Overview
The second phase of the 991 brings all types of improvements in the Carrera. First thing you will notice with the 991.2 are the design changes to both the exterior and interior. What most people aren’t aware of, is almost every panel was changed, modified or redesigned for the 991.2 generation. The only areas that were not changed were the doors and the roof. Most noticeable changes you will see were the curvature of the fenders (front and rear) and the front and rear bumpers were redesigned. From 2018 onward, the headlight washer was removed as an option on the 991.2, so you may also notice this small detail on more recent models.
The biggest difference between the two cars, is not actually design, it is the introduction of Turbo-charged engines, standard in a Carrera model. This has made the 991.1 the last naturally aspirated 911 available. All Porsche’s from the 991.2 onward’s are now turbo-charged, to reduce emissions and increase performance. This means you have a more linear power on the previous model, however the 2nd generation is 20hp more powerful, meaning the most basic model starts with 370hp. This naturally has a knock-on affect towards a better 0-60 time, coming from 4.6 seconds (7-speed manual 991.1) to 4.4 seconds (7-speed manual 991.2).
The technology also improved for the 991.2, one of which most driver’s will tell you is the best difference between the 2 cars, is the option to have rear-axle steering in a Carrera. Originally, this technology would only be available on a 911 GT3 or Turbo. This allows the car to change lane more quickly, improved turning circle, and more importantly – a faster lap time around the Nurburgring.
The Carrera and Carrera 4 both have the choice of 7-speed manual and PDK option. The hp and torque is the same in both models, but the Carrera 4 benefits from all-wheel drive. As per the previous models, the Carrera 4 is wider than the normal Carrera. The easiest way to tell these cars apart, is the Carrera 4 has a full-width tail light at the back.
How to spot
- Thinner LED day running lights than previous model
- 3-D style rear headlights
- Quad-headlight LED matrix
Variations
- Coupe
- Cabriolet
Specifications
Capacity: 2,981cc
Compression ratio: 10.0:1
Maximum Power: 370bhp @ 6,500rpm
Maximum Torque: 450Nm @ 5,000rpm
Brakes: Front: 330mm callipers; rear: 330mm callipers
Suspension: Front: McPherson strut. Rear: Multi-link suspension.
Wheels & Tyres: Front: 8.5 J x 19 (ET 50) with 235/40 ZR19 tyres. Rear: 11.5 J X 19 (ET 76) with 295/35 ZR 19 tyres
Length: 4,499mm
Width: Carrera: 1,808mm (inc mirrors 1,978mm). Carrera 4: 1,852mm (inc mirrors, 1,978mm)
Weight: Carrera: 1,430kg / 1,450kg (PDK). Carrera 4: 1,480kg / 1,500kg (PDK)
Did you know?
The change to turbo-charged from natural aspirated was one of the most controversial changes since Porsche came away from an air-cooled to water-cooled engine systems.