The 2009 Porsche 911 is perhaps the quintessential sports car; with its classic iconic design and prestigious pedigree, it's both elegant and timeless. Though Porsche began producing it many years ago, it still remains one of the most important high-performance cars available today. The Porsche 911 comes in a number of different trims and body styles, which include coupe and convertible styles. This world-class sports car is down-to-earth enough to drive to the office every day. It gives a firm but pleasant ride and impressively grips the road, so that you always feel in control. Although you can find newer supercars on the market, some with a more appealing look, none grab attention like the 911.
The 911 contains either a 3.6-liter, six-cylinder engine capable of producing 345 hp and 288 lb-ft of torque or a 3.8-liter, six-cylinder engine that delivers 385 hp and 310 lb-ft of torque. It comes with a standard six-speed manual transmission, but also offers a seven-speed PDK twin-clutch auto-manual with paddle shift. The turbo Porsche 911 offers 480 hp, four-wheel drive, and a six-speed manual transmission.
The Range
Body styles: coupe, convertible
Engines: 3.6-liter, 3.8-liter
Transmissions: six-speed manual, seven-speed PDK automated manual
Models: Porsche 911 Carrera, Porsche 911 Carrera 4, Porsche 911 Carrera S, Porsche 911 Targa 4, Porsche 911 Carrera 4S, Porsche 911 Targa 4S, Porsche 911 Turbo
What's New
In 2009, the Porsche 911 received a considerable number of updates. These include a redesigned front and rear fascia with new LED taillights, larger mirrors, and reshaped bumpers. It now comes with larger brakes, new direct-injection engines, and a touchscreen interface in the center console. New optional extras include an automated manual gearbox, ventilated seats, satellite radio, Bluetooth, and an audio connection package.
Exterior
The Porsche 911 is instantly recognizable and a real head-turner. It comes as a softtop convertible, a glass-roofed Targa, or a metal-roofed coupe. The 911 has bi-xenon headlights and 18-inch alloy wheels, although 19-inch alloys are available. It comes with either dual or quad exhaust pipes and has a fixed spoiler. The rear spoiler deploys at 75 mph and enhances high-speed stability, making it stick to the road even better.
Interior
When you sit inside a Porsche 911, you feel as if you control your own little universe. The model has large foot wells, and the tilting/telescoping steering wheel comfortably can accommodate drivers of just about any size. The interior has a clean and uncluttered look and the build quality meets high expectations.
The Porsche 911 seats four adults, although there is some debate about how comfortable anyone would be in the back seat. The rear seats fold back to form a makeshift cargo shelf. The seats are stiffly bolstered, and Porsche offers non-adjustable racing bucket front seats as an option, as well as front seats with larger bolsters. The Carrera has automatic climate control, a retractable glass roof with power sunshades on the Targa model, and partial leather seats. Full leather seats remain an optional extra, along with the leather-wrapped dashboard. Other options include a navigation system, a Bose surround sound audio system with full iPod integration, and power adjustable seats with driver seat memory. The Cabriolet models include a power softtop and a heated glass rear window and wind deflector.
Porsche offers an amazing array of very expensive options for the 911. These include custom interior color schemes, different kinds of leather, heated and ventilated seats, a heated steering wheel, and different wood, aluminum, and carbon fiber accents.
Performance & Handling
The 911 is a beautifully engineered German sports car. It accelerates smoothly and the suspension delivers a firm but comfortable ride. The huge brakes provide formidable stopping power, and, despite its weight, you never feel out of control. It hugs the road even around corners and makes even the shortest trip a real pleasure.
Safety
All Porsche 911 models have six airbags standard, including side curtain airbags. All models come with anti-lock disc brakes (ABS), stability control, and traction control.
EPA Fuel Economy
Porsche 911 Carrera: 18/25 mpg city/highway
Porsche 911 Carrera 4: 18/25 mpg city/highway
Porsche 911 Carrera S: 19/27 mpg city/highway
Porsche 911 Targa 4: 18/25 mpg city/highway
Porsche 911 Carrera 4S: 19/27 mpg city/highway
Porsche 911 Targa 4S: 19/27 mpg city/highway
Porsche 911 Turbo: 15/23 mpg city/highway
You'll Like
- Wide range of models
- Precision steering
- Spacious cockpit
- Ability to customize finish
You Won't Like
Sum Up
The quintessential German sports car.
If You Like This Vehicle
- Nissan GT-R
- Audi R8
- Aston Martin V8 Vantage