379 hp 2020 Porsche 911 Carrera launched

Porsche has just launched the base model of the 911 Carrera here in the US at $98,750 MSRP. It sits one position lower than the Carrera S but is still a great package overall considering the list of features it has to offer.

To begin with, Porsche is using the same 3.0-liter twin-turbo flat-six cylinder engine as before. For the new car, it is tuned to churn out a few more horsepower (379 hp) and 331 lb-ft of torque. It is mated to an eight-speed PDK gearbox as standard which is the same unit that is installed in the Carrera S. For the manual lovers, there might be one available in the near future.

To give you a hint of the performance of the new 911 Carrera, Porsche says it will do the 0-60 mph sprint in just 4.0 seconds flat! And if that’s not fast enough for you, there’s an optional Sport Chrono package which will reduce the time by 0.2 seconds. And flat out, the Carrera coupe will hit 182 mph whereas the Cabriolet stays a bit shy at 180 mph.

Porsche has taken certain measures to keep the cost of the base Carrera under the $100,000 mark and also keep it a bit different from the Carrera S. That’s why the new model gets smaller turbine and compressor wheels within its two turbochargers and runs lower boost pressure. It also gets smaller wheels - 19-inch at the front and 20-inch at the rear - and smaller brakes - 13-inch disc brakes all around, although you do have an option of switching to carbon-ceramics if you like.

Some of the other features that the base Carrera misses out on include rear-wheel steering or limited-slip differential and the lowered and stiffened ‘Sport’ suspension. Unlike the base Carrera coupe, which is priced at $98,750 MSRP, the Cabriolet is a bit expensive and will cost you $111,550.