Porsche 911 Carrera S returns with more combustion-only poke

Systemically expanded since its global debut in May last year, Porsche has added another derivative to the 911 range, this time the returning Carrera S as the gap filler between the unbadged base model and hybrid-engine GTS.

Offered as either a coupe or cabriolet, the 992.2 iteration of the 911 Carrera S eschews the use of the mild-hybrid system as on the entry-level Carrera, but also the manual gearbox, leaving the 911 T as the sole variant, for now, with the option of three-pedals.

Dynamically fettled

Aesthetically identical to the base 911 bar the S suffix, the biggest differences reside underneath where, in addition to revised steering, the kinematics of the front axle have been altered and the optional rear-axle steering system adjusted.

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In addition to new hydraulics for the adaptive dampers, the Porsche Torque Vectoring system from the GTS has been made standard, with the same applying to the uprated brakes comprising red-painted brake calipers, 408 mm discs at the front and 380 mm at the rear.

Mounted on 20-inch at the front and 21-inch at the rear alloy wheels, the Carrera S also receives the sport exhaust system as standard, with the Porsche Active Suspension Management system and carbon composite brakes being cost options.

More kit

Compared to the 911 Carrera, the S carries over the 12.6-inch digital instrument cluster and 10.9-inch Porsche Communication Management system, but includes the black leather upholstery as standard, with the rear seats a no-cost option on the coupe and included on the cabriolet from the start.

On the equipment side, Porsche had made the Matrix LED headlights and wireless smartphone charger standard, though the Sport Chrono package, expanded leather package, Crayon stitch work and the lift system for the nose are all optional.

Power hike

Residing at the rear, the 911 Carrera S retains the turbocharged 3.0-litre flat-six from the base Carrera, but with a substantial uptake in power and torque from 290kW/450Nm to 353kW/530Nm.

Down 45kW/80Nm on the hybrid GTS but 63kW/80Nm up on the Carrera and 911 Carrera T, the S will get from 0-100 km/h in 3.3 seconds and reach a top speed of 308 km/h. As its name points out, drive is routed to the rear wheels only through the eight-speed PDK transmission.

Price

Now available for ordering, pricing for South Africa has also been confirmed at R3 037 000 for the coupe and R3 304 000 for the cabriolet, both inclusive of a three-year/100 000 km maintenance plan.

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