2005 Porsche 911 Carrera Coupe Test Drive

Behind the cabin is a 3.6L, 24-valve, six-cylinder boxer engine first introduced in the 2004 model year. Power gets to the rear wheels via either a smooth-shifting 6-speed manual or the excellent 6-speed Tiptronic. The gorgeously mechanical exhaust note from the days when Porsches were air cooled, is still there. I'd probably want the optional sport exhaust package on my Carrera - the sound is marvelous. At around $2,500, I think it's worth every pfennig. As an unmistakable sign of the times, the engine gets a "knock sensor" this year. That means you can use the cheaper 87 octane unleaded gasoline without fear of bringing on a diesel-like knocking. With premium gasoline the base Carrera's good for repeated five second 0-60 mph times. With regular gas, it's maybe a few ticks slower. To control all this performance, you get electronic stability control (PSM) and what is surely the best steering and brakes on the planet.