Strengths

Top-tier sports car performance; surprising practicality; available all-wheel drive; a standard of sports cars worldwide

 

Changes

Minor changes and tweaks are in store for the 2010 Porsche 911 series. The Turbo trim gets a new engine and refined chassis tuning, while the track-oriented GT3 returns after a one-year absence. The limited-edition GT2 from 2009 is no longer available but the X51 Power Kit is again an option on all S trims.

 

Value

Produced since 1963, the Porsche 911 has lured admirers and loyal fans with its seductive, classic shapes and world-class manufacturing standards. The 911 (also known as the 911 Carrera) is also surprisingly practical for an exotic sports car, with fold-down rear seats to expand the cargo area, plus a second cargo area in front. All-wheel drive trims offer all-weather traction, allowing the 911 to be on the road or track year-round. MSRP for the standard 911 is $77,800 while the Turbo trims start at $132,800-no economy car, but at that price, supercar performance and legendary automotive pedigree is assured.

 

Overview

Porsche's family of rear-engine 911 sport cars is available in three power levels for 2010 -- the 'standard', S and Turbo -- and in three body styles -- Coupe, Targa and Cabriolet. A special GT3 trim is also available for 2010.

Standard for 2010 on the base 911 is a 3.6L horizontally opposed 6-cylinder engine offering 345 horsepower and 288 pound-feet of torque. S trims get a 3.8L version hat makes 385 horsepower and 310 pound-feet of torque. The Turbo coupe and all Cabriolets are powered by a twin-intercooled, twin-turbocharged 3.8L engine that uses variable turbine technology to help it churn out 480 horsepower and 480 pound-feet of torque that starts at 1950 rpm. The Turbo and Cabriolet trims come in all-wheel drive form.

A 6-speed manual gearbox is standard across the line, while Porsche's all-new dual-clutch 7-speed PDK (Porsche Doppelkupplung) automatic transmission is available on all but the Turbo trims, which employ the traditional 'Tiptronic S' 5-speed system. That 5-speed transmission is optional on all other trims.

For 2010 the 911 comes with a standard anti-theft system, automatic climate control, power accessories, heated mirrors, HID headlights, leather-wrapped steering wheel, performance tires and sunroof. Split-folding rear 2+2 seatbacks allow for an expanded cargo area in back and there's also a substantial cargo area in front.

Standard safety equipment includes antilock 4-wheel disc brakes, a full array of air bags, traction control and electronic stability control.

The options list is for the 911 is considerable, and includes various wheel and trim upgrades. Packages available include the Sport Chrono-Plus package, which brings a more aggressive throttle calibration, built-in lap timer and navigation system.

The unique Targa, often described as a sporty best-combination of coupe and convertible, features a panoramic roof system that opens completely when desired. The Targa also has hatchback-style access to the cargo area, a pop-up back window and is the only 911 model with a lower tailgate that opens separately. This body style is not available as a Turbo. All Cabriolet trims get a 3-layer soft top that can be opened or closed in about 20 seconds, plus pop-up rollover bars behind the rear seats.

There are also several all-wheel drive variants of the 911: the Carrera 4 and 4S Coupe, the Cabriolet trims and the Targa 4 and 4S. Porsche's AWD system can send from 5 to 40% of engine torque to the front wheels when needed. These trims also get larger wheels and tires and a widened track for an aggressive appearance.

Standard on Turbo trims and available on other trims, the Porsche Active Suspension Management (PASM) system adjusts damper stiffness for driving conditions and works in conjunction with the stability control system.

The track-oriented GT3 trim returns for 2010. Featuring a naturally aspirated version of the standard 911's 3.6L flat-6 but tuned to generate an intense 415 horsepower and 300 pound-feet of torque, the GT3 is offered with only a 6-speed manual transmission, shorter gear ratios and in rear-wheel drive form only. The GT3 features a dry-sump lubrication system, a transmission oil cooler and race-worthy 6-piston brakes. 19" wheels and special aerodynamic treatments show the car is serious. A Bose audio system with 5.1 surround and 13 speakers is one of the few compromises the GT3 makes for comfort. MSRP starts at around $113,000.