -- |
| Max. Rear Leg Room, in. | -- | -- |
Specifications Key: NA = not available; "--" = measurement does not exist.
Engines
| dohc H6 | dohc H6 | Turbocharged dohc H6 | |
| Size, liters/cu. in. | 3.6 /219 | 3.8 /233 | 3.6 /219 |
| Horsepower @ rpm. | 325 @ 6800 | 355 @ 6600 | 480 @ 6000 |
| Torque (lb-ft) @ rpm. | 273 @ 4250 | 295 @ 4600 | 457 @ 1950 |
| Availability | Standard | Standard | Standard |
|
EPA City / highway mpg
|
|||
| 6-speed manual | 18/26 | 18/26 | 18/25 |
| 5-speed automatic | 19/26 | 18/25 | 17/25 |
Engine Key: l/cu in. = liters/cubic inches; ohv = overhead valve; ohc = overhead camshaft;
dohc = dual overhead camshaft; I = inline cylinders; H = horizonally opposed cylinders;
V = cylinders in a V configuration; W = cylinders in a W configuration; rpm = revolutions
per minute; CVT = continuously variable (automatic) transmission; NA = not available; "--"
= measurement does not exist.
Safety Features
 Antilock Brakes Traction Control Antiskid System |
Front Side Airbags Curtain Side Airbags Rear Side Airbags |
NHTSA Crash-Test Results
| Test | Porsche 911 2-door coupe | Porsche 911 Cabriolet 2-door convertible |
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) tests a vehicle's
worthiness in front- and side-impact collisions and rates its resistance to
rollovers. Front-impact crash-test numbers indicate the chance of serious injury:
5 = 10% or less; 4 = 10-20%; 3 = 20-35%; 2 = 35-45%; 1 = More than 45%. Side-impact
crash-test numbers indicate: 5 = 5% or less; 4 = 6-10%; 3 = 11-20%; 2 = 21-25%;
1 = More than 26%. Rollover resistance numbers indicate the chance for rollover
when the vehicle leaves the roadway: 5 = Less than 10%; 4 = 10-20%; 3 = 20-30%;
2 = 30-40%; 1 = More than 40%.
Manufacturer's Warranty
| Class | Years/Miles | Comments |
| Powertrain | None/-- | -- |
| Bumper-to-bumper | 4/50,000 | -- |
| Corrosion | 10/unlimited | -- |
| Free roadside assistance | 4/50,000 | -- |
| Free scheduled maintenance | None/-- | -- |
Manufacturers may periodically offer additional coverage as a purchase incentive.
There offers are not reflected on this chart. The federal government requires two
other warranties. The Exhaust Emission Warranty covers corrosion-related parts for
2 years/24,000 miles, plus 8 years/80,000 miles on the catalytic converter and any
on-board diagnostic device. The Passenger Restraint Warranty covers seat belts
and airbags for 5 years/50,000 miles.
Built in:
Germany
Drivewheels:
all-wheel drive, rear-wheel drive
Also in the 2006 Porsche 911 Review:
1.
2.
3.
4.
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