Porsche 991 (2012–2019): The sweet-spot 911 I still think about
I’ve driven every flavor of 911 since the 996, and the Porsche 991 is the one that keeps tugging at my sleeve. First time I climbed into a 991 Carrera S, I noticed right away how grown-up it felt—wider hips, longer wheelbase, more planted without losing that mischievous 911 agility. Later that week, I took the same car down a craggy B-road I know too well; the way it shrugged off broken tarmac while still telegraphing what the rear tires were up to? That’s why people become 911 lifers.
Brief history: how the Porsche 991 modernized an icon
Launched for 2012 as the seventh-generation Porsche 911, the 991 was a clean-sheet rethink with an aluminum-intensive structure and a 100 mm longer wheelbase than the 997. It brought electric power steering (cue spirited debates in pub car parks), the first 7-speed manual in a production car, and the sort of cabin quality that finally made “daily driver” not just an enthusiast’s excuse but a completely rational plan.
There were two broad eras:
- 991.1 (2012–2016): Naturally aspirated flat-sixes (3.4L, 3.8L). Carrera, Carrera S, GTS, GT3, Turbo/Turbo S.
- 991.2 (2016–2019): Turbocharged 3.0L flat-sixes for Carrera models (370–450 hp), chassis tweaks, sharper tech, and optional rear-axle steering on more variants.
Porsche 991 performance: the numbers are good, the feel is better
Specs only tell half the story, but they’re a fun half:
- 991.1 Carrera S: 400 hp, 325 lb-ft; 0–60 in about 3.9 seconds with PDK and Sport Chrono.
- 991.2 Carrera S: 420 hp, 368 lb-ft; 0–60 in 3.7 seconds (quicker in real life, if we’re honest).
- GTS (991.2): 450 hp; 0–60 in 3.5 seconds; a proper sweet spot.
- Turbo S: 560–580 hp; 0–60 in the high-2s and the sort of thrust that makes passengers go quiet.
- GT3: 475–500 hp from a howling NA flat-six; 9,000 rpm and goosebumps.
On the road, the 991 manages the magic trick: it feels substantial at motorway speeds yet playful when you’re threading it through a roundabout you really shouldn’t be enjoying that much. The electric steering is lighter than the old hydraulic rack, yes, but Porsche dialed in proper texture by the time the 991.2 arrived. PASM keeps body control neat; rear-axle steering (where equipped) makes tight city turns feel like cheating.
Living with a Porsche 991: cabin, tech, and why floor mats matter
Day to day, the 991 is the rare sports car that behaves—quiet enough to hear your kids arguing in the back (they’ll fit, up to a point), comfortable enough for a three-hour slog, and with a front trunk that swallows a weekend’s worth of bags. The seats are spot-on once you drop them a notch. Porsche’s PCM infotainment is the one thing that dates the early cars; the 991.2’s system brings quicker responses and Apple CarPlay from 2017, which helps. Still, I’ve had the occasional Bluetooth sulk on cold mornings. It passes after coffee—mine and the car’s.
And yes, floor mats. I used to shrug at them. Then I spent a winter with a 991 on country lanes, salt and grit grinding into the carpets like a cheese grater. Protecting that interior is cheap insurance, and it’s one place where you can add a bit of personality without shouting.
Porsche 991 floor mats: quick picks
- All-weather mats: Best for ski weekends and muddy dog parks; hose them off and done.
- Premium leather/stitched mats: Look the part for a Miami night out; add audible “wow” when the valet opens the door.
- Carbon-fiber-look designs: A little motorsport flavor without gluing a wing to your coffee table.
At AutoWin, the mats are cut to fit the 991 footwells properly (coverage matters near the dead pedal), and the backing stays put—no bunching under the throttle, which is the kind of thing that ruins a good drive.
Porsche 991 vs rivals: how it stacks up
| Car | Power | 0–60 mph | Transmission | Character |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Porsche 991 Carrera S (991.2) | 420 hp | ~3.7 s | 7MT / PDK | Balanced, usable, huge breadth of ability |
| Mercedes-AMG GT S | 503 hp | ~3.7 s | 7DCT | Front-mid muscle, louder and flashier |
| Jaguar F-Type R (AWD) | 550 hp | ~3.9 s | 8AT | Charismatic V8, less polished chassis |
| Audi R8 V10 (Gen 2) | 540 hp | ~3.5 s | 7DCT | Exotic feel, mid-engine poise, less practical |
Buying a used Porsche 991: what I look for
- Service history: These cars thrive on regular servicing. Look for documented oil changes and brake fluid intervals.
- 2017+ infotainment: If CarPlay matters, target 991.2s from 2017 onward.
- Options that matter: Sport Chrono, PASM, sports exhaust (PSE), and for city dwellers, front axle lift on GT cars.
- Known quirks: Early PCM can be laggy; occasional squeaks from trim on cold mornings; rear seats are for kids or gym bags.
- GT3 (991.1) note: Early cars had a well-publicized engine campaign—ensure it’s been addressed.
Porsche 991 floor mats: the easy upgrade
It’s hardly glamorous, but the right mats make your 991 feel cared for every time you get in. If you’re choosing, start here:
- Choose coverage first: Full-coverage designs protect the transmission tunnel edges and dead pedal area—high-wear zones.
- Material next: All-weather for winter or beach duty; leather or stitched for show-night polish.
- Fit and fastening: Proper anchors and non-slip backing are non-negotiable.
Browse Porsche 991 options at AutoWin—they’ve got both the sensible stuff and the “treat yourself” choices.
Porsche 991 FAQs
What year is the 991.2 model? The 991.2 arrived for 2016, bringing turbocharged Carrera engines, refined steering feel, and updated infotainment (with CarPlay from 2017).
What generation is a 2012 Porsche 911? It’s the early 991 (often called 991.1), the first year of the generation that replaced the 997.
What years are the 991.1 cars? 2012–2016 for 991.1, covering the naturally aspirated Carrera models before the 991.2 update.
What was the last year of the Porsche 991? 2019 marked the end of 991 production before the 992 took over.
Is the Porsche 991 a good daily driver? Yes. Ride quality is civilized, visibility is excellent for a sports car, and the frunk handles groceries or a weekend bag. Just know the rear seats are occasional at best.
What should I look for when buying a used 991? Full service history, clean inspection, and (if important to you) 2017+ infotainment. Options like Sport Chrono and PSE add enjoyment and can help resale.
Final word: why the Porsche 991 still hits the sweet spot
The Porsche 991 blends the charm of a classic 911 with the polish of a modern luxury coupe. It’s fast without being shouty, tactile without wearing you out, and practical enough for real life. If you’re already in one, protect that investment (and your sanity on rainy days) with a set of well-fitted mats from AutoWin. Small upgrade, big difference—every time you open the door.
