The introduction of a heavily revised Porsche 911 comes with a significant reduction in the number of 911 models in Porsche dealerships. While the company offered nearly a dozen 911 variants in 2004, it has just four in 2005. This simplification is likely to be short-lived, however, as Porsche rolls out more versions of the new 911 over the next few model years. A convertible should reach showrooms by the fall. For now, only the 911 Carrera and Carrera S are built on the new platform (designated internally as the 997).
The least expensive 911 is the Carrera ($69,300). It's powered by a 3.6-liter version of Porsche's classic flat six-cylinder "boxer'' engine generating 325 horsepower (10 more than last year) and 273 pound-feet of torque. Standard equipment includes leather-trimmed height-adjustable seats with power recliners, a digital AM/FM/CD stereo, trip computer, leather telescoping steering wheel, power windows, power locks with keyless remote, cruise control, and a speed-dependent retractable rear spoiler. The 2005 Carrera is the first "entry level" 911 equipped with 18-inch wheels.
For 2005, Porsche offers two different 911 engine sizes for the first time since 1977. The Carrera S ($79,100) is powered by a 3.8-liter boxer six, delivering 350 horsepower and 295 pound-feet of torque and shaving 0.2 seconds from the standard Carrera's 0-60 mph times. Besides the bigger engine, the Carrera S adds Porsche's new Active Suspension Management technology, 19-inch wheels with larger brakes and red-painted calipers, Bi-Xenon headlights, a sport steering wheel and aluminum-look interior trim.
The remaining 2005 911s are both based on the older platform (known within Porsche as the 996), but neither is anything to sneeze at. The all-wheel-drive 911 Turbo S ($131,400) gets Porsche's race-bred, twin-turbocharged version of the 3.6-liter engine, creating a whopping 444 horsepower. The Turbo S comes with Porsche's Ceramic Composite Brakes, which use exotic nonmetallic discs, and comfort and convenience upgrades such as full leather interior and a high-power, Bose-tuned stereo with a six-disc CD changer. The Turbo S Cabriolet ($141,200) is a Turbo S with a power-operated convertible top.
All 2005 911s come standard with new safety features. Porsche Stability Management, an electronically controlled system that helps a driver maintain control in the event of a skid, was previously a $1300 option on some models; it's now standard on all 911s starting with the Carrera. Further, the Carrera and Carrera S are the first 911s equipped with curtain-style head protection airbags. These deploy from the doors and augment the front and side-impact torso airbags.
Before it's finished, Porsche will surely roll out a host of 997-based 911 variants. For now Carrera and Carrera S buyers will have to do their personalizing from the option sheet, and there are a lot of options to choose from. These include performance enhancing equipment like the Ceramic Composite Brakes and practical things such as a roof-transport system that can turn a 911 into a building material or bike-hauling workhorse. Other more conventional options include Porsche Communication Management, which incorporates audio, navigation system, and trip computer into a single control interface ($2,680); heated seats ($410); metallic paint ($825); and a CD changer ($715).
Not personal enough? Go for the Deviating Front Seat Stitching Color ($335), the Leather Dome Lamp Cover ($335) or the Non-Metallic Paint to Sample ($4,315). They'll gladly match the color of the stone in your fraternity ring. Porsche maintains its long tradition of factory customization, with options that cover colors and materials for virtually every part or surface inside the car. And if there's not an existing option, Porsche will likely go off the card, for a price. Ostrich door pulls or jade-faced pedals might be doable.