2010 PORSCHE 911 Review

Overview

The 2010 Porsche 911 Carrera and Targa feature some significant updates, with fresh front and rear styling; trendy direct-injection engines; bigger brakes; a trendy touch screen interface in the center stack; and a trendy automatic transmission. The 911 model line-up consists of rear-wheel-drive Carrera and Carrera S; and all-wheel drive Carrera 4, Carrera 4S, Targa 4, and Targa 4S. Carrera models come as coupes and as Cabriolet convertibles; Targa 4 and 4S are coupes; the 2010 Porsche 911 GT3, GT3 RS, Turbo, and GT2 models remain largely unchanged. The Turbo, GT2, and GT3 receive exclusive suspension tuning, brakes, and styling. The Porsche 911 is among the few sports cars that can be used on a daily commute.

Powertrain And Performance

The 2010 Porsche 911 Carrera is powered by a 3.6-liter, horizontally opposed six-cylinder engine that delivers 345 hp and 288 pound-feet of torque. The Carrera S gets a 3.8-liter version of the flat-6 that delivers 385 hp and 310 lb-ft of torque. The 911 Carrera and Carrera S come in either rear-wheel drive or all-wheel drive versions. Standard on all trims is a six-speed manual transmission, while a seven-speed dual-clutch is optional. The Turbo is available with a 5-speed automatic transmission. All Carrera models offer a trendy 7-speed automatic transmission. According to Porsche, all 911 models achieve a 0-60 mph time of less than 5 seconds.

Build And Styling

The cockpit of the Porsche is designed with the driver in mind and all interior accommodations reflect the same. Bucket seats have side bolsters which are supportive, holding driver and passenger snugly in place while cornering. Large foot wells and a tilt/telescoping steering wheel can make room for large drivers. All 911 Carrera trims come standard with a nine-speaker audio system with a CD/DVD/MP3 player; leather seating; full power accessories; cruise control; split-folding rear seats; power reclining front seats; automatic climate control; touch screen display; 18-inch wheels; and bi-xenon headlights. The S trims add unique exterior and interior trimmings; a sport steering wheel; bigger brakes; a more powerful engine; sport suspension with active damping on coupes; and 19-inch wheels. Cabriolets feature a fully automated soft-top with a heated glass rear window and wind deflector. Standard features on the S models are optional on the base Carrera models. Porsche offers a range of up-market options such as different wheel designs; custom color schemes; exclusive seats; and premium leather, wood, aluminum, and carbon-fiber accents. Some of the most attractive options available include an upgraded Bose audio system with subwoofer; Bluetooth connectivity; a hard-drive-based navigation system; voice activation control; ceramic disc brake rotors; heated and ventilated seats; a heated steering wheel; parking sensors; satellite radio; and a universal audio interface for iPod, USB, and auxiliary jacks. A Sport Chrono package records lap times and other car data; when combined with the PDK transmission that can activate launch control.

Safety Features

Standard safety features on all 2010 Porsche 911 models include six airbags (including side curtain); anti-lock disc brakes; seat-belt pretensioners and load limiters; projector type headlights (halogen); integrated third brake light with LED technology; traction control; and stability control.