2025 Porsche 911 Carrera S Bridges the Gap Between Performance and Precision
Porsche has unveiled the 2025 911 Carrera S, a model that strategically positions itself between the base 911 Carrera and the more performance-focused 911 Carrera GTS. With notable enhancements in power, design, and standard equipment, the Carrera S aims to offer enthusiasts a blend of everyday usability and spirited driving dynamics.
Engine Upgrades Boost Performance
At the heart of the 2025 Carrera S lies an upgraded 3.0-liter twin-turbocharged boxer six-cylinder engine. This powerplant now produces an impressive 473 horsepower and 390 lb.-ft. of torque, marking a significant increase of 30 hp over its predecessor. These figures place the Carrera S closer to the previous generation's GTS model in terms of raw power.
When equipped with the Sport Chrono Package, the Carrera S Coupe accelerates from 0 to 60 mph in just 3.1 seconds—0.2 seconds quicker than the outgoing model. The propulsion is managed by an eight-speed Porsche dual-clutch transmission (PDK) that directs power to the rear wheels, allowing for a top track speed of 191 mph.
Comparing the Carrera Lineup
The 2025 Carrera S positions itself neatly between the standard Carrera and the higher-end Carrera GTS. The base 911 Carrera, with its 3.0-liter twin-turbo engine producing 388 hp and 331 lb.-ft. of torque, starts at $120,100 for the Coupe and $133,400 for the Cabriolet. It achieves 0-60 mph in under 4 seconds when equipped with the optional Sport Chrono Package.
On the other end, the 2025 Carrera GTS boasts a more potent 3.6-liter six-cylinder boxer engine with an electrically driven turbocharger (T-Hybrid system), delivering 532 hp and 449 lb.-ft. of torque. The GTS accelerates to 60 mph in under 3 seconds and reaches a top speed of 194 mph, with a starting MSRP of $164,900.
The Carrera S, starting at $146,400 for the Coupe and $159,600 for the Cabriolet, offers a balance of performance and value. It provides a substantial power increase over the standard Carrera while remaining more accessible than the GTS.
Enhanced Standard Features
Porsche has enriched the Carrera S with a host of standard equipment enhancements. Performance-wise, it now includes a Sport Exhaust system with silver tailpipes and larger brakes borrowed from the previous generation's GTS models—408 mm discs at the front and 380 mm at the rear. The vehicle rides on staggered 20-inch front and 21-inch rear Carrera S wheels, and features updated dampers with optimized hydraulics for improved responsiveness and ride quality.
The standard inclusion of Porsche Torque Vectoring Plus (PTV+) enhances handling dynamics by actively controlling the rear differential lock. For those seeking additional performance, options such as Porsche Ceramic Composite Brakes (PCCB), PASM Sport Suspension (which lowers the ride height by 10 mm), and rear-axle steering are available. The optional rear-axle steering not only improves agility at lower speeds but also increases stability during high-speed maneuvers.
Interior Refinements and Technology
Inside, the Carrera S receives significant upgrades. An increased application of leather trim now comes standard, covering the seats, headrests, upper dashboard, and upper door panels. Buyers can opt for rear seats at no extra cost in the Coupe variant, while the Cabriolet includes them as standard. A full leather interior package extends the premium feel by adding leather to the lower dashboard, glove box lid, rear side panels, and rear tunnel.
The vehicle also benefits from the latest technological features shared across the 911 range. Matrix Design LED headlights improve nighttime visibility, while a cooled wireless smartphone charger enhances connectivity. The heated steering wheel includes a drive mode selector, allowing drivers to switch between various driving modes effortlessly. Optional features such as the HD-Matrix Design LED headlights and the Sport Chrono Package—with the Porsche Track Precision app—cater to enthusiasts looking to personalize their driving experience.
A Balanced Addition to the 911 Family
The 2025 Porsche 911 Carrera S fills a critical niche in the brand's storied lineup. It offers a compelling mix of increased power, enhanced standard features, and customization options that bring it close to the performance realm of the GTS, yet at a more approachable price point. With deliveries expected to begin in Spring 2025, the Carrera S Coupe and Cabriolet are poised to attract drivers who seek a 911 that harmoniously blends daily drivability with track-capable performance.
-Ed
2025 Porsche 911 Carrera S
