2025 Porsche 911 Carrera S Initial Drive Review: The S Represents Sweetness

      Upgrade Culture is not a recent phenomenon, but it's fair to say that the debut of the iPhone in 2007 propelled it to new heights. Back then, we didn’t realize we were being conditioned to crave the latest gadgets through an intense cycle of consumerism. Over time, it evolved from merely purchasing a new iPhone annually to wanting these increasingly deluxe, faster, and larger models.

      This same pattern often applies to enthusiast cars, where current and potential owners feel compelled to trade up for the latest model—or, in some cases, the newer, more powerful version. If you're already fortunate enough to own a Porsche 911, that's great. Hold onto it. But for those who don't, the 2025 Porsche 911 Carrera S is the one to acquire. Why? Because the "S" signifies "Sweet."

      I contemplated several alternative meanings for "S," such as sensational, superb, splendid, and so on, but none resonate with the 911 Carrera S quite like "sweet." According to Porsche, the "S" originally stood for "Super," akin to Super 911, and later evolved into "Sport." Regardless of its true meaning, it signifies the more exhilarating version of the standard 911, a car that, according to our reviews editor Chris Tsui, "is more than enough car for most people," including "most Porsche 911 buyers."

      If the base model is that impressive—and it is, as I experienced it back-to-back with the S—then what gives me the right to claim that the S is the one to choose? It boils down to the enhanced features Porsche includes for the additional $26,300 between models.

      **The Basics**

      The position of the Carrera S in the Porsche 911 lineup remains unchanged. It's available in both coupe and Cabriolet forms, sitting above the T but below the now-hybrid GTS. While refreshed for 2025, the 992.2 911 Carrera S does not outwardly exhibit significant alterations. Most modifications have occurred beneath the surface, with many components and tuning taken from the previous GTS model. These enhancements are designed to subtly elevate performance while providing a refined and engaging driving experience.

      The exterior stays true to the classic 911 design, featuring a sloping roofline, strong rear haunches, and iconic round headlights, now upgraded to standard Matrix Design LEDs. Unlike the base 911, which features 19- and 20-inch staggered wheels, the S is equipped with 20-inch wheels in front and 21-inch wheels at the rear. The interior now includes a cooled wireless smartphone charger and generous standard leather upholstery for 2025—it’s present on the seats, headrests, dashboard, upper door panels, and, when selected, the small (no-cost) rear seats.

      **Performance Enhancements**

      On to the exciting details: the 3.0-liter twin-turbo boxer six-cylinder engine has been fine-tuned to produce 473 horsepower, which is an increase of 30 hp compared to the previous-generation S. It now generates 390 lb-ft of torque and is exclusively paired with Porsche's remarkable PDK automatic transmission—no manual option available—for now. This performance boost is thanks to new turbochargers carried over from the former GTS, although the cooling system is revamped to match that of the 992.1 Turbo, with intercoolers directly mounted on the engine.

      Perhaps the most notable upgrade for the new S—besides the additional 30 horses—is the inclusion of the formerly optional sport exhaust system, which now comes as standard. And trust me, you’ll notice the difference immediately.

      **Driving Experience**

      Navigating through the winding roads near San Diego, the Carrera S emitted a sound reminiscent of the GT3 as I shifted down through the eight-speed transmission. The high-pitched, sharp bursts of sound were a reminder of Porsche’s extensive motorsport heritage—thanks to the now-standard sport exhaust.

      After maneuvering through a series of tight curves, the road opened up, allowing me to press on the accelerator a bit more. The low, throaty roar of the engine reminded me of the car's enhanced power as the revs climbed. We often discuss the sensation of being pressed back into the seat during acceleration, but less frequently do we appreciate what a well-engineered engine communicates in such moments. It’s more than just noise or the workings of internal combustion; it’s the precise movement of mechanical components that together create an experience that many of us would gladly pay over $150,000 to relive time and again.

      The new standard exhaust is a brilliant addition—period. Porsche claims that 75% of S buyers opted for it anyway. Other significant upgrades over the base 911 and T are the brakes and suspension. Most of the components and tuning for these also come straight from the previous GTS, including the dampers, enabling the car to handle even the tightest corners with ease.

      Whether you