Overview

From its rear-mounted flat-six engine to its otherworldly handling, the Porsche 911 has preserved the essential elements that made it an icon. Its familiar circular headlights, Coke bottle shape, and sloping rump make it virtually impossible to mistake a 911 for any other sports car. Climb into its perfectly positioned driver's seat, fire up its powerful and unique-sounding engine, and engage either of its terrific transmissions; Porsche's legendary 2+2-seater will then proceed to overload you with feedback from its telepathic steering and its peerless performance attributes. It's offered as a coupe or convertible and with rear- or all-wheel drive. The company's extensive list of options allows it to be personalized for all tastes. The only knock against the 2021 Porsche 911 is that it's too expensive for most enthusiasts to own.

What's New for 2021?

For 2021, Porsche makes a handful of small changes to the 911. The flashiest update is the newly introduced Python Green paint. The standard 911 also inherits options from the pricier and more powerful Turbo and Turbo S variants. These include the 930 Leather package that spruces up the interior as well as lightweight insulated glass that both saves weight and reduces noise. Porsche also gifts the 2021 911 with programmable GPS capability for the optional front-axle lift system that knows when to raise the nose at specific locations. Those who opt for the Sport Chrono package will now receive a digital tire-temperature display that appears in the gauge cluster.

Pricing and Which One to Buy

Porsche hasn't said how much each model will cost or when the 2021 911 lineup will go on sale. But based on the few minor changes and our experience with the current model-year cars, we can still confidently recommend the Carrera 4S. The S version's increased output nets 64 more horses than the standard Carrera, and we'd be happy with either the engaging manual transmission or the snappier PDK dual-clutch automatic. Those who want to enjoy their 911 year-round but have to deal with the slippery conditions associated with winter weather—like us—will appreciate the 4S's all-wheel-drive system. Unfortunately, it's a substantial upcharge and no longer brings wider rear fenders, which now appear on all versions. Porsche is known for its à la carte approach to options, which is both a blessing and a curse, because it allows a lot of personalization but can quickly inflate the already-rich bottom line. We'd spring for the Sport Chrono package that adds launch control, additional drive modes, and more. The Sport Seats Plus provide more supportive front buckets, and the Sport package adds desirable performance hardware, specifically a lowered suspension and a louder exhaust system. Our selection of upgrades would conclude with ventilated front-seat cushions, passive entry, heated, multifunction GT steering wheel, and Porsche's Dynamic Light System Plus that features automatic high-beams and headlights that swivel in the direction the front tires are pointed.

Engine, Transmission, and Performance

Mounted in the rear of the 911 Carrera is a twin-turbo 3.0-liter flat-six-cylinder engine. The base version has 379 horsepower and 331 lb-ft of torque; the S model pumps out 443 ponies and 390 lb-ft. While all Carreras have a ridiculously quick-shifting eight-speed automatic transmission, a sweet seven-speed manual is offered on S models. Both base and S variants come standard with rear-wheel drive, but they can be equipped with all-wheel drive for four-season high-performance driving. We've tested the base Carrera as well as several variations of the more powerful Carrera S, which proved its prowess at the racetrack and its incredible traction in adverse weather conditions. No matter the application, every 911 has astonishing acceleration, especially when the gleefully good launch control is utilized. Porsche's optional sport exhaust system also helps enhance the experience by providing a fuller engine note. Best of all, the 911 is as comfortable as ever and also better to drive. Its steering is communicative and brilliantly direct, and the coupe and convertible have increased cornering grip and stability. The ride quality is surprisingly supple, too, despite the 911's amazing body control, which allow drivers to seamlessly switch between relaxed and spirited romps.

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Fuel Economy and Real-World MPG

The EPA estimates for the 992-generation dropped dramatically compared to the previous models. We'll start with the automatics: Both the rear-drive 911 Carrera and Carrera S and the all-wheel-drive Carrera 4 (including the convertible versions) are rated at 18 mpg in the city and 24 mpg on the highway. Step up to the more powerful Carrera 4S and its ratings drop to 18 city and 23 highway. Manual-transmission variants are rated a single mpg lower on the city figures and one higher on the highway. On our 200-mile highway route that simulates real-world fuel economy, an automatic-equipped Carrera S averaged 30 mpg—exceeding its now-lower EPA highway rating by an impressive 6 mpg, but about the same as we achieved with the previous-generation 911.

Interior, Comfort, and Cargo

The 911's interior continues to look sophisticated rather than complicated, with a mix of buttons, knobs and touch-screen controls and—for the first time ever—a large center cupholder. The gauge cluster also deviates from history, ditching the mainly analog instruments for mostly digital ones. While these screens have some user-experience issues and can be blocked by the steering wheel, the central tachometer still uses a physical needle that follows the engine's revs towards its heavenly 7500-rpm redline. The 911's low-slung driving position and supportive front seats are fantastic, and the steering wheel has a wide range of adjustment. We only wish Porsche used less piano-black trim on the center console, provided more interior cubby storage, and gave this icon of a car a grander shifter than the stubby flipper that comes on automatic-equipped models. Although the 911 continues to offer seating for up to four in theory, the tiny back seats remain as hostile to adults as they were when 911s first hit the road in the mid-1960s.

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Infotainment and Connectivity

Every 911 is outfitted with a 10.9-inch touchscreen integrated into the middle of the dashboard. In addition to voice commands and buttons on the steering wheel, the center screen also features rotary push-button controls on the console. The infotainment system supports a Wi-Fi hotspot and wireless Apple CarPlay, but Android Auto isn't offered. Porsche does provide two high-end surround-sound systems that include a 12-speaker Bose unit and a 13-speaker Burmester stereo.

Safety and Driver-Assistance Features

The 2021 911 hasn't been crash tested by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) or the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS). The Porsche does have myriad driver-assistance technologies, including desirable options such as automatic high-beams, blind-spot monitoring, and even night vision. Key safety features include:

Standard forward-collision warning and automated emergency braking

Available lane-departure warning and lane-keeping assist

Available adaptive cruise control

Warranty and Maintenance Coverage

Porsche's warranty coverage is standard for the segment, with the first maintenance visit covered free of charge. However, rivals such as the Jaguar F-type offer more value by covering maintenance for up to five years.

Limited warranty covers four years or 50,000 miles

Powertrain warranty covers four years or 50,000 miles

Complimentary maintenance is covered for one years or 10,000 miles

More Features and Specs