2016 Porsche 911 Prices, Reviews & Vehicle Overview

2016 Porsche 911 Overview

For more than 50 years, the Porsche 911 has been considered a paragon among high-performance sports cars. Few rivals can match its combination of wholly iconic style and performance. Just about every year lately, Porsche has added new versions of the 911, and 2016 unleashes yet another pair to the already lengthy trim-level list.

What's New for 2016

After adding two new Targa editions to the 911 lineup last year, Porsche has two more ready for 2016: the GT3 RS and Targa 4 GTS.

Choosing Your Porsche 911

With so many enticing possibilities, selecting a new 911 can be a daunting task. Each model is unique, whether due to distinct engine upgrades or subtle trim refinements. Every 911 delivers in both appearance and performance. So, your decisions boil to down just how much power you want, whether to get rear-drive or all-wheel drive, and how much you can afford to pay.

Carrera Models

The “entry level” to the 911 family is the Carrera line. Each model offers a progressive increase in power and refinement. Two primary engines are offered, and each model is available as either a coupe or a convertible (Cabriolet).

Carrera

Priced at $84,300 in coupe form, the base 911 Carrera contains a rear-mounted 3.4-liter, direct-injected flat-six engine that sends 350 horsepower to a seven-speed manual transmission. It has rear-wheel drive, a SPORT button, four-way power seats, a 7-inch touch screen, dual-zone air conditioning, nine-speaker audio, Bluetooth capability, and bi-xenon headlights. Optional equipment includes Porsche’s seven-speed PDK automated manual transmission, Porsche Torque Vectoring Plus, 14 or 18-way power seats, Burmester or Bose audio systems, and adaptive cruise control.

Carrera 4

Moving to the Carrera 4 increases body width by 1.7 inches, creating a wider, lower platform. It also adds all-wheel drive and Porsche Traction Management.

Carrera S

The S has a 3.8-liter direct-injected flat-six engine with rear-wheel drive and a seven-speed manual transmission, which combine to deliver 400 horsepower. Added to the Carrera’s features are Porsche Torque Vectoring Plus (for increased steering response and precision) and active suspension management.

Carrera 4S

Blends the performance equipment of the S with the larger body size of the Carrera 4, and adds all-wheel drive.

Carrera GTS

The new GTS moves performance up another notch, courtesy of its 430-horsepower engine and PDK transmission. A Sport Chrono package is included, and active dampers yield a lower ride height.

Carrera 4 GTS

Equipped with all-wheel drive, the 4 GTS unleashes Porsche’s 430-horsepower engine.

Targa 4 and Targa 4S

With the Targa 4 and Targa 4S, Porsche resurrected the classic sculptured Targa roof design, which hadn’t been available on a 911 since the 1980s.

Targa 4

Starting with the standard features of the Carrera, the Targa 4 coupe adds a fixed, all-glass rear windscreen and park assist. Porsche describes it as “an open-top sports car with the feel and comfort of a 911 Coupe.”

Targa 4S

The Targa 4S starts with all the features and engine of the Carrera S and adds the fixed, all-glass rear windscreen, plus park assist.

Targa 4 GTS

Targa-roofed version of the GTS has all-wheel drive and the 430-horsepower engine.

Turbo and Turbo S

If you like the Carrera S but crave more, consider the Turbo editions. Both are available as coupes or convertibles.

Turbo

Porsche gave the 911 Turbo a 520-horsepower, turbocharged 3.8-liter six-cylinder engine, with the PDK transmission. The Turbo features active all-wheel drive, rear-axle steering, traction management, VarioCam Plus system, Porsche Torque Vectoring Plus and a rear spoiler. Also standard: a 12-speaker Bose audio system and park assist.

Turbo S

Adds a variation of the 3.8-liter engine that achieves 560 horsepower. In Cabriolet guise, this is the price leader of the 911 line, at $182,700.

GT3 and GT3 RS

Designed for the race track, the GT3 is a rear-drive two-seater with a 475-horsepower 3.8-liter V6 engine. Its PDK transmission is tuned specifically to the GT3 and rear-axle steering. The new GT3 RS “breaks boundaries,” according to Porsche, with a 500-horsepower engine and PDK transmission, able to deliver 0-60 mph acceleration in a mere 3.1 seconds. Among the details, front wheel arches hold 12-slat air outlets.

CarsDirect Tip

With so many 911 choices, it would be easy to spend far more than intended. Our recommendation: don't lose sight of your true priority, and adjust accordingly. After all, each 911 ranks among the most legendary sports cars in the world.

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Read our review on the Porsche 911 »

2016 Porsche 911 Review

The iconic Porsche 911 is perhaps the best-known face for this German sports car brand. Even as the Porsche line has expanded to now include SUVs and a sedan, the timeless 911 in all its many permutations remains the defining model for this award-winning marque.

Pricing and Equipment

The 2016 Porsche 911 coupe starts at $89,400 (plus a $1,050 destination charge) for the base 911 Carrera. The Porsche 911 is available in 22 trim levels, topping out at $200,400 for the Turbo S Cabriolet. Half the models offered are cabriolets, priced from $101,700. Four-wheel drive (4S) models are priced from $110,300.

Standard equipment for the model tested included:

Seven-speed automated manual transmission
Distinctive 19-inch, five-spoke Carrera alloy wheels
Simulated suede steering wheel
Tilt and telescopic steering column
Four-wheel power sport seats
Dual-zone climate control
Bluetooth wireless connectivity

Performance Pros

Every 911 is fast, ranging from standard sports car quickness to blistering and outrageous on-track performance. There’s a model to sate your need for speed across the entire 911 range.
If you prize speed above everything else, then you’ll opt for the dual-clutch PDK automatic transmission over the manual gearbox. PDK-equipped models with Sport Chrono shave a few tenths of a second off of already robust 0-to-60 mph times.
Advanced technologies such as the Porsche Active Suspension Management (PASM) and Porsche Dynamic Chassis Control (PDCC) systems raise the 911’s driving experience when equipped accordingly. Our testers found the first system allows for an adjustment to the suspension system and the second system uses anti-roll bars to control roll stiffness.

Performance Cons

Our editors were not keen on the electromechanical power steering system, which they found “accurate and nicely weighted” while at the same time falling short of the hydraulic-powered systems found in older 911s.

Interior Pros

The cabin is quiet, spacious and provides ample room for two. The Porsche 911 supplies enough room for your soft weekend getaway bags in the front trunk.
Simple and clear gauges mark the 911’s interior with key design elements accented by aluminum. A seemingly unlimited number of customization choices provide a level of personalization that few other manufacturers match.
While the standard Bose surround sound audio system is certainly laudable, the available Burmester High-End surround sound system may be the best one on the market, delivering concert hall quality sound throughout the cabin.

Interior Cons

The back seat seems merely an afterthought, with virtually no legroom to speak of. On the other hand, belt in those extra bags and you'll enjoy additional storage space.

The Most Pleasant Surprise

Apple CarPlay comes to the Porsche 911. The voice control feature makes it easy make phone calls while navigating the twistiest turns. You can also compose text messages and have CarPlay read out incoming messages.

The Least Pleasant Surprise

Its nearly impossible to find fault with the Porsche 911. One note to keep in mind: the top-of-the-line GT3 RS as well as the GT3 are the two 911 models subject to the federal government’s gas guzzler tax.

The Bottom Line

The Porsche 911 is the quintessential sports car, its iconic design recognized the world over. Most car shoppers will find this model unattainable given its near guaranteed six-figure price tag, but that won’t stop them from dreaming or exploring the used 911 market. Fortunately, both the Boxster and Cayman are delicious alternatives and cost nearly half as much.

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