Score: The 2027 Porsche 911 Carrera S Reintroduces the Manual Transmission

      Porsche

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      Last year generated considerable buzz when the updated Porsche 911, the 992.2, was released without a manual transmission option for the base Carrera model, S, and GTS. It felt like a pivotal moment for the brand—if Porsche is relinquishing manual options, what does that imply for the auto industry's future with three-pedal configurations? It's uncertain. However, Stuttgart is now taking a step back towards tradition by bringing back the manual gearbox for the 2027 Porsche 911 Carrera S.

      This model adopts the six-speed manual from the "entry-level" Carrera T and, with the MT Package (the official designation), includes additional standard features beyond those of the standard Carrera S. This includes rear-axle steering, the Sport Chrono package, a revised exhaust with titanium tips, center lock wheels, PASM sport suspension, and that stylish walnut shift knob Porsche has been using recently. You can choose between coupe or cabriolet.

      Porsche

      The lighter center lock wheels help reduce unsprung mass by 17 pounds, resulting in the manual Carrera S coupe weighing in at 3,327 pounds, just 11 pounds heavier than the Carrera T. This model will be rear-wheel drive only and is set to be exclusive to North America upon its delivery at the end of the year. Indeed, this is a rare instance where the manual is available here while the rest of the world misses out. This can be attributed to the numerous 911 buyers in this region who have opted for manual transmissions at much higher rates than in Europe over the past decade.

      As noted when the 992.2 S debuted with a substantial power increase to 473 horsepower and 390 lb-ft of torque from the twin-turbo 3.0L flat-six, the 911 Carrera S effectively mirrors the previous generation 992.1 GTS, sharing the same brakes and components. With the GTS now available only as an automatic hybrid, the return of the manual clearly indicates: if you're after a more engaging analog 911, the Carrera S with MT Package is the way to go.

      Porsche

      This development is undoubtedly positive news. The world may be facing difficulties, but the addition of another manual Porsche 911 certainly brightens things up. However, there's a cost to this revival. The manual package adds $8,550 to the base price of the Carrera S coupe, raising it to $167,100, while the manual cabriolet rises nearly $11,000 to $181,000. While adding all the new standard features individually would be more expensive, this also serves as an “I love driving” premium. It's worth noting that the manual 911 GTS started at $150,900 in 2024 before being discontinued, and its manual option was at no additional cost. Times have indeed changed.

      However, when you’re the sole manufacturer globally producing rear-engine sports cars with three pedals, you can set your pricing accordingly. If increasing profit margins on 911 models assists Porsche in regaining its footing after a challenging couple of years and helps preserve the essence of the model longer, is there really a reason to complain?

      Well, yes. That’s our role. But we also commend Porsche for this thoughtful nod to fans. And here's a piece of advice: the 388-hp manual Carrera T starts at around $150,000, and since it benefits from the more powerful turbos from the previous GTS, it's relatively simple to enhance its performance to match the S levels with just a tune. So, options are still available.

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