2010 Porsche 911: What's New, Specs & Features

Last updated August 4, 2026

The 2010 Porsche 911 is mostly a carryover, but the Turbo is the headline change: it gets a new 500-hp 3.8-liter twin-turbo engine and a seven-speed PDK automatic in place of the old Tiptronic. Most Carrera and Targa versions remain much like 2009, with the other major updates concentrated in the returning GT models.

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About the 2010 Porsche 911

997 generation, second-phase update (2009-2011); 2010 is the middle year for the facelifted Carrera/Targa models and the launch year for the updated 997 Turbo and updated GT3/GT3 RS.

For 2010, Porsche positions the 911 as the brand’s core sports car: fast, precise, and emotional, but still usable every day. The range stretches from the pure rear-drive Carrera to all-wheel-drive, glass-roof Targa, track-focused GT3, and high-speed Turbo, but the central idea stays the same. Buyers come for the rear-engine character, compact size, sharp steering feel, and a cabin that is more practical than most exotic sports cars. That mix of tradition, usability, and real performance is what separates the 911 from rival luxury coupes.

The Carrera remains the traditional rear-wheel-drive everyday sports car, while Carrera 4 models add AWD and the Targa pairs AWD with a sliding glass roof and opening rear hatch. Carrera S and 4S versions use the stronger 3.8-liter engine and adaptive suspension. At the top, the leather-lined 500-hp Turbo balances speed with everyday comfort, while the manual-only, two-seat GT3 and GT3 RS put track response first.

What changed, by category

Powertrain

The Turbo gets a new direct-injected 3.8-liter twin-turbo engine with 500 hp and 480 lb-ft of torque, up from 480 hp and 460 lb-ft. Its seven-speed PDK automatic replaces the old Tiptronic automatic. The GT3 and GT3 RS return after a one-year absence with 3.8-liter engines producing 435 hp and 450 hp, respectively, while the GT2 leaves the lineup.

Styling

The Turbo, GT3, and GT3 RS receive updated bodywork and aerodynamic details. The GT3 RS has the most aggressive treatment, including a fixed carbon-fiber rear wing.

Safety

The returning GT3 receives updated stability-control support. There is no broader safety-system update across the Carrera and Targa range.

Structural

The GT3 gains revised track hardware and center-lock wheels. The GT3 RS gets a wider wheel stance and additional weight-saving measures for a more track-focused setup.

2010 Porsche 911 specs and features by trim

Feature	2010 Porsche 911GT30 in stock	2010 Porsche 911Turbo0 in stock	2010 Porsche 911GT3 RS0 in stock	2010 Porsche 911Carrera0 in stock	2010 Porsche 911Targa 40 in stock	2010 Porsche 911Targa 4S0 in stock	2010 Porsche 911Carrera 40 in stock	2010 Porsche 911Carrera S0 in stock	2010 Porsche 911Carrera 4S0 in stock
Engine	6-Cyl, 3.8 Liter	6-Cyl, Twin Turbo, 3.8L	6-Cyl, 3.8 Liter	6-Cyl, 3.6 Liter	6-Cyl, 3.6 Liter	6-Cyl, 3.8 Liter	6-Cyl, 3.6 Liter	6-Cyl, 3.8 Liter	6-Cyl, 3.8 Liter
Transmission	Manual, 6-Spd w/Overdrive	Manual, 6-Spd w/Overdrive	Manual, 6-Spd w/Overdrive	Manual, 6-Spd w/Overdrive	Manual, 6-Spd w/Overdrive	Manual, 6-Spd w/Overdrive	Manual, 6-Spd w/Overdrive	Manual, 6-Spd w/Overdrive	Manual, 6-Spd w/Overdrive
Drivetrain	RWD	AWD	RWD	RWD	AWD	AWD	AWD	RWD	AWD
Fuel Type	Gas	Gas	Gas	Gas	Gas	Gas	Gas	Gas	Gas
MPG City	14 mpg	16 mpg	14 mpg	18 mpg	18 mpg	18 mpg	18 mpg	18 mpg	18 mpg
MPG Highway	21 mpg	24 mpg	20 mpg	25 mpg	25 mpg	25 mpg	25 mpg	25 mpg	25 mpg
Horsepower	435 hp	500 hp	450 hp	345 hp	345 hp	385 hp	345 hp	385 hp	385 hp
Torque	317 lb-ft	480 lb-ft	317 lb-ft	288 lb-ft	288 lb-ft	310 lb-ft	288 lb-ft	310 lb-ft	310 lb-ft
Trunk/Cargo	3.7 cu-ft	3.7 cu-ft	3.7 cu-ft	4.4 cu-ft	3.7 cu-ft	3.7 cu-ft	3.7 cu-ft	4.4 cu-ft	3.7 cu-ft
Seats	2	4	2	4	4	4	4	4	4
Doors	2	2	2	2	2	2	2	2	2
Safety & Security
Alarm System
Exterior Features
Alloy Wheels
Auto-Dimming Exterior Mirrors
Fog Lights
Memory Exterior Mirrors
Power Moonroof
Power Retractable Soft Top
Rear Spoiler
Roof Rails
Entertainment & Electronics
Bluetooth
Navigation System
Premium Audio
Comfort & Convenience
Auto-Dimming Interior Mirror
Dual Power Front Seats
Folding Rear Seat
Heated Front Seats
Heated Steering Wheel
Leather Interior Trim
Leather Seats
Memory Driver's Seat
Rear Window Shades
Ventilated Front Seats

How the 2011 Porsche 911 compares

The most important change for 2011 was a major expansion of the 997.2 lineup, adding road-focused, track-focused, and limited-production variants rather than redesigning the core 911. The regular Carrera, Targa, Turbo, GT3, and GT3 RS models otherwise saw no major mechanical overhaul.

See the full 2011 changes

Frequently asked questions

What is the biggest change to the 2010 Porsche 911?

The biggest change is the updated 911 Turbo. Its new 3.8-liter twin-turbo engine makes 500 hp and 480 lb-ft of torque, and a seven-speed PDK automatic replaces the previous Tiptronic automatic.

Did the Porsche 911 GT3 and GT3 RS return for 2010?

Yes. Both return for 2010 after a one-year absence, bringing larger 3.8-liter engines, revised styling, and updated track hardware. The GT3 makes 435 hp, while the GT3 RS makes 450 hp.

How do the 2010 Porsche 911 GT3 and GT3 RS differ?

The GT3 RS is the more track-focused version. It has 450 hp instead of the GT3's 435 hp, along with more aggressive aerodynamics, a fixed carbon-fiber rear wing, a plastic rear window, and a stronger emphasis on reducing weight.

How different is a 2010 Porsche 911 Carrera from a 2009 Carrera?

It is not very different. The Carrera, Carrera 4, Carrera S, Carrera 4S, Targa 4, and Targa 4S largely carry over the engines, facelifted styling, and touchscreen setup introduced for 2009. The meaningful 2010 updates are concentrated in the Turbo, GT3, and GT3 RS.