2023 Porsche 911 Carrera Review
The Porsche 911 Carrera has earned its reputation as one of the most iconic sports cars on the market. With its aggressive styling, powerful engine, and luxurious features, it’s no wonder that people around the world are clamoring for a chance to take this vehicle home today.
But how does the 2023 model measure up? In this review, we’ll take a closer look at everything from performance specs to cabin amenities to see if this is truly an automobile worthy of your hard-earned dollars. Whether you’re looking for a great daily driver or something exceptional, join us for all the details about this fantastic iteration of the classic Porsche!
Porsche continues to innovate with their illustrious lineup of 911s, and they have now announced the limited production 2023 Dakar Edition. With a higher standard ride height and optional lift system that increases it by an additional 1.2 inches, the Dakar Edition is built for off-roading and comes equipped with all-terrain tires and two exclusive off-road drive modes. If you’re looking for something extra for true Overlanding adventures, you can equip your Dakar with an available roof basket.
Overview
The Porsche 911 is a timeless icon of automotive excellence. Its lauded performance and handling invoke a response that rivals such as the Aston Martin Vantage and Audi R8 seek to emulate. The classic 911’s flagship model has a twin-turbo flat-six engine that pushes up to 473 horsepower and comes with rear or all-wheel drive options.
From coupes to cabrios and Targa styles, Porsche ensures that no matter what taste you have in automobiles, the 911 has got something you’ll love. Every aspect of this car has been built for maximum convenience and comfort, which is why it rightly carries its legacy of being one of the best performance cars available today.
Engine and Performance
With its high-powered engine, the Porsche 911 is a dream come true for performance driving enthusiasts. From the base Carrera to the GTS, it’s clear that power and speed are guaranteed in every model of this unique vehicle. Under the hood sits a twin-turbo 3.0-liter flat-six-cylinder engine that delivers an impressive 379 horsepower, with versions like the S producing 443 ponies and the amazing GTS producing 473 horses.
Drivers who want more control can opt for a fantastic seven-speed manual transmission, offered upon purchase of an S or GTS – while all models are also standardly equipped with a quickly shifting eight-speed automatic transmission.
Rear-wheel drive comes standard on coupes and cabriolets, but all-wheel drive can be added if you’re looking for high performance in any season; the Targa is only available in an all-wheel drive option. Both we and other testers have first experienced how adept this beauty is at handling roads — wet, dry, or otherwise — without fail.
Interior and design
The interior of the 911 infuses sophistication rather than a complication, resulting in a comfortable and intuitive space. Porsche ingeniously integrates buttons, knobs, a large center cup holder, digital instruments, and a physical needle tachometer with a 7400-rpm redline – sure to suit any driving enthusiast’s needs.
With the added benefit of low-slung and supportive seating, an adjustable steering wheel, and plenty of legroom for taller drivers; there’s an extra something for everyone in this modern design classic. But it’s not all perfect; some user experience issues can be frustrating, and additional storage cubbies would be great. That said, whether you’re piloting or just chauffeuring – the interior and design of the 911 will undoubtedly add style to your journey.
Comfort ability
The 911 offers an impressive level of comfort, even with its performance capabilities. Our test vehicle featured the optional sport suspension, and though it transmitted every bump in the road, impacts were never too harsh, even when driving in Sport mode.
Road noise might be more evident than some rivals’ sports cars, but it’s manageable; however, on cold startup, the engine sounds unrefined and lacks the classic flat-six sound that many longtime Porsche owners would recognize. The optional ventilated adaptive sport seats provide comfort even after long drives, ensuring you reach your destination without feeling stiff or sore.
Technology
Porsche is renowned for its driver-focused cars, and this approach extends to technology too. However, many advanced features of the 911 could be better executed, leaving drivers frustrated. The high-level touchscreen, controller knob, and on-screen buttons stand out where usability leaves something to be desired, with Apple CarPlay’s wireless connectivity being a more accessible option.
Furthermore, the standard audio system isn’t great either – it sounds flat and lacks clarity. In short, while Porsche may have prioritized the driving experience first and foremost, there is still ample room for improvement regarding its use of technology.
Wildcard
The Porsche 911 Carrera S is the wildcard of sports cars; it packs a fantastic punch when you’re in the mood for spirited driving but is still docile enough to handle routine daily tasks. Its affinity for tight turns and precise steering remains intact, allowing drivers to push the boundaries without sacrificing control. Not only that, its long-time reputation with stylishly designed, iconic looks gives it a timeless desirability that no other car can quite match. Regarding being a crowd pleaser, the 911 Carrera S certainly earns itself the title of ‘wildcard’.
Fuel Economy and Real-World MPG
Testing data from the EPA suggests that while fuel economy may not be the first thing drivers consider when deciding on a Porsche 911, they shouldn’t worry. These iconic sports cars provide surprisingly efficient performance. The Carrera S with a manual transmission is the most efficient model, boasting an impressive 18 mpg city and 25 mpg highway rating. Others manage to stay close by.
Our testing on a 75 mph highway route revealed that the Carrera and Carrera S models (both equipped with automatics) delivered 33 and 30 mpg, respectively. Check out the EPA’s website for more detailed information about Porsche’s 911 fuel economy figures!
Infotainment and Connectivity
The new Porsche 911 model puts a premium on infotainment and connectivity, offering an impressive 10.9-inch touchscreen embedded in the dashboard and state-of-the-art voice commands. It also includes rotary push-button controls nestled in the console for increased convenience.
And when it comes to modern conveniences like a Wi-Fi hotspot or Apple CarPlay integration, there’s no need to sweat – both wireless and wired options are available with every model. But if you care deeply about audio, you’ll also be pleased to hear that top-of-the-line Bose and Burmester surround-sound systems can also be ordered.
