911 Porsche 2020 Review: Carrera Coupé

There is always a temptation in life to go all out, and often we can't help but give in, but that's not always the best option for us.

Take the Porsche 911, for example. A surprising number of options make up each generation of an outstanding sports car, but more often than not, the entry-level Carrera Coupe is made up of the metal, glass, plastic and rubber that anyone will ever need.

However, since Porsche has switched to the 992-series 911, it's time to ask that question again. So, to find out if the Carrera Coupe is still popular, we visited its local presentation.

Porsche 911 2020: Race
Safety Rating	-
engine's type	3.0 L turbo
fuel type	Premium unleaded gasoline
Fuel efficiency	9.4l / 100km
Landing	4 Places
Price from	$189,500

Is there anything interesting about its design? 9/10

There is no doubt that the 911 is an automotive icon. In fact, he is so recognizable that even those with no interest in cars can easily spot him in a crowd.

So it goes without saying that Porsche stuck to its successful formula for the 992 series, and that doesn't matter much by any means. Just look at it!

There is no doubt that the 911 is an automotive icon.

However, when designing the new 911, Porsche took more risks than usual, such as keeping the wheelbase longer but increasing the track width by 44mm and 45mm front and rear, respectively. The result is a wider and therefore more wicked look.

There are also no more wide-body versions exclusive to all-wheel drive and GT variants, so the rear-wheel drive Carrera Coupe looks just as plump (read: adorable) as its pricier siblings.

Even staggered wheels are now the norm across the range, with the Carrera Coupe getting 19-inch wheels at the front and 20-inch wheels at the rear.

Sure, the front end is familiar with its round LED headlights, but look closer and you'll notice a recessed channel at the top of the hood that actually pays homage to earlier generations of the 911, along with a specific side profile shape.

The new door handles are more than that, they sit more or less flush with the body - as long as they don't automatically pop up when called, of course.

The front end is familiar with round LED headlights.

However, the biggest deviations from the 911's norm remain for the rear, and the horizontal strip connecting the taillights is no longer a reserve for all-wheel drive variants. And with LEDs shining brightly at night, it makes a statement.

Directly above this lighting system is a spectacular pop-up spoiler that includes most of the rear boot lid. It continues to rise until it is fully airbraked.

If the exterior of the 992 Series 911 doesn't represent a big evolution for you, then its interior might be a revolution, especially when it comes to technology.

Yes, the design of the dashboard is familiar, but its contents are not, the eyes are immediately attracted to the 10.9-inch touch screen located in the center.

The multimedia system included in it is the latest development from Porsche and offers software shortcut buttons on the driver's side. Below there are also a number of hardware keys for quick access. However, some other key features are hidden and require too many taps to unearth.

Even more radical is the switch from the famous five-dial system to one…

Well, a pair of 7.0-inch multifunction displays flanking the tachometer try to mimic the four missing dials. It's done well, but the steering wheel rim does hide the outer sections, requiring the driver to move side to side to soak it all up.

The dashboard design is familiar, but its contents are not.

How practical is the interior space? 7/10

Let's face it; The 911 is a sports car, so it's not the first word in practicality. However, it is one of the best when it comes to livability.

While many sports cars are two-seaters, the 911 is "2+2", which means it has a pair of smaller rear seats that are best for kids.

If you really don't like other adults, you can force them to sit in the back with almost no legroom or headroom, regardless of the driving position you've set.

What's even more useful is the ability to fold down the rear seats to create a wide, if not deep, storage space.

There's also a 132-litre boot up front, because the 911 is, of course, rear-engined. Although it sounds small, it is large enough for a couple of padded bags or small suitcases. And yes, you can probably do your weekly shop with it too.

There's a 132-litre trunk up front because the 911 has a rear engine.

Don't wait for a spare because there isn't one. Tire sealant and an electric pump are your only options.

Front space is better than before, with 12mm of extra headroom partly freed up by a 4.0mm increase in overall headroom, and the front seats are lowered by 5.0mm. All this makes for a spacious cabin, even if entry and exit are less than elegant.

One of the big changes made internally for the 992 series is the addition of a fixed cup holder in the middle of the center console. The retractable element is now used only for the passenger side of the dashboard. The door shelves are thin but can accommodate small bottles lying on the side.

The glovebox is mid-sized, making it better than what's found - or not found - in most other sports cars.

A pair of USB-A ports are located in the luggage compartment with a lid, and a 12V socket is located in the footwell on the passenger side. And it's all.

The room in front is better than before.

Does it represent good value for money? What functions does it have? 8/10

The Carrera Coupe is now $3050 more, $229,500 plus travel expenses, and while it's $34,900 cheaper than its S counterpart, it's still an expensive proposition.

However, buyers are being compensated for their big expenses, starting with LED daytime running lights, rain-sensing wipers and access and keyless start.

Satellite navigation, Apple CarPlay wireless support (Android Auto not available), DAB+ digital radio, Bose audio system, 14-way electrically adjustable and heated comfort front seats, sports steering wheel with paddles, dual zone climate control, partial leather upholstery and function auto-dimming rearview mirror.

As with Porsche, there is a long list of expensive and desirable options.

As with Porsche, there is a long list of expensive and desirable options, so be prepared to pay a lot more to get the spec you really want.

This 911 also received a lot of safety features, but we'll cover them in three sections.

It's also worth noting that the Carrera Coupe is in a league of its own when it comes to pricing, with most of the competition (Mercedes-AMG GT S Coupe et al) hovering around the $300,000 mark. Sure, many of them take performance to the next level, but that's why GTS variants become available.

What are the main characteristics of the engine and transmission? 9/10

The Carrera Coupe's 3.0-litre boxer six-cylinder twin-turbo petrol engine is made from light alloy and mounted at the rear.

It is now equipped with high pressure piezo injectors and slightly more power (+11 kW), although the torque has not changed. Maximum power is 283 kW at 6500 rpm and 450 Nm between 1950 and 5000 rpm, 48 kW/80 Nm less than the Carrera S Coupe.

Of note is the variable valve timing and lift system (acting on the intake and exhaust side cams and intake valves), which can now throttle the engine at part load to save fuel.

In addition, the new eight-speed PDK dual-clutch automatic transmission comes with a completely redesigned gear set and the final drive ratio has been increased.

Equipped with a 3.0-litre flat-six twin-turbocharged petrol engine and rear-mounted all-aluminum construction.

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How much fuel does it consume? 8/10

Porsche claims fuel consumption for the Carrera Coupe is 9.4 liters per 100 kilometers on the combined cycle (ADR 81/02), which is 0.1 liters per 100 kilometers better than its S counterpart.

Yes, that sounds pretty decent for a sports car with such a high level of performance.

Porsche's claimed fuel economy sounds pretty decent for a high-performance sports car.

In fact, however, we averaged 14-15L/100km on two relatively short and vigorous road trips, while the long highway trip averaged around 8.0L/100km.

The minimum fuel consumption for the Carrera Coupe is 98 octane premium unleaded petrol and you need 64 liters of fuel to fill the tank.

The claimed carbon dioxide emissions are 214 grams per kilometer.

What safety equipment is installed? What is the safety rating? 8/10

The 911 range has not yet received a safety rating from the ANCAP or its European equivalent, Euro NCAP.

However, the Carrera Coupe still has a host of active features including Anti-skid Brakes (ABS), Emergency Brake Assist (BA), Electronic Stability and Traction Control, Forward Collision Warning, Autonomous Emergency Braking (operating at speeds up to 85 km/h) and blind spot monitoring.

It also gets a reversing camera, front and rear parking sensors, and a tire pressure monitoring system.

While that sounds like a good start, if you need help keeping your lane, you just can't get it, which is weird. And other key kit items like adaptive cruise control ($3570) and surround view cameras ($2170) are worth four-figure options!

The Carrera Coupe brings safety respectability back with a standard "wet mode" in which sensors in the wheel arches pick up the sound of water spray hitting the tires.

Carrera Coupe has many active features.

It then pre-adjusts the brakes and other control systems, alerting the driver, who can then press a button or use the rotary switch on the steering wheel (part of the optional Sport Chrono package) to change the driving mode.

Once activated, Wet Mode pairs the aforementioned electronic stability and traction control systems with the Carrera Coupe's variable aerodynamics and torque distribution system to provide the best possible stability.

At speeds of 90 km/h or more, the rear spoiler goes into the "maximum downforce" position, the engine cooling flaps open, the throttle response is smoothed out, and the sport driving mode is not activated. 

And if necessary, six airbags (dual front, front side and chest) in tow. Both rear seats are equipped with a top tether and ISOFIX anchorages for child seats and/or baby pods.

Warranty and safety rating

Basic Warranty

3 years / unlimited mileage


guarantee

How much does it cost to own? What kind of guarantee is provided? 7/10

Like all Porsche models sold in Australia, the Carrera Coupe is covered by a three-year unlimited mileage warranty.

Like Mercedes-Benz, BMW and Audi, it lags behind the major players, most of which offer five or more years of coverage.

The Carrera Coupe is covered by a three-year unlimited mileage warranty.

However, a 12-year/unlimited kilometer rust warranty is also included along with roadside assistance for the duration of the overall warranty, although it is renewed every year after the expiration date if the Carrera Coupe is serviced at an authorized Porsche dealership.

Service intervals are every 12 months or 15,000 km, whichever comes first. Fixed price service is not available and Porsche dealers determine how much each visit costs.

What is it like to drive? 10/10

Do you think you made a mistake by choosing the Carrera Coupe? You are wrong, very wrong.

With a weight of 1505 kg, it accelerates from standstill to 100 km/h in just 4.2 seconds. An option on the aforementioned Sport Chrono Package ($4890) fitted to our test vehicles, and it drops to four seconds. Trust us when we say it's not far behind the ferocious Carrera S Coupe.

And it sounds good in full noise too, as Porsche goes to great lengths to deliver the same level of aural enjoyment as the old naturally aspirated 911s. Our test vehicles upped the ante even further with a $5470 sports exhaust system that is an absolute must.

As mentioned, the Carrera Coupe delivers 450Nm of torque in the 1950-5000rpm range, so you don't have to put your right foot hard to experience its hard mid-range charge that pushes you hard into the seatback. .

Step on the right pedal a little harder and you'll quickly be on your way to 283kW at 6500rpm, at which point the temptation to revamp the engine is at its strongest, such is its happy nature.

Porsche goes to great lengths to deliver the same level of sonic enjoyment as last year's naturally aspirated 911s.

The dual clutch transmission is the perfect partner for dancing. Even with eight speeds, it shifts up and down in the blink of an eye. And whatever you do, take matters into your own hands with the paddle shifters; this is seriously fun.

Despite growing in size and weight as it ages, the Carrera Coupe seems to be just as good as ever, if not better, when it comes to driving dynamics, regardless of the driving mode chosen.

The suspension still consists of MacPherson struts up front and a multi-link in the rear, while adaptive dampers are predictably used for the ride (pun intended).

Speaking of which, there's an unexpected flexibility in how the Carrera Coupe rides low quality roads with its adaptive dampers set to their softest settings, even with big wheels and low profile tires fitted.

Yes, there are sharp corners from time to time, but its composure for a sports car is impressive, such is the engineering brilliance of Porsche.

However, switch to "Sport" and "Sport+" driving modes and everything will be boosted. Case in point, power steering delivers sharper corner entry, while its variable ratio gradually increases weight to ensure stable wheel turn.

And before you continue to lament the switch to an electromechanical setup, there's a lot of road experience on offer here. After all, Porsche is the master at this.

Also, don't make the mistake of assuming that this herb-heavy, rear-wheel-drive sports car will struggle to cut its power down; this is not true.

Don't make the mistake of assuming that this herb-heavy, rear-wheel-drive sports car will struggle to cut its power.

Sure, the rear tires are naturally grippy (and wide) and the engine sits above the rear axle, but there's some magic here: an electronically controlled rear differential lock and fully variable torque distribution.

Think you're about to lose it? Think again; Sir Isaac's best fighters are about to be shuffled from side to side and tear out every last drop. Simply put, the Carrera Coupe exudes confidence. To hell with all-wheel drive.

So the driver gets a level of confidence that makes them feel invincible as they get in and out of corners harder and harder. This invincibility is, of course, very far from the truth (in our case, at least).

When you're having so much fun, you need a good set of brakes to lean on when needed (read: often). Luckily the Carrera Coupe comes with a very good engine.

Specifically, the ventilated cast iron discs are 330mm in diameter front and rear, clamped by black four-piston monobloc calipers at either end.

Not only do they wash off speed with ease and have incredible pedal feel, they are also seemingly immune to punishment, which is the icing on the Carrera Coupe cake.

Verdict

As enthusiasts, we can't help but want the high-performance members of the 911 range, but the fact is that the entry-level Carrera Coupe is the better choice.

His combination of price, pace and art is simply unmatched. Anyone brave enough to forego the S, GTS, Turbo and GT variants of this 911 world will be rewarded in spades.

Now the only problem is to earn the money needed to buy...

Note. CarsGuide attended this event as a guest of the manufacturer, providing transportation and food.