By Cars.com Staff
Cars.com National October 31, 2008Vehicle Overview
Porsche's flagship 911 comes in more than a dozen variants, most of which have substantial mechanical upgrades for 2009. At the low end, the car competes with the Mercedes-Benz SL-Class and BMW 6 Series; higher-performing trims are in a price range with the Maserati Gran Turismo and Aston Martin V8 Vantage.
New for 2009
All but the high-performance 911 Turbo have new six-cylinder engines with improved airflow and direct-injection technology. For these engines, a new twin-clutch transmission that Porsche calls PDK replaces last year's Tiptronic as the automatic option. Improved brakes, some minor visual tweaks and revamped center controls with optional iPod integration round out the major changes.
Exterior
Offered as a soft-top convertible, metal-roofed coupe or glass-roofed Targa, the 911 has new LED taillights, larger mirrors and reshaped bumper openings for 2009. At 175.8 inches long, the 911 measures a few inches shorter than its BMW and Mercedes-Benz peers. A rear spoiler deploys at 75 mph to enhance high-speed stability; the 911 Turbo has a fixed spoiler.
- Bi-xenon headlights
- 18-inch alloy wheels
- Available 19-inch alloys
- Available adaptive suspension
- Dual or quad exhaust pipes
- Brake calipers painted silver, red or yellow
- Rear-mounted engine, with small luggage area under the hood
- Glass hatch (Targa)
- Power-operated soft-top (convertible)
Interior
The four-seat interior has a purposeful layout and stiffly bolstered seats. The rear seatbacks fold to form a makeshift cargo shelf. Front sport seats with larger bolsters are optional, as are non-adjustable racing buckets.
- Metal sunroof
- Automatic climate control
- Retractable glass roof with power sunshades (Targa)
- Partial leather seats, with full leather optional
- Optional leather-wrapped dashboard
- Optional navigation system
- Optional Bose surround-sound audio and full iPod integration
- Optional power-adjustable seats with memory driver's seat
Under the Hood
The 911's horizontally opposed six-cylinder engines measure 3.6 or 3.8 liters. Though those displacements are similar to the outgoing engines', Porsche says both engines are all-new. The 911 Turbo continues with a turbocharged 3.6-liter engine. Manual or twin-clutch automatic transmissions are offered.
- 3.6-liter six-cylinder makes 345 horsepower and 288 pounds-feet of torque
- 3.8-liter six-cylinder makes 385 hp and 310 pounds-feet of torque
- Standard six-speed manual
- Available seven-speed PDK twin-clutch auto-manual with paddle shifters
- Available Sport Chrono Package Plus with performance modes for heightened accelerator sensitivity and swifter PDK shifting
- Rear- or all-wheel drive
- Turbo has 480 hp, all-wheel drive and manual or Tiptronic auto
Safety
Available adaptive headlights swivel up to 15 degrees to better illuminate corners.
- Dual front airbags
- Seat-mounted side-impact airbags
- Door-mounted side curtain airbags (included on convertibles, too)
- Pop-up rollover bars behind rear seats (convertibles)
- All-disc antilock brakes with high-performance ceramic brakes optional
- Electronic stability system
- Traction control
Additional Reviews
Cars.com Expert Reviews
| Kelsey Mays | Cars.com National | October 28, 2008 |
| Cars.com Staff | Cars.com National | October 31, 2008 |
Affiliate Reviews
| Jim Mateja | chicagotribune.com | April 5, 2009 |
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