2011 Porsche 911: Overview

Vehicle Highlights

The 2011 Porsche 911 lineup gains some new special-edition models for what will likely be its final model year in its current design. The 911 roster consists of rear-wheel-drive Carrera, Carrera S, and new-for-2011 Carrera GTS, plus all-wheel-drive Carrera 4, Carrera 4S, Targa 4, and Targa 4S. Carreras come as coupes and as Cabriolet convertibles with a power soft top and heated-glass rear window. The Targa 4 and 4S are coupes with a 4.8-square-foot power-sliding roof panel made of translucent glass. The 911 Turbo and Turbo S come as a coupe or convertible. The racetrack-ready GT3, GT3 RS, and GT2 RS are coupes only. All 911s have rear-mounted, horizontally opposed 6-cylinder engines, sized at 3.6 or 3.8 liters. Carrera and Targa 4 versions reprise a 3.6-liter engine with 345 horsepower. Carrera S and Targa 4S versions use the 3.8, which has 385 horsepower. Carrera GTS has a 408-horsepower version of the S models' 3.8-liter engine. The 911 GT3 and GT3 RS have a 3.8-liter 6-cylinder engine with 435 and 450 horsepower, respectively. The 911 Turbo and Turbo S have a 3.8-liter turbocharged motor with 500 and 530 horsepower, respectively. The GT2 RS has a turbocharged 3.6-liter engine that produces 620 horsepower. A 6-speed manual transmission is standard. All but the GT3, GT3 RS, and GT2 RS are available with a 7-speed dual-clutch automated manual that behaves much like an automatic. Available safety features include ABS, traction control, antiskid system, and front-side airbags. 911 also has an airbag that deploys from the seat back. The Turbo, Turbo S, GT3, and GT3 RS, and GT2 RS have specific suspension tuning, brakes, and styling. Also new for 2011 is the Carrera Speedster. This limited-edition convertible uses the Carrera GTS' 408-horsepower engine and comes with specific styling and trim.

COMPETITION

Consumer Guide Automotive places each vehicle into one of 18 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 Buys are the Audi A5 and Chevrolet Corvette. Our Recommended pick is the Jaguar XK Series. New or significantly redesigned models include the Porsche Boxster Spyder.