It’s the weirdest thing to hear journalists criticizing the Porsche 911, especially the new 992 generation after its unveil at the Los Angeles Auto Show. Comments like “it’s way too big” or “It has too much tech stuff” are just two examples of some of the flack Porsche’s legendary 911 was taking in the media room last week. It’s all B.S.
Of course, the 992 911 is bigger and of course it has more technology. If someone has a problem with that, they should buy a 993 and call it a day. Any 911 after that is Americanized and made to be easier to live with as a daily basis. In no way does that take anything away from it.
These same people who talk smack about the 911 would be the first ones to choose it as a daily driver, secretly enjoying their mocha Frappuccino and the efficiency of the now standard 8-speed dual-clutch PDK automatic gearbox on their way to work.
Fact is, a 911 is a 911 and will always be a 911, no matter how much tech you find inside.
What’s new about 992 Porsche 911?
2020 Porsche 911 Carrera 4S | Photo: Porsche
As stated previously, it’s bigger. It’s wider by 44 mm in the rear and 45 mm in the front, and the hood is longer. The overall stance is typical 911, but you do notice the added footprint.
The interior of the 911 is a whole new world compared to the previous generation, but very similar to the new Panamera and Cayenne. A fully digital center console with a larger, 10.9-inch infotainment screen now dominate the cockpit.
The 992 is also more powerful. The twin-turbo 3.0-liter Boxer 6 rear engine gets a new injection process and now delivers 443 horsepower and 390 pound-feet of torque. As stated previously, an 8-speed dual-clutch PDK is the only option at the moment and sends power to the rear in the Carrera S, and all four wheels in the Carrera 4S.
It gets to 100 km/h in just 3.7 seconds, or 3.5 seconds with the Sport Chrono package. That’s a half-second faster than the previous Carrera S with a PDK gearbox. Despite the added power, however, the 992 remains very fuel-efficient, surprisingly so, actually. The average fuel economy rating is less than 9.0 liters per 100 kilometers.
Finally, the 992 911 will be available in a range of new colors including Lizard Green.
What’s the 992 Porsche 911’s price?
2020 Porsche 911 Carrera 4S | Photo: Porsche
Pricing starts at $129,111 for the Carrera S and $137,400 for the Carrera 4S in Canada. In the U.S., you’ll pay $113,300 for the S and $120,600 for the 4S.
When will it arrive on the market?
The first units of the 992 will arrive in the fall. Expect Cabriolet, Targa, Turbo and the subsequent GTS, GT3, and GT2 models to follow over the course of the next few years.
What other cars should you check out instead of a 992 Porsche 911?
2020 Porsche 911 Carrera 4S | Photo: Porsche
That’s a tough one given how unique the Porsche 911 is, but there are a few direct competitors including the new BMW 8 Series and the Audi RS5. You can also put the Audi R8, Chevrolet Corvette, Mercedes-Benz SL, and Jaguar F-Type in the same boat.
What do we think about it?
We think it looks great, and so what if it has more tech. We’ll probably enjoy most of the added technology while smiling about the added power behind us when cruising down the road or playing on the track. We’d get the C4S and the only problem we would have would be deciding between Miami Blue and Lizard Green.
