The Porsche 911 Cabriolet (991) Carrera S 3.8, produced from 2011 to 2015, represents a significant evolution in the iconic 911 lineage. Falling within the sixth generation (991) of the 911, this variant occupied a sweet spot in the lineup, offering a compelling blend of performance, luxury, and open-air driving enjoyment. It served as a step up from the base Carrera, providing increased power and enhanced features while remaining more accessible than the higher-performance Carrera GTS or Turbo models. The 991 generation marked a shift towards a more refined and technologically advanced 911, and the Carrera S 3.8 exemplified this progression.
Technical Specifications
| Brand | Porsche |
| Model | 911 |
| Generation | 911 Cabriolet (991) |
| Type (Engine) | Carrera S 3.8 (400 Hp) |
| Start of production | 2011 |
| End of production | 2015 |
| Powertrain Architecture | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type | Cabriolet |
| Seats | 4 |
| Doors | 2 |
| Fuel consumption (economy) – urban | 13.6 l/100 km (17.3 US mpg, 20.8 UK mpg, 7.4 km/l) |
| Fuel consumption (economy) – extra urban | 7.5 l/100 km (31.4 US mpg, 37.7 UK mpg, 13.3 km/l) |
| Fuel consumption (economy) – combined | 9.7 l/100 km (24.2 US mpg, 29.1 UK mpg, 10.3 km/l) |
| CO2 emissions | 228 g/km |
| Fuel Type | Petrol (Gasoline) |
| Acceleration 0 – 100 km/h | 4.7 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 62 mph | 4.7 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 60 mph | 4.5 sec |
| Maximum speed | 301 km/h (187.03 mph) |
| Emission standard | Euro 6 |
| Weight-to-power ratio | 3.7 kg/Hp, 269.4 Hp/tonne |
| Weight-to-torque ratio | 3.4 kg/Nm, 296.3 Nm/tonne |
| Power | 400 Hp @ 7400 rpm |
| Power per litre | 105.3 Hp/l |
| Torque | 440 Nm @ 5600 rpm (324.53 lb.-ft. @ 5600 rpm) |
| Engine layout | Rear, Longitudinal |
| Engine Model/Code | MA1.03 |
| Engine displacement | 3800 cm3 (231.89 cu. in.) |
| Number of cylinders | 6 |
| Engine configuration | Boxer |
| Cylinder Bore | 102 mm (4.02 in.) |
| Piston Stroke | 77.5 mm (3.05 in.) |
| Compression ratio | 12.5:1 |
| Number of valves per cylinder | 4 |
| Fuel injection system | Direct injection |
| Engine aspiration | Naturally aspirated engine |
| Engine oil capacity | 7.5 l (7.93 US qt | 6.6 UK qt) |
| Coolant | 29 l (30.64 US qt | 25.52 UK qt) |
| Kerb Weight | 1485 kg (3273.86 lbs.) |
| Max. weight | 1885 kg (4155.71 lbs.) |
| Max load | 400 kg (881.85 lbs.) |
| Trunk (boot) space – minimum | 290 l (10.24 cu. ft.) |
| Fuel tank capacity | 64 l (16.91 US gal | 14.08 UK gal) |
| Length | 4491 mm (176.81 in.) |
| Width | 1808 mm (71.18 in.) |
| Height | 1292 mm (50.87 in.) |
| Wheelbase | 2450 mm (96.46 in.) |
| Front track | 1538 mm (60.55 in.) |
| Rear (Back) track | 1516 mm (59.69 in.) |
| Drag coefficient (Cd) | 0.30 |
| Minimum turning circle (turning diameter) | 10.9 m (35.76 ft.) |
| Drivetrain Architecture | Rear wheel drive |
| Number of gears and type of gearbox | 7 gears, manual transmission |
| Front suspension | Independent, type McPherson with coil spring and anti-roll bar |
| Rear suspension | Independent multi-link suspension |
| Front brakes | Ventilated discs, 340 mm |
| Rear brakes | Ventilated discs, 330 mm |
| Assisting systems | ABS (Anti-lock braking system) |
| Steering type | Steering rack and pinion |
| Power steering | Electric Steering |
| Tires size | 245/35 ZR20; 295/30 ZR20 |
| Wheel rims size | 8.5J x 20; 11J x 20 |
Powertrain & Engine Architecture
At the heart of the 991 Carrera S 3.8 lies a naturally aspirated 3.8-liter flat-six engine, designated the MA1.03. This engine represents a significant redesign compared to previous generations, featuring direct fuel injection (DFI) and an integrated dry-sump lubrication system. The DFI system allows for precise fuel delivery, enhancing both power and efficiency. The dry-sump system ensures consistent oil supply even during aggressive cornering, a crucial feature for a sports car. The engine produces 400 horsepower at 7,400 rpm and 324.5 lb-ft of torque at 5,600 rpm. The 7-speed manual transmission was standard, offering precise shifts and a direct connection to the engine. Porsche also offered a PDK (Porsche Doppelkupplung) dual-clutch transmission as an option, providing even faster and smoother gear changes.
Driving Characteristics
The Carrera S 3.8 delivers a thrilling driving experience. The naturally aspirated engine provides a linear power delivery, building smoothly to its peak output. While not as brutally fast as the Turbo models, the Carrera S offers ample power for spirited driving on both the road and the track. The rear-wheel-drive configuration contributes to a balanced and engaging handling characteristic. The 7-speed manual transmission, with its precise gate, encourages driver involvement. The PDK transmission, while quicker, sacrifices some of the raw feel of the manual. The Cabriolet configuration adds a slight weight penalty compared to the Coupe, but the open-top experience more than compensates for it for many drivers.
Equipment & Trim Levels
The Carrera S 3.8 came well-equipped as standard. Interior features included partial leather upholstery, power-adjustable seats, a touchscreen infotainment system, and a high-quality sound system. Optional extras were plentiful, allowing buyers to personalize their 911. Popular options included full leather interiors, sport seats, a navigation system, and Porsche Dynamic Chassis Control (PDCC), which minimizes body roll during cornering. Exterior options included various wheel designs, paint colors, and aerodynamic enhancements.
Chassis & Braking
The 991 generation 911 featured a redesigned chassis that was both lighter and stiffer than its predecessor. The suspension system utilized independent McPherson struts at the front and a multi-link setup at the rear. The Carrera S 3.8 benefited from larger brakes compared to the base Carrera, with ventilated discs at all four corners. ABS (Anti-lock Braking System) was standard, providing enhanced stopping power and stability. The steering system was a rack-and-pinion design with electric power assistance, offering precise and responsive steering feel.
Market Reception & Comparison
The 991 Carrera S 3.8 was widely praised by automotive critics for its performance, handling, and refinement. It was considered a significant improvement over the previous 997 generation. Compared to the base Carrera, the S model offered a noticeable increase in power and performance. Compared to the Carrera GTS, the S model provided a slightly less aggressive driving experience but at a lower price point. Fuel economy was respectable for a high-performance sports car, averaging around 24 mpg in combined driving. Reliability was generally good, although some owners reported minor issues with the DFI system.
Legacy
The 991 Carrera S 3.8 remains a highly desirable Porsche 911 today. Its combination of performance, luxury, and open-air driving enjoyment continues to appeal to enthusiasts. The naturally aspirated engine is particularly appreciated by purists, as it delivers a unique and engaging driving experience. Well-maintained examples command strong prices in the used car market. The MA1.03 engine, while requiring diligent maintenance, is generally considered a robust and reliable powerplant when properly cared for. The 991 Carrera S 3.8 represents a high point in the evolution of the 911, blending classic Porsche DNA with modern technology and refinement.
