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2019 911 speedster
Make no mistake that the Speedster is an absolutely fitting conclusion to the 991-generation. The Porsche 911 Speedster is an ingenious amalgamation of the latest technologies on offer, and the more simple ingredients that have been a principle of driving enjoyment since the invention of automobiles. A 502-horsepower engine, without turbochargers. A modern transmission, with just one clutch. A state-of-the-art suspension and chassis, with an unsullied purity. The list goes on. Perhaps the only drawback is that the Speedster’s rarity and price.
The Carrera 4 is the base model 911, equipped with all-wheel drive. It starts at $109,850 for 2022, which is about $7,000 more than the standard rear-drive Carrera. Other than the additional all-wheel-drive system and the 150 odd pound increase in curb weight, the Carrera 4 is identical to its rear-drive sibling. It gets the same 379-hp, twin-turbo 3.0-liter flat-six engine. The twin-turbocharged 3.0-liter flat-six has 379 hp.
Features like Porsche’s active suspension and the new-for-992 “wet mode” are standard on the Carrera 4 variants, but the electronically controlled limited slip rear differential (standard on the 4S), as well as ceramic composite brakes (cast iron rotors are standard). The current 911 Carrera 4 Cabriolet is equipped with PASM (Porsche Active Suspension Management). The twin-turbo flat-six has 379 hp and 331 ft lbs of torque.
The current Turbo S comes with an all-new, 3.8 liter boxer six with two variable turbine geometry (VTG) turbochargers. The power output is a staggering 640 HP and 590 lbs-ft of torque. In keeping with previous Turbo models, the engine powers all four wheels. A new 8 speed automatic transmission with a manual mode manages the power, and can power the car to 60 MPH in a hair under a claimed 2.6 seconds. This is a staggeringly quick and capable car.
The 2022 Porsche 911 Turbo S Cabriolet is a formidable beast. The new Turbo S comes with an all-new, 3.8 liter boxer six with two variable turbine geometry (VTG) turbochargers. The power output is a staggering 640 hp and 590 lbs-ft of torque. In keeping with previous Turbo models, the engine powers all four wheels. A new 8 speed automatic transmission with a manual mode manages the power, and can power the car to 60 mph in a hair under a claimed 2.7 seconds.
It would be a disservice to call this new Turbo a "lesser" car than the Turbo S, but it does have less in most departments. Less power at 573 HP. Less features compared to the jam-packed Turbo S. Most importantly, less money required to put one in your garage. This also is not to say that the new Turbo isn't anything short of a monster. It will still go 0 to 60 in 2.8 seconds, will corner like it was on rails with Porsche Torque Management (PTM) all-wheel-drive.
All Porsche 911s are turbocharged these days but the Turbo model is something special. It gets the twin-turbo 3.7-liter flat six with tons of power and a huge $33,000 savings over the Turbo S. Thanks to an output of 573 hp, marking an increase of 32 hp over the predecessor, the new 911 Turbo Cabriolet accelerates from 0 to 60 mph in 2.8 seconds (0.2 seconds faster than before). The Turbo Cabriolet basically handles like a coupe.
The GTS was powered by the same engine that was installed under the limited-edition Porsche 911 Sport Classic, but it was offered with more options. It wasn't just a driver's car, it was built for the passenger as well, with more options for comfort. From the outside, the Carrera GTS Cabriolet featured the same wide body as the Carrera 4 Cabriolet. At the front, the sport design apron featured a black lip-spoiler underneath. The Carrera GTS logo was painted on the doors. In the back, the car was fitted with LED taillights and four-round exhaust pipes. The 19” light-alloy wheels with central log-nut were fitted as standard.
Engine based on modified 3.6 litre 964 unit. Speedline wheels with big red brake calipers. Lessons learned in the Carrera Cup series proved the reliability of the new 3.6-litre engine. An additional three millimetres on the bore and two millimetres on the stroke, resulted in an increase in capacity of 300 cc. Combined with the turbo optimised cylinders, pistons and crank train, and an increase in the compression ratio from 7.0 to 7.5:1, this helped to boost power to 360 bhp. Torque was increased significantly to 520 Nm at 4200 rpm, up from 450 Nm at 4500 rpm in the earlier car.
While the base Targa isn't the most dynamic 911, it will suit a certain buyer well. If you want the sexiest looking 911 that is a great all-rounder and you don't plan on spanking it all the time, then this is a great 911 to buy. Even in lower-powered form, the 3.0-liter is a peach of an engine. Torquey across its rev range, it responds quickly to prods of the throttle. The real problem with the Targa is the added weight and the structure, which hurts it dynamically.
Like the standard 4S, the Targa 4S produces 443 bhp @ 6500 rpm from a six-cylinder, 3.0-litre boxer engine with twin turbochargers, and puts it to the road via an eight-speed PDK and Stuttgart's refined all-wheel-drive system. 390 ft lbs from as low as 2300 rpm also means you have tons of mid-range power on tap for any situation. Compared to the previous generation Targa 4S, the new model is up 23 hp and 22 ft lbs of torque.