The Porsche 911 Carrera S 3.8 (400 Hp) PDK, produced between 2011 and 2015, represents a significant iteration of Porsche’s iconic sports car. Falling within the 991 generation of the 911, this variant occupied a sweet spot in the lineup, offering a substantial performance upgrade over the base Carrera while remaining more accessible than the more focused Carrera GTS or Turbo models. It was a key model for Porsche in the early years of the 991, showcasing the advancements in technology and driving dynamics that defined the generation. The “PDK” designation refers to Porsche’s dual-clutch transmission, a crucial element of the car’s performance profile.
Technical Specifications
| Brand | Porsche |
| Model | 911 |
| Generation | 911 (991) |
| Type (Engine) | Carrera S 3.8 (400 Hp) PDK |
| Start of production | 2011 |
| End of production | 2015 |
| Powertrain Architecture | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type | Coupe |
| Seats | 4 |
| Doors | 2 |
| Fuel consumption (economy) – urban | 12.1 l/100 km (19.4 US mpg, 23.3 UK mpg, 8.3 km/l) |
| Fuel consumption (economy) – extra urban | 6.7 l/100 km (35.1 US mpg, 42.2 UK mpg, 14.9 km/l) |
| Fuel consumption (economy) – combined | 8.7 l/100 km (27 US mpg, 32.5 UK mpg, 11.5 km/l) |
| CO2 emissions | 202 g/km |
| Fuel Type | Petrol (Gasoline) |
| Acceleration 0 – 100 km/h | 4.1 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 62 mph | 4.1 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 60 mph | 3.9 sec |
| Maximum speed | 302 km/h (187.65 mph) |
| Emission standard | Euro 6 |
| Weight-to-power ratio | 3.6 kg/Hp, 278.7 Hp/tonne |
| Weight-to-torque ratio | 3.3 kg/Nm, 306.6 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 | 1435 kg (3163.63 lbs.) |
| Max. weight | 1850 kg (4078.55 lbs.) |
| Max load | 415 kg (914.92 lbs.) |
| Trunk (boot) space – minimum | 340 l (12.01 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 | 1295 mm (50.98 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) | 0.29 |
| Drive wheel | Rear wheel drive |
| Number of gears and type of gearbox | 7 gears, automatic transmission PDK |
| Front suspension | Independent, type McPherson with coil spring and anti-roll bar |
| 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 |
| 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 911 Carrera S PDK lies the MA1.03 engine, a 3.8-liter naturally aspirated flat-six. This engine is a direct evolution of the previous 3.6-liter unit, benefitting from an increased bore size to achieve the larger displacement. The engine utilizes direct fuel injection (DFI), a technology that significantly improves both power and fuel efficiency. The DFI system injects fuel directly into the combustion chamber, allowing for more precise control of the air-fuel mixture. The engine also features an advanced valvetrain with variable valve lift, further optimizing performance across the rev range. The 400 horsepower peak is achieved at 7,400 rpm, while the 324 lb-ft of torque is readily available at 5,600 rpm. The engine’s longitudinal rear-engine layout is a defining characteristic of the 911, contributing to its unique handling balance.
The PDK transmission is a seven-speed dual-clutch automated manual transmission. It operates with two separate clutches, one for the odd-numbered gears and one for the even-numbered gears. This allows for incredibly fast and smooth gear changes, as the next gear is pre-selected and ready to engage. The PDK offers both fully automatic and manual shifting modes, allowing the driver to tailor the driving experience to their preferences. Paddle shifters mounted on the steering wheel provide convenient manual control.
Driving Characteristics
The 911 Carrera S PDK delivers a thrilling driving experience. The combination of the powerful engine and the quick-shifting PDK transmission results in impressive acceleration. The 0-60 mph sprint takes approximately 3.9 seconds, and the car can reach a top speed of 187.65 mph. Compared to the base Carrera, the S model offers noticeably stronger acceleration and a more responsive feel. While the manual transmission 911s are often praised for their driver engagement, the PDK offers a level of convenience and speed that many drivers appreciate. The gear ratios are well-chosen, providing strong acceleration in all gears. The rear-engine layout contributes to a unique handling characteristic, with a tendency towards oversteer that requires skillful driving to manage.
Equipment & Trim Levels
The Carrera S PDK came standard with a generous array of features, including leather upholstery, automatic climate control, a touchscreen infotainment system, and bi-xenon headlights. Optional extras were plentiful, allowing buyers to customize their cars to their liking. Popular options included sport seats, a sunroof, a Bose audio system, and Porsche Dynamic Chassis Control (PDCC), which actively manages body roll. Interior trim options included various leather colors and finishes, as well as carbon fiber accents. The standard interior featured a classic Porsche design, with a focus on functionality and driver ergonomics.
Chassis & Braking
The 991 Carrera S features an independent suspension system at all four corners. The front suspension utilizes McPherson struts, while the rear suspension employs a multi-link design. This setup provides a good balance of comfort and handling. The car is equipped with ventilated disc brakes on all four wheels, providing ample stopping power. Porsche’s ABS (Anti-lock Braking System) is standard, enhancing safety and control. The Carrera S also benefits from a slightly wider track than the base Carrera, contributing to improved stability.
Market Reception & Comparison
The 911 Carrera S PDK was widely praised by automotive critics for its performance, handling, and refinement. It was considered a significant step forward for the 911, offering a more accessible and user-friendly experience without sacrificing the car’s iconic character. Compared to the base Carrera, the S model offered a substantial performance upgrade for a relatively modest price increase. The PDK transmission was generally well-received, although some purists still preferred the traditional manual gearbox. Fuel economy was respectable for a high-performance sports car, with combined fuel consumption of around 27 US mpg.
Legacy
The 991 Carrera S PDK has proven to be a reliable and durable sports car. The MA1.03 engine is known for its longevity, and the PDK transmission has also demonstrated good reliability. On the used car market, these models remain highly sought after, commanding premium prices. They are appreciated by enthusiasts for their blend of performance, luxury, and iconic Porsche design. The 991 generation as a whole is considered a particularly well-rounded and refined 911, and the Carrera S PDK represents a sweet spot in the lineup for many buyers.
