The Porsche 911 Carrera S 3.8, produced from 2008 to 2011, represents a significant mid-cycle refresh of the 997 generation 911. This facelift, often referred to as the 997.2, brought substantial improvements to the engine, interior, and technology, solidifying the 911’s position as a benchmark sports car. The Carrera S 3.8 occupied the middle ground in the 997.2 lineup, offering a compelling blend of performance and daily usability, positioned above the base Carrera and below the more track-focused Carrera GTS. It was a key model for Porsche in the North American market, where the 911 consistently appealed to enthusiasts seeking a high-performance, rear-engined sports car with a prestigious heritage.
Technical Specifications
| Brand | Porsche |
| Model | 911 |
| Generation | 911 (997, facelift 2008) |
| Type (Engine) | Carrera S 3.8 (385 Hp) |
| Start of production | 2008 year |
| End of production | 2011 year |
| Powertrain Architecture | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type | Coupe |
| Seats | 4 |
| Doors | 2 |
| Fuel consumption (economy) – urban | 15.9 l/100 km (14.8 US mpg, 17.8 UK mpg, 6.3 km/l) |
| Fuel consumption (economy) – extra urban | 7.6 l/100 km (30.9 US mpg, 37.2 UK mpg, 13.2 km/l) |
| Fuel consumption (economy) – combined | 10.6 l/100 km (22.2 US mpg, 26.6 UK mpg, 9.4 km/l) |
| CO2 emissions | 250 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 | 302 km/h (187.65 mph) |
| Emission standard | Euro 5 |
| Weight-to-power ratio | 3.7 kg/Hp, 270.2 Hp/tonne |
| Weight-to-torque ratio | 3.4 kg/Nm, 294.7 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 |
| Number of valves per cylinder | 4 |
| Fuel injection system | Direct injection |
| 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 | 1425 kg (3141.59 lbs) |
| Max. weight | 1830 kg (4034.46 lbs) |
| Max load | 405 kg (892.87 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) | 0.29 |
| Minimum turning circle | 10.9 m (35.76 ft) |
| Drivetrain Architecture | Rear wheel drive |
| Number of gears | 6 gears, manual transmission |
| Front suspension | Independent type McPherson |
| Rear suspension | Independent multi-link suspension |
| Front brakes | Disc, 330 mm |
| Rear brakes | Disc, 330 mm |
| Assisting systems | ABS (Anti-lock braking system) |
| Steering type | Steering rack and pinion |
| Power steering | Hydraulic Steering |
| Tires size | 235/35 ZR19; 305/30 ZR19 |
| Wheel rims size | 8J x 19; 11J x 19 |
Powertrain & Engine Architecture
The heart of the 997.2 Carrera S 3.8 is the MA1.01 3.8-liter flat-six engine. This engine represented a significant upgrade over the 3.6-liter unit found in the earlier 997.1 models. Key improvements included direct fuel injection (DFI), a revised valvetrain, and an increased bore. The DFI system allowed for more precise fuel delivery, resulting in improved power, efficiency, and reduced emissions. The engine produced 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, also known as a boxer engine, contributes to a low center of gravity, enhancing handling and stability. The 6-speed manual transmission was standard, offering precise shifts and a direct connection to the engine. Porsche also offered a 7-speed PDK dual-clutch transmission as an option, providing even faster and smoother gear changes.
Driving Characteristics
The 997.2 Carrera S 3.8 delivered a noticeably more refined and responsive driving experience compared to its predecessor. The increased power and torque, combined with the improved transmission, resulted in quicker acceleration and enhanced in-gear performance. The 0-60 mph sprint took approximately 4.5 seconds, and the car could reach a top speed of 187.65 mph. The manual transmission offered a satisfyingly mechanical feel, while the PDK provided lightning-fast shifts and a more relaxed driving experience. The rear-wheel-drive layout and the engine’s rearward placement contributed to a unique handling balance, requiring driver skill and attention but rewarding with exceptional cornering ability. Compared to the base Carrera, the S model offered a more engaging and visceral driving experience, while the higher-output Carrera GTS provided even more performance for track-focused drivers.
Equipment & Trim Levels
The Carrera S 3.8 came standard with a generous array of features, including leather upholstery, automatic climate control, a Bose sound system, and bi-xenon headlights. Optional extras were plentiful, allowing buyers to personalize their 911 to their exact specifications. Popular options included sport seats, a navigation system, a sunroof, and Porsche Active Suspension Management (PASM), which electronically adjusts the dampers for improved ride comfort and handling. Interior trim options included various leather colors and materials, as well as carbon fiber accents. The dashboard layout was typical Porsche, with a central tachometer flanked by gauges for speed, fuel level, and coolant temperature.
Chassis & Braking
The 997.2 Carrera S 3.8 featured an independent suspension system with McPherson struts at the front and a multi-link setup at the rear. This suspension design provided excellent ride quality and handling. The car was equipped with ventilated disc brakes on all four wheels, providing ample stopping power. ABS (Anti-lock Braking System) was standard. The Carrera S also benefited from a wider track and larger wheels and tires compared to the base Carrera, further enhancing its handling capabilities. The steering was a hydraulic rack-and-pinion system, offering precise and communicative feedback to the driver.
Market Reception & Comparison
The 997.2 Carrera S 3.8 was widely praised by automotive critics for its performance, handling, and refinement. It was considered a significant improvement over the 997.1 generation, offering a more engaging and rewarding driving experience. Fuel economy was reasonable for a high-performance sports car, with combined fuel consumption of around 22.2 US mpg. Reliability was generally good, although some owners reported issues with the intermediate shaft (IMS) bearing in earlier 997 models. The Carrera S offered a compelling alternative to other high-performance sports cars, such as the Audi R8 and the Chevrolet Corvette, providing a unique blend of performance, luxury, and heritage.
Legacy
The 997.2 Carrera S 3.8 remains a highly sought-after Porsche model in the used car market. Its combination of performance, reliability, and timeless design has made it a favorite among enthusiasts. The 3.8-liter engine is considered robust and durable, and the car’s overall build quality is excellent. While maintenance costs can be higher than those of more mainstream sports cars, the 997.2 Carrera S 3.8 offers a rewarding ownership experience for those who appreciate a true driver’s car. It represents a sweet spot in the 911 lineage, offering a classic Porsche experience with modern technology and performance.
