2009 Porsche 911 Carrera S Specs & Photos

The 911 Carrera sets the bar so high that very few rivals can dare compete with this exemplary sports car, courtesy of potent engine choices, outstanding sports handling, new Porsche Doppelkupplung (PDK) double-clutch transmission, updated and more eye-catching exterior design, and driver-focused interior styling. Jump down to the specs here.

In 2009, Porsche refreshed the 911, improving its suspension, brakes, lighting, interior and exterior styling, power, and more. When tested, Motor Trend called it ‘the best 911 yet,’ and it still is a matchless merger of performance, luxury, and style.

There are plenty of options to choose from – Carrera and Carrera S with a coupe or convertible body styles, and Carrera 4 and Carrera 4S featuring all-wheel drive for the previous trims. The Targa 4 and Targa 4S are basically AWD coupes with a bigger power-sliding glass roof, while the Turbo is accessible in both coupe and convertible.  

2009 911 Carrera S gains 30 horsepower increase from 3.8L powertrain

The Carrera carries a 3.6L, horizontally opposed six-cylinder engine generating 345 hp and 288 pound-feet. On the other hand, the Carrera S gets a 3.8L flat-6 that is good for 385 hp (compared to 355 hp the year before) and 310 lb-ft of torque. Both these trim levels come with standard rear-wheel drive.

For an all-wheel-drive layout, you need to go for the 4 or 4S. These two flat-6 engines pair with the standard six-speed manual or optional seven-speed dual-clutch PDK. Edmunds notes a 0 to 60 mph sprint of Carrera S Cabriolet PDK in 4.2 seconds.

The fuel economy rating isn’t bad for a high-performance sports car, with the Carrera S coupe (PDK) delivering 19/27/22 mpg, while the cabriolet offers 19/26/22 mpg city/highway/combined.

19-inch wheels, a sport suspension, larger brakes, and a sport steering wheel

The 911 Carrera features 18-inch wheels, bi-xenon headlights, a sunroof, cruise control, leather seating, power reclining front seats, split-folding rear seats, automatic climate control, a touchscreen, and a 9-speaker audio system with a CD/DVD/MP3 player. The Cabriolets add an electric soft top with a heated glass rear window and wind deflector.

The Carrera S trims add 19-inch wheels, a sport suspension with active damping on coupes (elective on convertibles), larger brakes, a sport steering wheel, and distinctive exterior and interior trim.

There are plenty of options you can add by unburdening your pockets, such as different wheel patterns, custom interior color designs, various kinds of leather, and a selection of numerous wood, aluminum, and carbon-fiber accents. Porsche offers the Sport Chrono Package for high-performance enthusiasts with PDK and launch control.

2009 Porsche 911 Carrera S Specs

2009 Porsche 911 Carrera S Photos

Photos: Amee Reehal