Since its inception in 1963 the Porsche 911 has been the bread-and-butter for Germany's famed sportscar manufacturer and has continuously helped prove that preservation, especially when it comes to a rear-engine layout, can work. After getting the largest overhaul in its entire history last year, 2018 brings new changes for a few models and some new additions to the already-lengthy lineup.
After a slew of changes for the 911 Carrera, Carrera S, and Targa models last year, which included a new twin-turbocharged, 3.0-liter flat-six engine, the majority of additions for the 2018 model year took place on the GTS trims and a few new additions, including a new GT3 model and a new Turbo S Exclusive Series.
Five versions are available for the 911 GTS trim, which include the 911 Carrera GTS, 911 Carrera 4 GTS – available as both a Coupe and Cabriolet – and 911 Targa 4 GTS. All GTS models boast 450 hp and 405 lb-ft of torque, an increase of 20 horsepower over the old 911 GTS models. Other changes include the wider Carrera 4 body as standard, increasing each GTS model’s rear track width by 40 millimeters, satin black 21-inch center lock wheels from the 911 Turbo S, and a new SportDesign front fascia.
For 2018, the 911 GT3 makes a comeback with some drool-worthy changes. While the rest of the 911 lineup went turbocharged, the GT3 continues to be powered by a naturally-aspirated engine. This time, though, power comes from a 4.0-liter flat-six pumping out 500 hp and 339 lb-ft of torque, which is 25 hp and 15 lb-ft more than the previous model. There's also an available manual transmission, which should please Porsche's many purists.
Another new addition to the lineup arrives in the form of the 911 Turbo S Exclusive Series for 2018, as well. The model, which is limited to just 500 units worldwide, is heavily based off of the 911 Turbo S, but has more power – 607 hp and 553 lb-ft of torque from the 3.8-liter twin-turbo flat-six. The PASM active suspension and the Sport Chrono package are standard.
Lastly, 2018 marks the return of the GT2 RS, a vehicle that was nicknamed "widowmaker" in previous generations for its ruthless driving character. The vehicle, according to Porsche, is the fastest and most powerful 911 ever made. Powered by a twin-turbo flat-six engine, the GT2 RS generates 700 hp and 553 lb-ft of torque and is capable of propelling the car to 60 mph in just 2.7 seconds and onto a top speed of 211 mph.
For true track junkies, the GT2 RS can be fitted with an optional Weissach Package that cuts roughly 40 pounds from the car and adds sportier items, including magnesium wheels, carbon fiber anti-roll bars, a carbon-fiber roof, and exposed carbon-fiber weave on the luggage compartment lid and roof.
With 21 911 models to choose from, finding the perfect trim can be a difficult task. Each vehicle, despite looking similar to others in the lineup, is distinct and unique, and the daunting decision can be a little easier if interested buyers narrow down the choice down by price, power, and rear- or all-wheel drive.
After those decisions have been made, things get really difficult. Porsche has arguably the most expansive catalog of options in the entire industry – it's no exaggeration when we say that you can almost double a car's starting price in optional extras. With that in mind, we've chosen some of the most popular or worthwhile options and included them here. This list is not exhaustive and does not include the staggering array of interior and exterior styling options.
The base 911 model, the Carrera comes in five different trims, Carrera, Carrera 4, Carrera Cabriolet, Carrera 4 Cabriolet, and Targa 4 – the "4" designation denotes all-wheel drive models. Prices for the Carrera start at $92,150 (all prices include $1,050 for fees) and go up to $111,350 for the Carrera 4 Cabriolet. Each variant is powered by a 3.0-liter twin-turbocharged flat-six generating 370 hp and 325 lb-ft of torque. The seven-speed automatic is a $3,210 option.
Standard features on the 911 Carrera include 19-inch wheels, Porsche's adaptive suspension (Porsche Active Suspension Management), Bluetooth, four-way, power-adjustable sport seats, a seven-inch touchscreen infotainment system, dual-zone climate control, bi-xenon headlights, and a nine-speaker audio system.
We recommend inspecting the $3,980 Premium Package (powered, 14-way sport seats, LED headlights with active front lighting, heated and ventilated front seats, and auto-dimming mirrors), adaptive cruise control ($2,490 and only available with an automatic), and the 12-speaker Burmester audio system ($5,300).
Starting at $106,150, the 911 Carrera S comes in five different variants, including the Carrera S, Carrera 4S, Carrera S Cabriolet, Carrera 4S Cabriolet, and Targa 4S. The entire Carrera S lineup utilizes a twin-turbocharged 3.0-liter flat-six producing 420 hp and 368 lb-ft of torque. The automatic transmission remains a $3,210 option.
The list of standard features on 911 Carrera S models is nearly identical to the one for base Carrera models, with the addition of Porsche Torque Vectoring or Porsche Torque Vectoring Plus, for improved agility.
Optional packages for Carrera S models are similar to base Carrera models, as well, with the addition of the Sport Package ($6,460), which adds rear axle steering, a sport exhaust system, the Sport Chrono Package, a GT sport steering wheel, and SportDesign exterior mirrors, and the 3.0 S Powerkit Sport Package ($13,770), which bumps power up to 450 hp and includes everything from the standard Sport Package.
Freshly updated for 2018, the Carrera GTS comes in five different styles – Carrera GTS, which starts at $121,750, Carrera GTS Cabriolet, Carrera 4 GTS, Carrera 4 GTS Cabriolet, and Targa 4 GTS. All of the GTS models feature a 3.0-liter twin-turbo flat-six engine making 450 hp and 405 lb-ft of torque. The automatic transmission jumps up to $3,730).
The GTS models stand out with tinted taillights, black logos, satin black strips on the rear lid grill, high-gloss black center-mounted exhaust pipes, and SportDesign exterior mirrors. The 911 Targa 4 GTS models also gets a black roof bar.
Standard features on GTS models include, the Sport Chrono Package, Porsche Torque Vectoring, Porsche Active Suspension Management, Enhanced Porsche Stability Management, a SportDesign front fascia, a sports exhaust system, LED headlights with active front lighting, four-way sport seats in Alcantara, and brushed aluminum interior trim.
We recommend the $4,130 GTS Package, which adds Alcantara suede trim throughout and retain much of the Premium Package for an added charge. Porsche Dynamic Chassis Control is a pricey option at $3,170, but makes for a tremendous improvement in the GTS' already agile handling character, while the $5,300 Burmester stereo remains a smart choice.
Making the large jump in both price and performance to the 911 Turbo models brings five styles to choose from, the 911 Turbo, 911 Turbo S, 911 Turbo Cabriolet, 911 Turbo S Cabriolet, and 911 Turbo S Exclusive Series. The base 911 Turbo starts at $162,850, while the most-expensive model, the 911 Turbo S Exclusive Series, is priced at $258,050. Porsche 911 Turbo models are powered by twin-turbocharged 3.8-liter flat-six engines making 540 hp and 523 lb-ft of torque.
Turbo S models utilize the same basic engine, but have larger turbos and different engine tuning for more power, with 580 hp and 553 lb-ft of torque on offer. The range-topping Turbo S Exclusive Series takes things to another level with 607 hp. Both the Turbo S and Turbo S Exclusive Series include ultra-high-performance carbon-ceramic brakes as standard. All Turbo models put power down through an all-wheel-drive system and a seven-speed PDK transmission – if you want the purest 911 driving experience, we recommend the GTS or Carrera S over the Turbo.
The 911 Turbo S Exclusive Series is fitted with various carbon fiber components, including the roof, side skirts, front truck lid, and roof. The rear fascia has been redesigned to include twin tailpipes with black finishes. Just like the two-tone color choice on the outside, the interior features two Golden Yellow stripes, Golden Yellow lettering, and an Alcantara suede roof lining. The door sill guards are finished in carbon fiber and the Exclusive Series lettering is illuminated.
Standard equipment for Turbo and Turbo S models includes rear-axle steering, variable power steering, Porsche Active Suspension Management, larger front and rear brakes, 12-speaker Bose Surround Sound System, interior lighting, LED headlights with active front lighting, two-zone automatic climate control, and 14-way Power Sport Seats. The option list remains exhaustive but is free of option packages – everything here is a la carte.
The 911 GT3 returns with even more power and a new look for 2018. At the back of the car sits a 4.0-liter flat-six that cranks out 500 hp and 339 lb-ft of torque. Drivers can choose between a six-speed gearbox and a PDK transmission with power going to the rear wheels. Getting to 60 mph takes just 3.2 seconds for vehicles equipped with the PDK gearbox, while the car’s top speed is rated at 197 for the same configuration.
Standard features on the 911 GT3 include: Porsche Torque Vectoring Plus, 20-inch center-locking wheels, dynamic engine mounts, rear-axle steering with sport tuning, adaptive suspension, an adjustable chassis, SportDesign exterior mirrors, a sport exhaust system, eight-speaker audio system, the Porsche Track Precision App, a 4.6-inch TFT color display, and four-way sport seats plus.
Porsche shows a degree of restraint with the GT3's options catalog, although it's still extensive. If you're planning on daily driving this track star, though, we recommend the $2,590 Front Axle Lift System. It adds a lot of weight, but will keep you from scraping the GT3's low nose on steep driveways and speed bumps.
Making a comeback for 2018 is the insanely powerful 911 GT2 RS. The GT2 RS is powered by a twin-turbo 3.8-liter six-cylinder engine that generates 700 hp and 553 lb-ft of torque, which is good enough for a zero to 60 mph time of 2.7 seconds and a top speed of 211 mph. Porsche claims that the new GT2 RS is the most powerful road-legal 911 ever built.
Standard equipment on the GT2 RS includes scheduled maintenance for the first 10,000 miles or one year, Porsche Ceramic Composite Brake (PCCB), yellow brake calipers, a magnesium roof, dual titanium black exhaust pipes, eight-speaker sound system, Porsche Track Precision App, a rear-view camera, two-zone climate control, GT2 RS-specific leather/alcantara upholstery, a sport steering wheel, and full bucket seats. A life insurance policy is not included, but we strongly recommend it.
There are millions of ways to configure a 911 and finding the right one for you will take time. We recommend trying to keep the option’s list as short as possible, especially with the numerous styling touches, as prices can get out of hand quickly. Instead, we'd recommend focusing on functional improvements, rather than things that change your 911's look.
