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| Buying a Porsche 911 is buying a piece of sports car history. The model has been in production since 1966, and it's kept its true rear-engine design the entire time -- one of the few models to do so. At the base level, the 911 delivers 180-mph speeds for well under six figures while returning 25 mph combined mpg. But for those with deep pockets and enviable driving skills, the quarter-million-dollar 911 GT2 RS will take you over 200 mph. This kind of performance is hard to find at any price. However, Porsche offers an entry-level 911 model starting under $78,000, opening the door to a lot more people to Porsche design and performance. |
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| Model Highlights |
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| With a history decades long, it's not very surprising that there are so many models of 911 available with engine output ranging from 345 hp to 620 hp and price tags to match. Coupes, convertibles, and venerable targa models are all still available and feature the trademark "engine behind the rear axle" drivetrain.
At the base level is the 911 Carrera, making 345 hp. The Carrera S bumps that number up to 385 hp. The Carrera 4 adds all-wheel drive; the Carrera 4S has the 385 hp engine and all-wheel drive. The newest addition to the Carrera lineup, the GTS, makes 408 hp. All of these models are available as a hardtop or cabriolet version.
Porsche is one of the only manufacturers to still make targa models, where the roof pops out but the C pillar remains in place. The 911 Targa 4 and Targa 4S use the 3.6L, 345-hp and 3.8L 385-hp engines respectively and are only available with all-wheel drive.
The 911 Turbo and Turbo S use turbocharged versions of the 3.6L and 3.8L engines, for 500 hp and 530 hp respectively. These models are also all-wheel drive, and the Turbo S comes with the 7-speed PDK transmission rather than the 6-speed manual found in the other models. The body of the Turbo 911s is also noticeable wider than the Carrera and Targa models, and it too is available as a cabriolet.
From here, the 911s only get faster. The GT3 manages 193 mph, and the GT3 RS can do 0-60 mph in under 4 seconds. The RS is kitted out for track day, with unique graphics and sports exhaust. The top-of-the-line GT2 blows away all other 911s with two turbochargers and an astonishing 620 hp.
Though it's not the fastest, the Speedster is the most exclusive 911 available in 2011, with only 356 being built, a shout-out to the early Porsche 356. The Speedster is available in historic Pure Blue or Carrera White and features the 408-hp engine under the hood. |
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| Model News |
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| At the 2010 L.A. Auto Show, Porsche announced two new 911 models for 2011, the top-down Speedster and the Carrera GTS coupe and cabriolet. The Speedster is a limited-edition model, with only 356 units to be built, while the GTS occupies the middle ground between the more basic Carrera S and the GT3 super-performance car. |
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| Value Writeup |
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| A variety of 911 to make every sports car enthusiast happy; iconic design; intense performance |
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