The 2025 Porsche 911 Carrera S: More Power, Enhanced Features, and the End of the Manual Transmission
The 2025 Porsche 911 Carrera S, part of the 992.2 generation of the iconic 911 series, brings several updates that refine its performance, design, and interior features. With a more powerful engine, improved driving dynamics, and a luxurious cabin, it promises to deliver an even more exhilarating driving experience. However, this new model also sees the discontinuation of the manual transmission option, a decision that may have left some driving purists disappointed.
Performance Enhancements
At the heart of the 2025 Porsche 911 Carrera S is a twin-turbocharged 3.0-liter flat-six engine. This engine has undergone significant changes to increase its output to 473 horsepower, a gain of 30 horsepower over the previous version. Despite this increase in power, the torque figure remains the same at 390 pound-feet, which contributes to the car's substantial acceleration capabilities.
The 911 Carrera S is equipped with an eight-speed PDK dual-clutch automatic transmission. For driving enthusiasts who cherished the manual transmission in previous models, the removal of this option represents a shift in Porsche's strategy. The new model offers only the dual-clutch automatic transmission, which while offering seamless shifts and excellent performance, may not appeal to those who prefer the tactile feedback and engagement of a manual gear shifter. However, drivers can still find a manual option in the 911 GT3 and the Carrera T, two models that retain the manual gearbox for enthusiasts seeking a more involved driving experience.
The 2025 Carrera S delivers impressive acceleration, with Porsche claiming a 0 to 60 mph time of 3.1 seconds when equipped with the Sport Chrono package. This is a two-tenths improvement over its predecessor. While Porsche has not released figures for the all-wheel-drive Carrera 4S, it’s expected that this variant will also offer similarly rapid performance.
The Carrera S retains its rear-wheel-drive layout, but the available rear-axle steering system is an important update for 2025. This system allows for quicker steering ratios, which enhance maneuverability, especially at lower speeds. The rear-axle steering complements the 911's exceptional handling, making it agile and responsive, whether in tight corners or high-speed cornering on the track.
The braking system has also seen a significant upgrade. The Carrera S now benefits from the brakes previously found in the 911 GTS model. These include large 16.1-inch front rotors and 15.0-inch rear rotors, providing exceptional stopping power. The combination of these brakes with the standard 20-inch front and 21-inch rear wheels ensures that the Carrera S offers both dynamic handling and powerful deceleration.
Design and Exterior Updates
The exterior of the 2025 Porsche 911 Carrera S showcases subtle but significant design changes. The front bumper has been redesigned with larger air intakes, improving both the car’s aesthetic appeal and its cooling performance. The matrix LED headlights have also been updated, integrating all the necessary components into a single cohesive unit. These changes give the Carrera S a more modern, cohesive look that enhances its aerodynamic efficiency while maintaining the signature 911 styling.
At the rear, the Carrera S features a more integrated design, with the iconic full-width taillight continuing to define the 911’s rear-end aesthetic. These small but impactful changes to the bodywork give the 992.2 Carrera S a more contemporary and refined presence on the road.
A key feature of the Carrera S's performance is the standard sport-tuned exhaust. This exhaust system is designed to provide a more aggressive and thrilling sound, enhancing the driving experience and allowing the driver to enjoy the full range of engine notes, whether accelerating or cruising.
Interior and Features
Inside, the 2025 Carrera S receives a substantial upgrade with a greater emphasis on luxury and comfort. Leather now covers more surfaces throughout the cabin, including the seats, dashboard, and doors. This update gives the interior a more upscale feel, with the option for a full leather interior available through Porsche's Exclusive Manufaktur program. This program offers extensive customization options, with 48 different two-tone combinations available to suit individual tastes.
The coupe version of the Carrera S comes standard with two seats, though rear jump seats can be added at no extra cost. The cabriolet variant is only available with a four-seat configuration. These updates give buyers more options for interior configuration, depending on their needs and preferences.
The Carrera S also offers a range of modern tech features, such as a wireless charging pad and a heated steering wheel. The steering wheel itself also includes a knob that allows the driver to easily control the car's various driving modes, providing quick access to adjust the driving experience depending on the road conditions or the driver’s mood.
Pricing and Value Proposition
The 2025 Carrera S comes with a significant price increase compared to its predecessor. The coupe now starts at $148,395, while the cabriolet begins at $161,595. This price increase, which ranges from $15,445 to $15,845 depending on the model, reflects the added features and performance enhancements. While this price hike may be steep, it is in line with the 911's reputation as a high-performance luxury sports car, and it aligns with Porsche’s strategy of continually improving its flagship model while maintaining exclusivity.
Despite the higher prices, the Carrera S delivers substantial value for buyers looking for a well-rounded sports car. The blend of high horsepower, advanced handling technologies, luxury features, and legendary Porsche craftsmanship ensures that the Carrera S remains a desirable option for driving enthusiasts and collectors alike.
The Manual Transmission Discontinuation
One of the most significant changes in the 2025 Carrera S is the removal of the manual transmission option. For many enthusiasts, the manual gearbox has been a key part of the 911’s appeal, allowing for a more connected and visceral driving experience. However, Porsche’s decision to focus on the PDK dual-clutch transmission reflects the growing trend toward automatics, which offer faster gear shifts and better performance metrics.
While the manual transmission is no longer offered in the Carrera S, Porsche still provides this option in models like the 911 GT3 and Carrera T. These cars are designed with the purist driver in mind, catering to those who desire a more engaging, hands-on experience behind the wheel.
Conclusion
The 2025 Porsche 911 Carrera S is a remarkable evolution of an already excellent sports car. With more power, improved performance features, and a more luxurious interior, it continues the 911’s legacy as one of the finest sports cars on the market. The discontinuation of the manual transmission may alienate some purists, but for those who enjoy the precision and rapid shifting of a dual-clutch automatic, the Carrera S offers an unparalleled driving experience. Whether on the track or the open road, the Carrera S delivers an exhilarating blend of power, precision, and luxury, cementing its place as a true icon in the automotive world.
