The Porsche 911 Cabriolet (991 II) Carrera 3.0, produced from 2015 to 2018, represents a significant evolution of Porsche’s iconic sports car. Falling within the second generation of the 991 series, this variant occupied a sweet spot in the lineup, offering a compelling blend of performance, luxury, and open-air driving enjoyment. It served as a key model in Porsche’s strategy to cater to a broad spectrum of buyers, bridging the gap between the base Carrera and the more potent Carrera S models. The 991.2 generation, as it’s often called, introduced turbocharged engines across the Carrera range, marking a departure from the naturally aspirated engines of previous generations, and the 3.0-liter engine in this model was a cornerstone of that change.
Technical Specifications
| Brand | Porsche |
| Model | 911 |
| Generation | 911 Cabriolet (991 II) |
| Type (Engine) | Carrera 3.0 (370 Hp) |
| Start of production | 2015 |
| End of production | 2018 |
| Powertrain Architecture | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type | Cabriolet |
| Seats | 4 |
| Doors | 2 |
| Fuel consumption (economy) – urban | 11.9 l/100 km (19.8 US mpg, 23.7 UK mpg, 8.4 km/l) |
| Fuel consumption (economy) – extra urban | 6.5 l/100 km (36.2 US mpg, 43.5 UK mpg, 15.4 km/l) |
| Fuel consumption (economy) – combined | 8.5 l/100 km (27.7 US mpg, 33.2 UK mpg, 11.8 km/l) |
| CO2 emissions | 195 g/km |
| Fuel Type | Petrol (Gasoline) |
| Acceleration 0 – 100 km/h | 4.8 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 62 mph | 4.8 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 60 mph | 4.6 sec |
| Maximum speed | 292 km/h (181.44 mph) |
| Emission standard | Euro 6 |
| Weight-to-power ratio | 4.1 kg/Hp, 246.7 Hp/tonne |
| Weight-to-torque ratio | 3.3 kg/Nm, 300 Nm/tonne |
| Power | 370 Hp @ 6500 rpm |
| Power per litre | 124.1 Hp/l |
| Torque | 450 Nm @ 1700-5000 rpm (331.9 lb.-ft. @ 1700-5000 rpm) |
| Engine layout | Rear, Longitudinal |
| Engine Model/Code | MA2.01, MA2.02 |
| Engine displacement | 2981 cm3 (181.91 cu. in.) |
| Number of cylinders | 6 |
| Engine configuration | Boxer |
| Cylinder Bore | 91 mm (3.58 in.) |
| Piston Stroke | 76.4 mm (3.01 in.) |
| Compression ratio | 10:1 |
| Number of valves per cylinder | 4 |
| Fuel injection system | Direct injection |
| Engine aspiration | BiTurbo, Intercooler |
| Engine oil capacity | 8 l (8.45 US qt | 7.04 UK qt) |
| Kerb Weight | 1500 kg (3306.93 lbs.) |
| Max. weight | 1925 kg (4243.9 lbs.) |
| Max load | 425 kg (936.96 lbs.) |
| Trunk (boot) space – minimum | 145 l (5.12 cu. ft.) |
| Trunk (boot) space – maximum | 160 l (5.65 cu. ft.) |
| Fuel tank capacity | 64 l (16.91 US gal | 14.08 UK gal) |
| Length | 4499 mm (177.13 in.) |
| Width | 1808 mm (71.18 in.) |
| Width including mirrors | 1978 mm (77.87 in.) |
| Height | 1297 mm (51.06 in.) |
| Wheelbase | 2450 mm (96.46 in.) |
| Front track | 1541 mm (60.67 in.) |
| Rear (Back) track | 1518 mm (59.76 in.) |
| Drag coefficient (Cd) | 0.30 |
| Drivetrain Architecture | Rear wheel drive |
| Number of gears and type of gearbox | 7 gears, manual transmission |
| 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 |
| Tires size | 235/40 ZR 19; 295/35 ZR 19 |
| Wheel rims size | 8.5J x 19; 11.5J x 19 |
Powertrain & Engine Architecture
The heart of the 991.2 Carrera 3.0 is the 2.981-liter twin-turbocharged flat-six engine, designated as the MA2.01 or MA2.02 depending on minor variations. This engine represented a significant shift for the 911, moving away from naturally aspirated power delivery. The twin-turbo setup utilizes two BorgWarner turbochargers, one for each bank of cylinders, providing a more responsive and broader torque curve compared to previous naturally aspirated engines. Direct fuel injection is employed, optimizing combustion efficiency and power output. The engine boasts a compression ratio of 10:1 and features four valves per cylinder. The 7-speed manual transmission was standard, offering precise gear changes and a traditional sports car feel. Porsche’s PDK (Porsche Doppelkupplung) 7-speed dual-clutch transmission was also available as an option, providing lightning-fast shifts and enhanced performance.
Driving Characteristics
The 991.2 Carrera 3.0 delivers a markedly different driving experience than its predecessors. While the turbocharged engine may lack the high-revving exuberance of the older naturally aspirated units, it compensates with a substantial increase in torque available from very low engine speeds. This translates to effortless acceleration in everyday driving situations and strong passing power. The 0-60 mph sprint takes approximately 4.6 seconds, and the car reaches a top speed of 181.44 mph. The manual transmission provides a rewarding and engaging driving experience, while the PDK offers unparalleled shift speed and convenience. The rear-wheel-drive configuration contributes to a balanced chassis and predictable handling, making it a joy to drive on both winding roads and open highways.
Equipment & Trim Levels
The Carrera 3.0 Cabriolet came well-equipped as standard, including features like Porsche Communication Management (PCM) with a 7-inch touchscreen display, automatic climate control, partial leather upholstery, and bi-xenon headlights. Optional extras were plentiful, allowing buyers to personalize their vehicles. Popular options included a full leather interior, sport seats, the PDK transmission, Porsche Active Suspension Management (PASM), and various exterior customization options. The Cabriolet also featured a fully automatic fabric roof that could be raised or lowered in approximately 13 seconds, even while driving at speeds up to 31 mph.
Chassis & Braking
The 991.2 Carrera 3.0 utilizes a lightweight chassis construction, incorporating aluminum in key areas to reduce weight and enhance rigidity. The suspension system features independent McPherson struts at the front and a multi-link setup at the rear, providing a comfortable yet controlled ride. Ventilated disc brakes are fitted on all four wheels, offering ample stopping power. Porsche’s ABS (Anti-lock Braking System) and stability control systems are standard, enhancing safety and driver confidence. The steering is a precise and responsive rack-and-pinion system, providing excellent feedback to the driver.
Market Reception & Comparison
The 991.2 Carrera 3.0 was generally well-received by automotive critics. The turbocharged engine was praised for its increased torque and improved fuel efficiency, although some lamented the loss of the naturally aspirated engine’s sound and character. Compared to the base Carrera models with the older engine, the 3.0-liter version offered a noticeable performance upgrade. Against the more powerful Carrera S models, the 3.0 provided a more accessible entry point into the 911 range, offering a compelling balance of performance and price. Fuel economy was respectable for a sports car, averaging around 27.7 US mpg in combined driving.
Legacy
The Porsche 911 Cabriolet (991 II) Carrera 3.0 has proven to be a reliable and desirable sports car in the used car market. The turbocharged engine has demonstrated good long-term durability, and maintenance costs are generally reasonable for a high-performance vehicle. The 991.2 generation is considered a sweet spot in the 911 lineage, offering a modern driving experience with a classic Porsche feel. These models continue to be sought after by enthusiasts who appreciate their blend of performance, luxury, and open-air driving enjoyment, and values have remained relatively stable, reflecting their enduring appeal.
