New Porsche 911 Carrera S 2025 The Update You’ll Want To Know
Porsche 911 Carrera S 2025 – A Refreshed Legend
For more than half a century I’ve watched the evolution of the 911’s DNA. The latest 2025 iteration of the Porsche 911 Carrera S continues that journey, but with some clear upgrades that make it stand out, even in a line-up as deep as the 911’s.
According to Porsche’s own UK press release, the 3.0-litre twin-turbo flat-six now produces 353 kW (480 PS).
With the “992.2” update (Porsche’s term for the mid-cycle makeover of the 992 generation) the Carrera S gains power, additional standard equipment and sharper handling tweaks.
That gives motoring enthusiasts plenty to chew on. Let’s go through it in detail, what’s new, what works, what may raise a brow and how it fits into today’s sports-car landscape.
911 Performance Upgrades: More Power, Same Engine
Porsche retains the familiar 3.0-litre twin-turbo flat-six for the Carrera S, but with significant enhancements.
The power figure is now 480 hp in UK spec, a gain of around 30 hp over the previous 992.1-generation Carrera S.
0-62 mph is now quoted at 3.3 seconds, and the top speed remains at 191 mph (306 km/h) for the rear-wheel-drive coupe.
Those figures elevate the Carrera S’s credentials. In the review by CityAM, the point is made that the S now “matches” the outgoing GTS’s performance.
Why is this important? For enthusiasts, incremental gains matter.
The sound of the flat-six remains a hallmark of the 911 identity, and Porsche has chosen to refine rather than replace the core engine in this model. The new turbos and improved cooling give a sharper edge without radical departure.
Chassis, Brakes & Handling
Power means little without control and Porsche hasn’t ignored that. The brakes are upgraded: 408 mm front discs paired with 380 mm rears, numbering the “same braking system as the GTS” in some reports.
Standard fitment of Porsche Torque Vectoring Plus (PTV+) rear-electronic differential lock is part of the package, as is a newly tuned sports exhaust and lowered suspension (10 mm drop) compared to the standard Carrera.
In the CityAM review the PASM Sport suspension is said to feel “taut and occasionally jarring” on UK roads which is worth noting.
For the enthusiast driver, these updates are welcome: improved stopping power, greater precision, and sharper turn-in. But for daily driving, the firmer setup might be less forgiving.
Styling & Interior: Elegant Evolution
Externally the new Carrera S is recognisably a 911 but with subtle refinement. Larger wheels (20″ up front, 21″ rear) fill the arches, new matrix LED headlights are standard, and the bumper design has been tweaked to reflect the performance upgrade.
Inside, the model benefits from the latest Porsche digital driver display and upgraded connectivity and infotainment. Standard seats are part-leather; options remain wide, letting buyers personalise. The character remains sporty but more polished.
The review from PistonHeads notes though that the loss of analogue rev counter and key-turn start switch might disappoint purists.
Usability & Practicality
One of the 911’s strongest claims has always been its usability despite its supercar performance. The new Carrera S upholds this reputation.
According to Carwow, the “back seats are best suited to children” but the front cabin offers plenty of driver-pleasure.
That said, a few points to keep in mind:
- The firmer suspension may make the ride less comfortable on rough surfaces. CityAM found the PASM Sport option “not ideal for UK roads”.
- The price now positions the Carrera S firmly in the six-figure bracket (see next section).
- With more equipment and performance, running costs (tyres, fuel, insurance) will be high.
Pricing & Positioning in the 911 Carrera S Range
In the UK the Carrera S starts from approximately £120,500 (for the coupe) according to the latest review.
It sits above the base Carrera (approx £103,500) and below the hybrid GTS models (from around £137,900).
What does that mean for you? It means the Carrera S offers near-top performance for considerably less cost than the flagship models but it also means that the performance gap to the higher models is smaller than ever.
As a seasoned motoring journalist I’ve observed this trend: as model ranges expand, the middle-tier becomes extremely strong.
Strengths Motoring Enthusiasts Will Appreciate
- The power bump to 480 hp ensures the Carrera S remains a serious contender among sports cars.
- Retains the 911’s trademark flat-six sound, proportion and heritage.
- Significant handling upgrades (PTV+, improved brakes) raise the driving experience.
- Strong everyday usability compared with hypercars: daily friendly when set up accordingly.
- Good value (relatively) for performance compared to more exotic rivals. (See CityAM calling it “a very un-supercar price”).
Areas to Consider / Potential Drawbacks
- With suspension tuned for performance, UK road surfaces may expose its firmer nature.
- The incremental upgrade (power and equipment) is strong but it’s an evolution not a revolution. Some may prefer the hybrid GTS for ‘next-level’.
- Options and customisation remain costly, and the real purchase price can escalate quickly. CityAM tested a car at ~£149,585 when loaded.
- While it’s quicker than the base Carrera, rivals in other marques may offer alternative profiles (e.g., more overt exotic flair, V8 sound).
- For fans of simplicity (manual gearbox, analogue everything), the modern digital cockpit may feel less characterful.
How the Carrera S Fits the Current Sports-Car Ecosystem
Let’s look at context. The 911 range is broad: from base Carrera to manual-only Carrera T, to the hybrid GTS and Turbo/GT models.
You can find the Porsche 911 Carrera S official specification and features on the official Porsche page.
The latest update puts the Carrera S somewhere between “daily thrill” and “flagship performance.” Reviewing its 0-62 mph mark of 3.3 seconds, PistonHeads notes the Carrera S can “even outdrag a new, PDK-equipped 911 GT3”.
However, the hybrid GTS models are beginning to steal some of the thunder from the S. As CityAM states: “the S now lives in the shadow of the new hybrid 911 GTS”.
Buyer’s Checklist: What to Look For
When you visit a showroom or check spec sheets, consider the following:
- Transmission & Drive Layout – Confirm whether it’s rear-wheel drive or 4WD (Carrera S offers both).
- Suspension Options – PASM Sport vs standard. For UK roads, test both.
- Braking Package – Standard steel discs are excellent; ceramic PCCB optional if you plan track use.
- Interior & Tech – Digital dash, connectivity, seat and trim options. Purists might miss analogue elements.
- Running Costs – Tyres, brakes, insurance group, fuel economy (estimates around 27.7 mpg UK for the range).
- Residual Value & Model Lifecycle – With the looming electric transition, understanding how the combustion-engine 911 holds value matters.
- Use-case Fit – Would you use this as a daily driver, weekend car, or occasional track weapon? The specification should reflect that.
Final Thoughts. Is the 2025 Carrera S worth it?
In my view, having covered motoring for over fifty years, the 2025 Porsche 911 Carrera S hits a sweet spot.
It retains the soul of the 911, steps the performance game up meaningfully and remains suitable for real-world use. The upgrades feel substantial rather than superficial.
Yes, it may not carry the “top-of-the-range” badge anymore (that honour now goes to hybrid models) and yes, the road setup may need compromise on comfort.
But for the driver who wants genuine sports-car exhilaration, day-to-day viability and strong heritage, this is a very compelling choice.
If I were buying one, I’d set a budget for the base spec, then choose suspension and brakes carefully tailored to how I use the car.
At the same time I’d enjoy the fact that driving a 911 Carrera S in 2025 still feels special, still feels like driving a legend and doesn’t feel like you’re simply making a safe choice.
In the world of fast cars where electrification looms, the 2025 911 Carrera S stands as one of the last great combustion-engine sports car statements from Porsche.
If you want to place it on your “must drive” list, you won’t regret it.
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