Trim levels: Carrera 2 coupe Carrera 4S coupe Turbo coupe GT2 coupe

MSRP: $67,900 $80,200 $115,000 $179,900

Trim levels: Carrera 2 Targa Carrera 2 Cabriolet Carrera 4 Cabriolet

MSRP: $75,200 $77,600 $83,200

Notes: For 2002, the 911's front fascia was restyled as part of an effort to make the front of the car more distinct from the Boxster, and the Cabriolet models were given a proper glass rear window, instead of the tacky plastic one. The normally-aspirated engine was stroked-out to 3.6L, boosting output to 320hp; while sharing displacement with the Turbo engine, the two engines were completely different in design. Three new models were added to the 911 lineup for 2002. The Carrera 2 Targa offered open-air motoring like a convertible, but with the structural rigidity of a coupe. In this version, this was accomplished by a full-width sliding glass panel, which could be automatically retracted. Although labelled a targa by Porsche, the car was really a closed coupe with an exceptionally large sunroof, since roof rails between the A- and B-pillars persisted. The Carrera 2 Targa was really a hatchback, since a lifting glass panel allowed access to the rear compartment, making it the 911 variant with the roomiest cargo space. Also new was the Carrera 4S, replacing the previous Carrera 4 coupe in the US market. This model placed the standard Carrera 4 drivetrain and engine into the Turbo bodyshell, providing a "Turbo-look" model for nearly $35,000 less than the $115,000 Turbo. The brakes and suspension tuning were Turbo-standard. Finally, saving the best for last, the Porsche 911 GT2, the first time a GT2 had ever reached American shores. An ultra-high-performance variant of the Turbo, the GT2 dispensed with the Turbo's all-wheel drive and rear seat to save weight, and was powered by an uprated version of the turbocharged engine. And, finally conceding to the modern era, the 2002 911 featured a cupholder.

Series: 1999-2004

PERFORMANCE