Porsche’s consummate sports car celebrates a half-century of thrills of this year. There’s even a 50th Anniversary edition of the 911 to commemorate the milestone. Throughout its long life, the 911 has been a world-class performer with sophistication and style to match.
What's New for 2014
The Turbo, Turbo S and GT3 models move to the latest 911 platform for 2014, completing the staggered rollout of the contemporary 911 line.
Choosing Your Porsche 911
The 911 is known for its deep model roster and plethora of options, from subtle trim enhancements to sophisticated mechanical upgrades. Of course, all variations offer stunning looks and performance—the question is how far you want to push the envelope.
Carrera Models
The main differentiation between various Carrera models is gradually increasing performance enhancements. All Carreras are available in coupe and convertible form.
The 911 Carrera starts out with a 3.4-liter six-cylinder with 350 horsepower and a seven-speed manual transmission. Porsche’s seven-speed automated manual transmission (called PDK) is optional. When the Sport Chrono Package is selected, the PDK comes with launch control and driver-selectable shift modes. Other equipment includes 19-inch alloy wheels with summer performance tires, power leather seats, navigation and a nine-speaker audio system.
Receives a larger 3.8-liter six-cylinder with 400 horsepower (430 with an optional Powerkit), 20-inch wheels, and enhanced steering and suspension systems.
The 911 Turbo coupe and convertible carry a 520-horsepower 3.8-liter turbocharged six-cylinder and the PDK transmission, along with four-wheel steering and all-wheel drive. The body gets a rear spoiler with articulating elements and other aerodynamic bodywork. Adaptive headlamps and a 12-speaker Bose sound system are also standard.
The Turbo S comes with a 560-horsepower version of the six-cylinder engine, plus LED headlamps and carbon-fiber interior trim. With a scorching zero to 60 mph time of 2.9 seconds, it’s the fastest 911 of all.
Special Editions
Perhaps the most collectible of this year's offerings are built in limited quantities.
Sold only as rear-drive coupe, the 50th Anniversary 911 carries the Carrera S’s engine and performance upgrades (including the Powerkit) and the Carrera 4’s wider fenders. You also get special wheels, trim and interior features.
Built for track duty, the GTS3 coupe receives a normally aspirated 3.8-liter V6 with 475 horsepower, along with four-wheel steering and a specially tuned version of the PDK. It’s strictly a rear-drive two-seater, whereas all other 911s have a semblance of a backseat.
As in the past, model prices vary wildly—more than $100,000 separates the MSRPs of the base Carrera coupe and Turbo S convertible. Further, Porsche encourages lavish personalization that sends prices skyward. So don't let loaded showroom examples give you the potentially false impression that the 911 is out of reach.