2020 Porsche 911: Meet the 992

[paliknight]

The 2020 Porsche 911 Carrera is finally here. Code-named 992, this is the eighth new version of the 911 in this benchmark sports car's 55-year history. It makes its debut in Carrera 4S form today in Los Angeles, and as you probably guessed, it's a big deal.

Of course, in the great 911 tradition, the 992 doesn't look all that different than its predecessor, the 991. Evolution rather than revolution is the name of the game here. The basic underlying structure and 96.5-inch wheelbase of the 991 has been carried over here, but the 992 wears new bodywork and brings a number of important suspension changes. Save for the front and rear fascias, the body is made entirely from aluminum, too.

You might have noticed the wide fenders by this point. Traditionally a hallmark of all-wheel drive 911s, now every version, regardless of the number of driven wheels, will sport enlarged fenders. It looks cool, but it also allowed Porsche to lengthen track widths at the front and rear. Also bigger are the wheels, which will be staggered in every version of the 911 (previously only the GT3 RS and GT2 RS offered such a setup). Base Carrera models will get 19-inch wheels up front and 20s in the rear, while Carrera S models will get 20s and 21s, respectively.

The door handles now sit flush with the bodywork and extend out when pressed, while the squared off front hood is meant to evoke early air-cooled 911s. The 992 also gets a wider electronically adjustable rear spoiler, while the body-length rear light bar reserved for Carrera 4 models in the past will now appear on every 911.

Just like every 911 before it, the 992 has a flat-six mounted behind the rear axle. Its the same twin-turbo 3.0-liter used in current Carrera models, but thanks to revisions to the turbo and fuel-injection systems, it now makes 443 horsepower in Carrera S models, 23 more than before. Porsche didn't announce power levels for the base Carrera, but expect a 15-hp increase over the outgoing model, bringing things from 370 to 385 horsepower.

Even as the 911 becomes more modern, Porsche will still offer a manual transmission for the 992, likely a seven-speed carried over from the 991. Here, though, Porsche is presenting the new 911 with an eight-speed dual-clutch. Equipped with the optional Sport Chrono package, this transmission helps bring the Carrera S to 60 mph in 3.3 seconds, and 3.2 seconds for the Carrera 4S. We don't have weight figures yet, but thanks to the increased usage of aluminum, it shouldn't change too much from the 991. Top speed is 191 mph for the Carrera S and 190 mph for the Carrera 4S.

There's a lot more tech in the 992, as well. A new Wet driving mode tunes the ABS and stability control to help maximize traction, as the name suggests, in the wet. Automatic emergency braking is now standard while a night-vision camera is optional. Inside, you'll find the Porsche's snazzy new infotainment system ported over from the Panamera, while the gauge cluster features two digital screens flanking the traditional analog tachometer in the center. That's right—the 911 no longer has five individual gauges.

Porsche is only showing off the 992 in Carrera 4S guise now, but the rear-drive Carrera S should follow shortly; the base Carrera and Carrera 4 will arrive at a later date. Pricing for the 2020 911 Carrera S starts at $113,200 while the Carrera 4S is $120,600—representing an increase of over $8000 over the 991. Both will arrive at US dealers next summer.

Over the next few years, we'll see the usual collection of 911 variants, too: Expect a Carrera GTS, a Carrera T, a Turbo, and a GT3 at the very least. Cabriolet and Targa body styles should return, too. A plug-in hybrid is also a possibility, but not immediately.

We'll be speaking with the engineers and designers behind the 992 at the LA Auto Show this week, so watch this space for more. In the meantime, enjoy these pictures of a sports car you're going to be seeing a lot of over the next decade.

FULL ARTICLE HERE

[Gossypiboma]

Its got a flat ass, dont like.

[mk1-fan]

I prefer the 991.2, especially the rear.

That said, it is not bad to look at, but I don't like the bumper mounted exhausts.

[c1pher]

Originally Posted by mk1-fan

I prefer the 991.2, especially the rear.

That said, it is not bad to look at, but I don't like the bumper mounted exhausts.

I like the 2012+ look. I’m searching for a CPO base 2017 Carrera with PDK so hopefully the prices drop bit more once the 2020s arrive with people upgrading.

[Grumpy Old Man]

I'm not loving the rear end, I can't quite put my finger on it but I think the tail lights are too small and a bit too high.

[ASAP]

I like it a lot... the interior is a huge step up (that is where imho the Porsche 911 was lacking the most)

[paliknight]

Originally Posted by ASAP

I like it a lot... the interior is a huge step up (that is where imho the Porsche 911 was lacking the most)

completely agree

[Red Bread]

Looks great not sure about the labia 3rd brake lights though. The shifter just looks dumb too.

[TomD335xicoupe]

Beautiful car. In my world there is no substitute for the 993 any variant and or the RSA but I would have no issue driving this variation till the wheels fell off.

[Grumpy Old Man]

Originally Posted by TomD335xicoupe

Beautiful car. In my world there is no substitute for the 993 any variant and or the RSA but I would have no issue driving this variation till the wheels fell off.

993 in the driveway, it took a long time to get one there but I agree that it's the best looking of the 911's

[baege]

I like it
the wide body on every model is a cool innovation

[darielsantana]

I really like the car. We just need to get used to it. Interior is spectacular but the mini gear selector.

[GuidoK]

I like it.
Looks really big though. I saw this review (taken at the actual photoshoot), and when someone stands next to it, those rear 20" wheels are massive.
review is in dutch so not really interesting for most
www.youtube.com/watch?v=_GbBpCkjCB8

[uniqueMR]

Beautiful. Flawless. Loving it.

[uniqueMR]

99% I will jump into 992 GT3
Few years to go

[JibSTir13]

The rear looks much more modern.

All models getting the widebody is a great move.

The interior is a huge improvement. The shift knob looks a little odd although I understand they wanted the interior switches to have a consistent design/look.

Looking forward to seeing the GT variants.

[Darth One]

It's starting to grow on me. I still feel 911's should be small cars, but that ship has sailed long ago.

Still hate the long light strip on the rear end and the shifter by Braun. Hopefully there are aftermarket options to replace that crap. The rest of it looks pretty good

[DDD31]

Originally Posted by Darth One

It's starting to grow on me. I still feel 911's should be small cars, but that ship has sailed long ago.

Still hate the long light strip on the rear end and the shifter by Braun. Hopefully there are aftermarket options to replace that crap. The rest of it looks pretty good

nailed it.

[baege]

I also wish it was a bit smaller
but 73 inches width is still not too bad
same as an m2

[GuidoK]

Originally Posted by DDD31

nailed it.

OMG once its seen it cannot be unseen

[x3sm]

Originally Posted by DDD31

nailed it.

Originally Posted by Darth One

It's starting to grow on me. I still feel 911's should be small cars, but that ship has sailed long ago.

Still hate the long light strip on the rear end and the shifter by Braun. Hopefully there are aftermarket options to replace that crap. The rest of it looks pretty good

Haha, I was trying to figure out where I seen that gear shifter before lol in my bathroom drawer

[NickyC]

Meh, step back imho. Looks more like a Panamera now.

In all fairness what is left to be done with that general design?