Porsche is doing what Porsche does best - filling out the 911 lineup with clinical precision. Announced this week, the 2025 911 Carrera S Coupe and Cabriolet slot between the entry-level Carrera and the newly electrified GTS models. Here’s the rub, though: the Carrera S has lost its manual transmission. Instead, you get an eight-speed PDK dual-clutch box, whether you like it or not.

Why? Porsche hasn’t said much yet. We can only guess there’s a mix of emissions targets, performance numbers, and market data involved. Whatever the reason, it leaves the Carrera T and GT3 as the last bastions of three-pedal purity in the 911 range.

Still, the Carrera S packs a sharper punch under the rear deck. Porsche’s engineers have squeezed more from the 3.0-litre twin-turbo flat-six, boosting power to 473 bhp (353 kW) and 529 Nm of torque. That’s a healthy 30 bhp (22 kW) jump over the outgoing S and matches the previous GTS. Key to the upgrade are new turbochargers and significantly reworked intercoolers, pushing performance while trimming emissions.

With the Sport Chrono Package, Porsche quotes a 0-100 km/h sprint in a blistering 3.1 seconds, shaving 0.2 seconds off its predecessor. The Sports Exhaust is now standard, ensuring the Carrera S sounds as good as it goes.

Mechanical changes don’t stop at the engine. The new S inherits larger brakes from the last GTS, with 408 mm discs at the front and 380 mm at the rear. Revised dampers promise improved ride quality. If you want to sharpen things further, there’s the usual menu of options: lowered and stiffened sports suspension, rear-wheel steering, and carbon-ceramic brakes. Grip comes courtesy of staggered wheels 20-inch fronts, 21-inch rears and a standard limited-slip differential.

Step inside, and Porsche has sprinkled a bit more luxury around. More leather is standard, though for full cowskin coverage, you’ll need the extended leather package. A digital gauge cluster replaces traditional dials, push-button start replaces the key twist, and an Exclusive Manufaktur package offers 48 bespoke interior colour combinations. The coupe arrives as a strict two-seater, but rear seats are a no-cost option. The Cabriolet? Always a 2+2.

All-wheel-drive Carrera 4S variants and the inevitable Targa will follow. Welcome to another year of the 911’s relentless evolution.