Porsche 911 Type 991.2 Carrera S - 2016

Porsche 911 (991.2) Carrera S – model history (2017–2019)

When Porsche facelifted the 991 in late 2015, it did something radical: it turbocharged every Carrera. By the time the 420‑hp Carrera S of 2017–2019 hit showrooms, the controversy had largely given way to admiration. The new 3.0‑litre twin‑turbo flat‑six transformed everyday performance, delivering a huge swell of torque from low revs while preserving that rear‑engined balance and laser‑cut steering feel that made the 911 an icon.

Externally, the 991.2 brought the four‑point LED light signature, a reprofiled nose with active cooling flaps, and a vented rear deck with vertical slats. Inside, the 918‑inspired mode switch arrived with the optional Sport Chrono pack, including the cheeky 20‑second Sport Response button—a push‑to‑pass nudge that primed powertrain and gearbox for a burst of maximum attack. Rear‑axle steering, once the preserve of GT and Turbo models, became optional on the Carrera S, sharpening turn‑in and stability. PASM adaptive damping was standard; PDCC active anti‑roll, PTV Plus with a locking diff, PCCB ceramics, and a sports exhaust were on the menu.

On paper Porsche quoted 0–100 km/h in 3.9 s with PDK, or 3.7 s with Sport Chrono. In independent tests it often went quicker, edging into supercar territory while still being utterly usable. Period reviews from Top Gear, Autocar, evo and Car and Driver praised the bandwidth: supple ride, telepathic front end, and real‑world speed that embarrassed more exotic rivals. Purists missed the wail of the old naturally aspirated 3.8, but most agreed the new engine’s response was impressively linear for a turbo, and the manual gearbox option kept the faith.

Competition was fierce—AMG GT, Audi R8, Jaguar F‑Type R, Nissan GT‑R, and even McLaren’s 540C/570S—but the Carrera S regularly won comparison tests on road‑craft and everyday brilliance. Porsche’s Exclusive department even offered a factory Powerkit lifting the S to around 450 PS, foreshadowing the GTS that followed. Late in the run, WLTP/particulate‑filter changes made EU cars a touch quieter, a footnote for collectors chasing the most vocal examples.

In brand terms, the 991.2 Carrera S proved Porsche could meet emissions realities without dulling the 911’s essence. It set the template for the 992’s broad‑shouldered competence, while reminding everyone that the sweet spot of the range often sits one rung below the halo cars. It also became a YouTube darling—featured by Chris Harris and countless channels—showing how a 2+2 with luggage space can double as a scalpel on a mountain pass. If the 911 is about evolution, the 991.2 Carrera S is a textbook chapter.