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By Jonathan Crouch

A base Porsche 911 Carrera is probably all the sportscar you'll ever need, especially in this updated form. Jonathan Crouch takes a look.

Ten Second Reviewword count: 54

Porsche has subtly updated its entry-level 911, the Carrera. The flat six engine lacks the T-Hybrid tech you pay more for on the GTS model, but it now develops more power - 394PS - and has bigger brakes and rear-wheel steering. Plus you get a lightly evolved exterior look and a more digitalised cabin.

Backgroundword count: 144

Porsche doesn't need to fundamentally change the 911 formula. But it does need to finesse it in the face of growing competition from increasingly desirable high performance alternatives from Mercedes, Maserati and Aston Martin. In short, it does need this rejuvenated version of the 992-era model, available as ever in Coupe and Cabriolet forms, with most sales based on Carrera-series variants like this one. There's long been quite a debate as to what is the 'sweet spot' in the 911 range. Prior to this 992.2 update, most agreed that this lay with the mid-level GTS model. But that's become extremely expensive and in its latest T-Hybrid guise, possibly needlessly powerful. So enthusiasts for this iconic model line might well now be tempted to turn to the uprated 394PS version of this base Carrera variant. Should they do just that? Let's take a closer look.

Driving Experienceword count: 212

Unlike the 911 GTS, this base Carrera model doesn't feature T-Hybrid electrification. But in this '992.2' form, it does get a bit more power, the twin turbo 3.0-litre flat six gaining turbos from the GTS and a charge cooler from the turbo. Consequently, power is up from 385 PS to 394 PS. For reference, the alternative Carrera GTS model now puts out 541PS. But do you really need that extra power when this base Carrera is now so startlingly quick? There's a gutsy 450Nm of torque (same as before), rest to 62mph occupies 4.1s and this Zuffenhausen sportscar wouldn't let up until it reached 183mph, were you to be on the main straight at the Nurburgring. As part of the '992.2' updates, bigger brakes and rear-wheel steering have been added as standard. As before, you still get a delightful howl from the 'boxer' motor and with so much low and mid-rev torque from this powerplant, you can drive it as lazily as you like. Unfortunately, there's no longer a manual gearbox available, but most buyers will want the PDK paddleshift auto anyway, which offers eight speeds. As previously, the usual selection of drive modes includes a 'Wet mode' that senses excess road surface spray and can adapt the handling for slippery conditions.

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