Vehicle Spotlight: 2015 Porsche 911
The Legend Continues
Few cars stay in production for over a half century, but it’s not surprising the Porsche 911 has achieved that feat. The latest 2015 model packs segment-leading technology into the classic rear-engine 911 package. That should make this 911 a legend 50 years from now.
Powertrains and Performance
With the Porsche 911, the only question is: how much speed do you want?
It may be the “base” model, but the 2015 911 Carrera still has a 3.4-liter flat-six, which produces 350 horsepower and 287 pound-feet of torque.
In basic coupe form, that’s enough to get the Carrera from 0 to 60 mph in 4.6 seconds with the seven-speed manual transmission and on to a top speed of 179 mph, or 4.2 seconds and a 178 mph top speed with the seven-speed PDK dual-clutch automatic and optional Sport Chrono Package.
The next model in the hierarchy is the Carrera S, which features an upsized 3.8-liter flat-six good for 400 horsepower and 325 pound-feet of torque. It will launch itself to 60 mph from a standstill in 4.3 seconds and on to a top speed in 188 mph with the manual transmission, or 3.9 seconds and 187 mph with the PDK and Sport Chrono Package.
Both Carrera models come standard with rear-wheel drive, and benefit from a little extra traction compared to most rear-drive cars thanks to the 911’s rear-mounted engine. However, all-wheel drive Carrera 4 and Carrera 4S models are also available for snowier climates.
Things get much more serious with the 2015 911 GT3. This is a more hardcore version of the 911 with a faster-acting suspension, better aerodynamics, and a version of the 3.8-liter flat-six that produces 475 horsepower and 325 pound-feet of torque. Available exclusively with the PDK automatic, the GT3 rockets from 0 to 60 mph in 3.3 seconds and will keep going until it reaches 195 mph.
The GT3 isn’t the ultimate 911, though. While the other versions are high-performance sports cars, the 2015 911 Turbo is a bona fide supercar.
Like the name says, this 911 has a turbocharged version of the 3.8-liter flat-six, producing 520 horsepower and 487 pound-feet of torque or 560 horsepower and 516 pound-feet of torque in Turbo S trim.
The all-wheel drive 911 Turbo also features sophisticated active aerodynamics for maximum grip. Only available with the PDK transmission, the Turbo will do 0 to 60 mph in an unbelievable 3.2 seconds (3.0 seconds with the Sport Chrono Package) and hit 195 mph. The Turbo S betters that performance with a time of 2.9 seconds, and a top speed of 197 mph.
Features and Trims
Starting at $84,300,* there are no less than 16 911 models available, making it easy for buyers to find the perfect one. In addition to the standard two-door coupe body style, the Carrera and Turbo models are also available as convertibles.
There’s also a Targa body style that’s unique to the 911. Reintroduced for 2014, the Targa features a retractable roof panel that offers the top-down experience of a convertible with the style of a coupe. It’s available in Targa 4 and Targa 4S models with the same powertrains as the Carrera 4 and 4S.
No matter which 911 model you choose, it will come well-equipped. Standard features include four-way powered sport seats, a seven-inch center-stack display, two-zone automatic climate control, and a nine-speaker audio system.
From there, Porsche offers enough 911 options to fill a bookshelf. From tech features like park-distance control and upgraded audio, to aluminum, carbon fiber, or wood trim seat belts that match the car’s exterior color. The possibilities are nearly infinite.
Exterior/Interior
Most of us could only hope to look so good after more than half a century on this Earth, and yet the 911 manages to do so with alarming ease. The 2015 911 has come a long way from the original 1963 model of course, with a streamlined, elongated shape that maximizes aerodynamic efficiency and interior space, while still retaining the classic look.
That look is refined depending on which model you choose. Whether it’s the big rear spoilers on the GT3 and Turbo or the Targa’s brushed stainless-steel roll hoop, each model has its own unique look.
On the inside, the 2015 911 has a driver-focused cockpit inspired by the Carrera GT supercar. The center console arches to keep controls within easy reach of the driver and, in a clear indication of Porsche’s priorities, the tachometer is right in the center of the gauge cluster.
Safety
Porsche pays just as much attention to safety as style and performance. The 2015 911 comes standard with front and side-impact airbags, as well as Porsche Stability Management (PSM) stability control, traction control, and anti-lock brakes. Convertible models also have spring-loaded roll bars for rollover protection.
Bottom Line
The 2015 Porsche 911 offers engineering and a range of models and options that puts every other car to shame. With over 50 years of history behind it, the 911 is one of the most iconic sports cars still in production, but it doesn’t rest on its laurels.
The latest model features more technology and performance than any previous generation, making the 2015 911 not only a worthy successor, but also a tough standard for other cars to beat.
For more information on current 911 incentives, or to test drive this iconic model, be sure to visit or contact us at Porsche Silver Spring.
*MSRP excludes any government fees or taxes, titling and registration fees, any finance charges, fees, or taxes.
Image: Porsche (European model shown with optional equipment)