Three Reasons Why The Base Model 2025 Porsche 911 Carrera Is All You Need

Enough oomph on the entry-level trim

Even though the Carrera is the "base" 911, it’s still a luxury sports car with a price tag to match. So, expecting anything less than awesome would be silly. But before we get of ourselves, let’s break down what this 911’s got under the hood. For 2025, Porsche gave the base Carrera and the GTS models a refresh.

While the update on the GTS seems to be significant, the standard Carrera isn’t shying away either. While the 3.0-liter displacement remains identical, Porsche souped up the flat-six with the intercooler from the pre-facelift 911 Turbo and also swapped out the older turbochargers with units from the outgoing GTS.

The result? The lump produces a total of 388 horsepower, nine more than the outgoing Carrera. Torque remains identical at 331 pound-feet but is available from 2,000 revs, 100 more than the previous model. 0-60 mph comes in at 3.9 seconds, a tenth quicker than before. That said, we expect the base 911 Carrera to hit 60 mph in around 3.5 seconds in the real world because Porsche loves to understate its vehicle’s performance. As for top speed, Porsche claims that 2025 911 Carrera can go as fast as 183 mph.

The 911 Carrera is a luxury car, and it is designed like one

The exterior of the 2025 911 retains that iconic shape we all know and love - why mess with a classic form, right? But Porsche did give it a little facelift with updated bumpers. The real headliner, though, is the standard Matrix LED headlight with automatic high beams. These redesigned headlights give off a refreshing vibe compared to the older 992.1 models. And if you’re feeling fancy, you can opt for the $2,530 HD Matrix LEDs for better visibility at night.

Inside though, the 2025 911 Carrera brings some disappointing updates. Porsche has ditched the central physical tachometer in favor of a massive 12.6-inch curved fully digital instrument panel. This screen is fully customizable and can be set to seven different layouts according to your preference. Additionally, gone is the racecar-like start/stop knob which is replaced with a plastic start/stop button. If you’re an analog lover, get ready to be disappointed, but digital-heavy interiors are now becoming the norm across the auto industry.

And the best part? The circular drive mode selector on the steering wheel, which was previously reserved with the Sport Chrono package, is now standard across the board. As for the back seats, they are non-existent by default, Porsche can throw them in for no extra cost. However, you should know that adding the rear seats will increase weight, which is not something you want unless you want added practicality.

Still the 911 to consider for your irregular track days

The base Porsche 911 is all the sports cars that most of us will ever need. Heck, I’d even argue it’s more than enough for most 911 buyers. Why? Because where the 911 truly shines is in the corners. Even the "entry-level" model should dance through the curves with remarkable agility and precision. Additionally, the brakes on the 992.2 911 Carrera are bigger than before, with six pistons at the front - these rotors should be enough to make you tame your 911 Carrera, both on the road and on the race track.

After reading reviews and comparing them, I’d wager that the lighter base Carrera without the crazy hybrid powertrain might actually be more fun for many drivers. Yes, I’m sure it won’t have the instantaneous throttle response and almost zero turbo lag of the GTS (the good ol’ turbochargers should take some ticks to spool up), but for a difference of $45,000, the base Carrera is a no-brainer. With less manic acceleration, you have more time to focus on the sublime steering and the way the car flows through corners. Plus, it’s likely to be easier on the rubber, your bum, and the brakes. So, there you have it. The 992.2 Porsche 911 Carrera, the most affordable 911, offers just the right amount of excitement and luxury.