The Porsche 911 Cabriolet Carrera S 3.8 (385 Hp) PDK, produced from 2008 to 2012, represents a significant iteration of the iconic 911 lineage. This variant falls within the 997 generation, specifically the facelifted model introduced in 2008, often referred to as the 997.2. It occupies a performance-oriented mid-range position within the Cabriolet lineup, sitting above the base Carrera and below the more track-focused Carrera 4S and Turbo models. The introduction of Porsche’s Doppelkupplung (PDK) dual-clutch transmission alongside the revised 3.8-liter engine marked a substantial leap in both performance and driving experience for the 911.
| Brand | Porsche |
| Model | 911 |
| Generation | 911 Cabriolet (997, facelift 2008) |
| Type (Engine) | Carrera S 3.8 (385 Hp) PDK |
| Start of production | 2008 |
| End of production | 2012 |
| Powertrain Architecture | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type | Cabriolet |
| Seats | 4 |
| Doors | 2 |
| Fuel consumption (urban) | 15.5 l/100 km (15.2 US mpg, 18.2 UK mpg, 6.5 km/l) |
| Fuel consumption (extra urban) | 7.3 l/100 km (32.2 US mpg, 38.7 UK mpg, 13.7 km/l) |
| Fuel consumption (combined) | 10.3 l/100 km (22.8 US mpg, 27.4 UK mpg, 9.7 km/l) |
| CO2 emissions | 242 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 | 300 km/h (186.41 mph) |
| Emission standard | Euro 5 |
| Weight-to-power ratio | 4 kg/Hp, 250 Hp/tonne |
| Weight-to-torque ratio | 3.7 kg/Nm, 272.7 Nm/tonne |
| Power | 385 Hp @ 6500 rpm |
| Power per litre | 101.3 Hp/l |
| Torque | 420 Nm @ 4400 rpm (309.78 lb.-ft. @ 4400 rpm) |
| Engine layout | Rear, Longitudinal |
| Engine Model/Code | MA1.01 |
| Engine displacement | 3800 cm3 (231.89 cu. in.) |
| Number of cylinders | 6 |
| Engine configuration | Boxer |
| Compression ratio | 12.5:1 |
| Fuel injection system | Direct injection |
| Engine oil capacity | 7.5 l (7.93 US qt, 6.6 UK qt) |
| Coolant capacity | 29 l (30.64 US qt, 25.52 UK qt) |
| Kerb Weight | 1540 kg (3395.12 lbs) |
| Max. weight | 1920 kg (4232.88 lbs) |
| Max load | 380 kg (837.76 lbs) |
| Trunk (boot) space – maximum | 135 l (4.77 cu. ft.) |
| Fuel tank capacity | 64 l (16.91 US gal, 14.08 UK gal) |
| Length | 4435 mm (174.61 in) |
| Width | 1808 mm (71.18 in) |
| Height | 1300 mm (51.18 in) |
| Wheelbase | 2350 mm (92.52 in) |
| Drag coefficient (Cd) | 0.31 |
| Minimum turning circle | 10.9 m (35.76 ft) |
| Drivetrain Architecture | Rear wheel drive |
| Number of gears | 7 |
| Gearbox type | Automatic transmission PDK |
| Front suspension | Independent type McPherson |
| Rear suspension | Independent multi-link suspension |
| Front brakes | Ventilated discs |
| Rear brakes | Ventilated discs |
| Assisting systems | ABS (Anti-lock braking system) |
| Steering type | Steering rack and pinion |
| Power steering | Hydraulic Steering |
| Tires size | 235/35 ZR19; 295/30 ZR19 |
| Wheel rims size | 8J x 19; 11J x 19 |
Powertrain & Engine Architecture
At the heart of the 911 Carrera S 3.8 PDK lies the MA1.01 engine, a naturally aspirated 3.8-liter flat-six (boxer) engine. This engine benefited from direct fuel injection (DFI), a technology that significantly improved both power output and fuel efficiency compared to earlier 997 models. The DFI system precisely meters fuel directly into the combustion chamber, optimizing the air-fuel mixture for cleaner combustion and increased power. The engine produces 385 horsepower at 6,500 rpm and 420 Nm (309.78 lb-ft) of torque at 4,400 rpm. The engine’s flat-six configuration contributes to a low center of gravity, enhancing handling and stability. Paired with this engine is Porsche’s 7-speed PDK dual-clutch transmission. The PDK offers both fully automatic operation and manual gear selection via steering wheel-mounted paddles, providing drivers with a versatile driving experience. The PDK’s rapid shift times and seamless gear changes contribute significantly to the car’s acceleration and overall performance.
Driving Characteristics
The combination of the 3.8-liter engine and the PDK transmission delivers a compelling driving experience. The Carrera S 3.8 PDK accelerates from 0 to 60 mph in approximately 4.5 seconds and achieves a top speed of 186 mph. The PDK transmission allows for incredibly quick and smooth gear changes, both in automatic and manual modes. In automatic mode, the transmission intelligently selects the optimal gear for the driving conditions, providing a comfortable and efficient driving experience. Switching to manual mode via the paddle shifters gives the driver complete control over gear selection, allowing for more aggressive driving and precise control. Compared to the standard Carrera with a manual transmission, the Carrera S PDK offers quicker acceleration and a more refined driving experience. While the manual transmission provides a more engaging feel for some drivers, the PDK’s efficiency and speed are undeniable.
Equipment & Trim Levels
The 911 Carrera S 3.8 PDK came standard with a comprehensive list of features, including leather upholstery, automatic climate control, a Bose sound system, and bi-xenon headlights. Optional extras were plentiful, allowing buyers to customize their vehicles to their preferences. Popular options included sport seats, a navigation system, a sunroof, and Porsche Active Suspension Management (PASM), which adjusts the damping characteristics of the suspension for improved handling and comfort. Interior trim options included various leather colors and materials, as well as carbon fiber accents. The dashboard layout was typical of the 997 generation, with a central tachometer flanked by gauges for speed, fuel level, and coolant temperature.
Chassis & Braking
The 911 Carrera S 3.8 PDK features a fully independent suspension system, with McPherson struts at the front and a multi-link setup at the rear. This suspension design provides excellent handling and ride comfort. The car is equipped with ventilated disc brakes on all four wheels, providing ample stopping power. ABS (Anti-lock Braking System) is standard, enhancing safety and control during hard braking. The steering system is a rack-and-pinion setup with hydraulic power assistance, providing precise and responsive steering feel. The Carrera S models typically featured slightly thicker stabilizer bars compared to the base Carrera, further improving handling performance.
Market Reception & Comparison
The 911 Carrera S 3.8 PDK was widely praised by automotive critics for its performance, handling, and refinement. The PDK transmission was particularly well-received, with reviewers noting its quick shifts and seamless operation. Compared to the base Carrera, the Carrera S offered a significant performance upgrade, thanks to its larger engine and more advanced features. Fuel economy was respectable for a high-performance sports car, with combined fuel consumption of around 22.8 US mpg. Reliability was generally good, although some owners reported issues with the PDK transmission, particularly in early production models. However, these issues were often addressed through software updates and warranty repairs.
Legacy
The Porsche 911 Carrera S 3.8 PDK remains a highly desirable sports car in the used car market. Its combination of performance, luxury, and iconic Porsche styling has ensured its enduring appeal. The MA1.01 engine is known for its reliability, and the PDK transmission, while initially prone to some issues, has proven to be durable with proper maintenance. These cars continue to offer a thrilling driving experience and represent a significant milestone in the evolution of the 911. Values have generally remained strong, reflecting the car’s desirability and the enduring legacy of the Porsche brand. Well-maintained examples with low mileage command premium prices.
