992.2 Carrera S Vs. 992.1 Carrera S: Here's What Changed

What You Can See

Starting with design, the 992.1 Carrera S features a wide body, distinctive four-point matrix LED headlights similar to the base 992.2 Carrera, and a retractable rear spoiler. The 2025 992.2 Carrera S retains the iconic 911 silhouette but introduces subtle updates, such as a revised front fascia and front bumper with the prominent radar sensors. The optional Sport Design Package spruces things up with a distinctive front facia, side skirts in exterior cooler and a unique rear facia.

The side-profile is where its rather difficult to tell the two models apart and in typical Porsche fashion remains more or less the same. The Carrera S continues to ride on staggered 20-inch front and 21-inch rear wheels. But much of the wheel designs remain more or less the same, but two optional styles: Carrera Exclusive Design ($2,630) and Carrera Exlusive Manufaktur with carbon blade wheels ($6,530) can help greatly with setting your Carrera S apart. I just wish that there were more ways to set the Carrera S apart with some trim specific colors, wheels or options.

At the rear, design cues similar to the 992.2 GT3 Touring are present, including updated reflectors and rear bumper design, while maintaining the oval exhaust outlets. The Porsche script now sits lower between the longer turn signal lights. The license plate is now integrated into the upper part of the bumper and I’m personally fan of this aesthetic. Look closely and you’ll also notice far fewer strakes on that vertical plastic decklid.

What’s New Inside

Stepping inside the 2025 Carrera S, there’s expanded use of leather. The seats, upper dashboard, and door panels are now wrapped in supple leather, elevating the cabin’s luxury feel. For a personalized touch, the Exclusive Manufaktur Leather Interior ($15k) offers up to 48 two-tone combinations, allowing for a bespoke cabin experience. Additionally, the standard two-seat configuration can be expanded. If you want, rear seats can be added at no extra cost, providing flexibility based on my needs. The Cabriolet will only be offered with 4 seats.

The transition to an all-digital instrument panel replacing the traditional analog tachometer was something that I expected. While modern and sleek, I do find myself missing the classic Le-Mans twist-style starter, now substituted with a standard start-stop button. Other additions include a cooled wireless charging pad for your phone.

What You Can’t See

The 2025 992.2 Carrera S builds on its predecessor’s 3.0-liter twin-turbocharged flat-six, now producing 473 horsepower 30 more than the 992.1 while maintaining 390 pound-feet of torque. This gain is thanks to new turbochargers borrowed from the outgoing 992.1 GTS, a reworked charge-air cooling system, and redesigned intercoolers. The result? A 0-60 mph time of just 3.1 seconds (with the Sport Chrono Package) and a top speed of 191 mph, improvements over the 992.1’s 3.3-second sprint and 190 mph top speed.

While the 992.1 offered both a 7-speed manual and 8-speed PDK, the 992.2 Carrera S drops the manual option entirely. Enthusiasts craving a stick will need to look to the manual-only Carrera T or consider the 992.1 market, where well-maintained examples start around $130,000. Alternatively, the GT3 Touring remains a manual option but commands a starting price of $222,000. The 992.1 Carrera S was offered with both rear-wheel drive and all-wheel drive (as the Carrera 4S). The 2025 992.2 Carrera S is currently available with rear-wheel drive, with an all-wheel-drive variant expected to join the lineup soon.

The 2025 Carrera S enhances both performance and comfort with standard features like a sport exhaust system and larger GTS-derived brakes (16-inch front and 15-inch rear discs). Updated dampers offer improved driving dynamics for spirited and everyday use. Porsche Torque Vectoring Plus (PTV+) remains standard, further refining the handling experience.

Noteworthy optional features include:

• Porsche Ceramic Composite Brakes (PCCB) for under $10,000

• PASM Sport Suspension ($1,210)

• Rear-axle steering ($2,090)

The 2025 Carrera S Coupe starts at $146,400, a $15,000 premium over the 992.1 at launch. Cabriolet variants begin at $159,600, nearing the entry-level GTS, 164k. Deliveries are expected to start in Spring 2025.

Carrera S 992.1 Vs. 992.2