Full 2014 Porsche 911 Review
What's New for 2014
For 2014, the new Turbo, Turbo S and GT3 models initially join the Porsche 911 lineup. Later in the model year, the Targa and the Turbo convertible variants further expand the family. To celebrate a half-century of 911s, there's also a 50th Anniversary edition.
Introduction
For 50 years, the Porsche 911 has been the quintessential sports car. Through the decades, it has remained true to its roots as a serious performer, with enough refinement and innovation to appeal to more sophisticated drivers with deeper pockets. Rather than explode onto the scene with a completely reworked 911 every generation, Porsche's top sports car has evolved, edging ever closer to perfection.
The latest 2014 Porsche 911 lineup follows this tradition, providing stunning performance, decadent luxury and all-day comfort in a single package. This year, its performance threshold increases, as the new-generation 911 Turbo, Turbo S and GT3 models join the lineup. The new Turbo and Turbo S get a turbocharged 3.8-liter six-cylinder that belts out 520 horsepower in the Turbo and 560 hp in the Turbo S. All-wheel drive is again standard, though the Turbo models do have a new four-wheel steering system. Also new: Porsche is only equipping them with the seven-speed automated manual (PDK) transmission.
No disrespect to the Turbo S -- it's the fastest 911 on the lot -- but the GT3 is still the baddest Porsche on the block. This track-oriented model features a normally aspirated 3.8-liter six-cylinder good for 475 hp and a hair-raising 9,000-rpm redline. The new four-wheel steering system is used here as well, as is the PDK transmission (specially tuned for GT3 use). Note that PDK is standard -- this is the first Porsche 911 GT3 not offered with a conventional manual gearbox.
Making their debut halfway into the model year are the Turbo convertible and the Targa versions. The former is as you'd expect: the Turbo in the convertible body style. But the latter is noteworthy in that it mimics the style and function of the classic 911 Targa. Rather than having a big, framed glass sunroof that slides rearward over the rear hatch glass (like the most recent Targas), the 2014 version has a large, frameless roof panel that powers out of sight behind the rear seats, providing a more open cabin. It also features the iconic brushed aluminum "Targa bar" and wrap-around rear window that recall the handsome style of the earlier Targas.
Body Styles, Trim Levels, and Options
The four-seat 2014 Porsche 911 features a deep roster of trim levels and distinct models.
The base model 911 Carrera starts with 19-inch alloy wheels with summer tires, automatic bi-xenon headlights, heated mirrors, full power accessories, dual-zone automatic climate control, four-way adjustable power seats (with manual fore-aft), a tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel, leather upholstery, a 7-inch touchscreen display, a navigation system, Bluetooth and a nine-speaker audio system with CD player and USB/iPod interface.
The Carrera 4 is similarly equipped, with the addition of slightly wider rear fenders and all-wheel drive. The rear-wheel-drive Carrera S adds a more powerful engine, 20-inch wheels, a slightly lower ride height, adaptive suspension dampers (PASM) and a torque-vectoring rear differential. The Carrera 4S includes the same features, along with all-wheel drive.
All the above models are also offered in convertible ("Cabriolet") versions, which have a power-operated cloth top and wind blocker that deploys behind the front seats. Furthermore, the Carrera 4 and 4S are also available in the Targa body style. The Targa features a power-operated, fully retractable rooftop panel that provides the comfort and security of a coupe when closed and the open-air exhilaration of a convertible when open.
For 2014, a special 50th Anniversary 911 coupe model is offered that features all of the Carrera S items, along with a more powerful engine, retro-styled wheels, the 4S model's wider rear bodywork, 10-way power-adjustable front seats (with four-way lumbar), driver memory settings, a power-adjustable steering wheel and unique interior and exterior trim.
