The Porsche 911 lineup is a constellation of high-performance vehicles, each with its own unique appeal. At one end, you have the Porsche 911 GT3, the track-focused purist that commands respect for its raw performance and driving dynamics. Then there’s the Porsche 911 Carrera T, the enthusiast’s choice with its standard manual transmission, appealing to drivers who crave a more direct connection between their inputs and the car’s response. Further up the tech ladder sits the hybrid GTS, representing the bleeding edge of sports car evolution, and the Turbo S, pushing boundaries with its immense power. But beneath the spotlight, there’s the Carrera S —the workhorse of the 911 family.
This unassuming model serves as the go-to Porsche for everyday drivers, available in conservative colors and offering a blend of performance and practicality. Yet, don’t let its understated presence fool you. The Carrera S is far from boring, packing a surprising amount of capability and refinement into its iconic rear-engine form.
🔥 Performance That Defies Expectations
In early 2024, Porsche refreshed the Carrera S, introducing the 992.2 C2S. Under the hood lies a twin-turbocharged 3.0-liter flat-six engine, the same powerplant that has powered Carrera models for over a decade. This engine now produces 473 horsepower and 390 pound-feet of torque, meeting the stringent Euro 7 emission standards through hardware tweaks borrowed from the old GTS model.
While Porsche’s newer hybrid flat-sixes have pushed the envelope in performance, the Carrera S’ engine remains a standout. The Porsche Doppelkupplung (PDK) gearbox makes it effortless to keep the engine in its power band, which peaks between 6,000 and 7,500 RPM. Though the turbos may occasionally sneak into the background, the throttle response is sharp enough to feel like a naturally aspirated engine.
🛞 Handling and Comfort
Beyond the impressive engine, what truly sets the Carrera S apart is its tactile feedback and chassis balance. Despite Porsche’s gradual shift toward more electronic systems, the Carrera S retains the essence of a classic 911. It’s a car that feels alive in your hands and feet, yet remains incredibly competent.
Optional Porsche Active Suspension Management (PASM) Sport adaptive dampers and a 10-inch ride-height drop enhance its dynamic capabilities, though they come at the cost of a firmer ride. The brakes are exceptional—featuring one of the finest pedal feel experiences on the market. You can feel the progressive engagement between the brake pad and rotor, giving you confidence even in everyday driving.
🛋️ Daily Usability
The Carrera S is more than just a track-focused machine—it’s a wonderful daily driver. The cabin is quiet when you want it to be, the PDK transmission shifts smoothly through eight forward gears, and visibility is excellent. Unlike many modern cars that rely heavily on touchscreens and digital controls, the Carrera S retains plenty of physical switches and dials, adding to its tactile appeal.
For those who prioritize usability without sacrificing too much performance, the Carrera S strikes the right balance. It’s not as track-focused as the GT3, but it’s far from ordinary. It’s the kind of car that makes you want to explore twisty backroads, not just stick to the highway.
🚨 The Downsides
The Carrera S isn’t without its drawbacks. The Sport suspension is notably firm, making it less comfortable for daily commuting, especially on rough roads. There’s also no manual transmission option, which may disappoint purists who prefer a more mechanical connection.
Perhaps the biggest hurdle is price. The 2025 Carrera S starts at 153,695, and the fully loaded test model reached 178,825 —a staggering sum even for a luxury sports car. While Porsche has always commanded premium prices, the Carrera S sits at the top of that scale, making it less accessible than its less powerful siblings.
⚖️ The Verdict: A Versatile Workhorse
So, is the Carrera S worth the cost? It depends on what you’re looking for. If you want a car that combines impressive performance, everyday usability, and the unmistakable Porsche DNA, the Carrera S delivers. It’s not the fastest or the most extreme, but it’s far from boring.
For enthusiasts who want the thrill of a 911 without the track-only focus of the GT3, the Carrera S is an excellent choice. And for those who simply want a stylish, capable, and reliable daily driver, it’s hard to beat.
In a world of increasingly specialized sports cars, the Carrera S stands out as a versatile workhorse. It proves that sometimes, the most impressive machines are the ones flying under the radar—and that’s exactly what Porsche has done with the Carrera S
