911 variants continue

The Porsche 911 has long been one of the purest sports cars on the planet, with unmistakable styling and ethereal performance. The 2020 Porsche 911 institutes an all-new generation—which Porsche codenames internally as 992—that includes a handsomely evolved design and meticulously engineered mechanicals. While the lineup hasn't been fully rounded out, the 911 is currently available as a sporty coupe or snazzy convertible (a.k.a. cabriolet in Porsche-speak). Porsche continues to sell the remaining 2019 models, such as the hard-core 911 Carrera T and the satisfying 911 Carrera GTS.

Mounted in the rear of the 911 is a twin-turbo 3.0-liter flat-six that develops 443 horsepower and 390 lb-ft of torque. While an eight-speed dual-clutch automatic (called PDK) is the only transmission currently available, Porsche says a seven-speed manual will eventually be offered. The Carrera S models have rear-wheel drive, while the Carrera 4S features all-wheel drive.

The 911's interior continues to look sophisticated rather than complicated, with a mix of physical controls and—for the first time ever—a large center cupholder. The gauge cluster also deviates from history, ditching the mainly analog instruments for mostly digital ones. Thankfully, the central tachometer still uses a physical needle that follows the engine's revs towards its lofty 7500-rpm redline. The 911 continues to offer seating for up to four, but the back seats remain unfriendly for adult frames. Along with the large standard touchscreen, the Porsche infotainment system can be upgraded with premium audio systems from Bose to Burmester. The list of available driver-assistance technology includes adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, and even night vision.

The roll-out of Porsche 911 variants continues with the launch of the 911 Carrera 4, slated to arrive in Australia during the fourth quarter of 2019.The 992-series 911 reached Aussie showrooms this year in Carrera S and Carrera 4S guises, and later this year the Carrera 4 Coupe will arrive priced at $245,600, while the Carrera 4 Cabriolet will retail for $267,100, both prices before on-road costs.That results in a premium of around $15,000 over the rear-wheel-drive Carrera and roughly $3000 more than the outgoing 991-series 911 Carrera automatics.