We knew it was coming, but were never quite sure when. Now it's confirmed: Porsche 911 buyers in European "and related" markets can now spec a manual gearbox in their 992 Carrera S or Carrera 4S. The transmission is the unit familiar from the 991, and a no-cost option over the standard PDK. Imagine explaining that a few years ago; the eight-speed automatic is standard in a 911 or, for no additional money, you can have a seven-speed manual instead...
Here we have it at last, though, lever stood proud in that 992 dash as opposed to the little PDK switch. It's certainly prominent. Buyers opting for the manual in their Carrera S or 4S - availability is still unconfirmed on the Carrera - will also get Sport Chrono as standard. This means auto rev matching, but also dynamic engine mounts, a Sport mode for the Porsche Stability Management, a steering wheel mode switch and, of course, the stopwatch on the dash. Sport Chrono gets a new addition, too, and that's a tyre temperature display.
Pleasingly, the manual weighs 35kg less than the PDK, meaning a two-wheel drive Carrera S has a DIN unladen kerbweight of 1,480kg. Bear in mind that a new Supra is 1,495kg by the same measure and it's plain to see how (relatively) light the 992 is. Porsche claims 0-62mph in 4.2 seconds for the manual, and a top speed of 191mph; that's half a second slower to 62 - unsurprising given the extra ratio, and how fast that PDK changes - with the same top speed as the auto.
Porsche has also introduced some additional options with this update, including lighter glass that saves 4kg, Ambient Light Deign Package, Python Green paint, InnoDrive and Smartlift. But it's the manual that's of most interest here. Even if many more cars will be optioned with the GPS-linked nose lift and electronic co-pilot technology than three pedals. Orders for manual 992s are being taken from today, April 28th, and yes, we're already thinking about a comparison with the Vantage manual as soon as possible. Finally, as an alternative, there is a very nearly new manual 911 available immediately: somehow this 991 Carrera T has only covered 683 miles since 2018 and looks marvellous from here. Whatever options you do or don't go for on a 992 manual, it's certainly not going to cost £75,000...
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