Carrera models were restyled in 2002 to look more like the 911 Turbo. This latest update reshaped the headlights and front end and widened rear quarter panels. One goal was differentiating the 911 from the less-expensive Porsche Boxster, but the changes were more than cosmetic (Porsche takes aerodynamics seriously, and when you design your cars to be stable at 180 mph or beyond, you probably have to). New front air intakes increased airflow to the radiators by 15 percent. Reshaping the front wheel arches and adding small flexible spoilers ahead of the front wheels reduced aerodynamic lift by 25 percent at the front and 40 percent at the rear. New air intake ducts enhanced front brake cooling, while a new under-floor duct enhanced transmission cooling by 20 percent. The rear spoiler deploys automatically at higher speeds, when more downforce is advised.

All 911s have the classic staggered tires, with larger ones in back to manage the horsepower and balance overall grip. The standard aluminum alloy wheels measure 17x7 inches in front with 205/50ZR17 tires and 17x9-inch rear with 255/40ZR17 tires. Optional packages mount 18x8-inch wheels with 225/40ZR18 tires in front, and 18x10-inch wheels with 285/30ZR18s in back.

The 911 Turbo is distinguished from the Carrera models by three large intakes that dominate the lower front fascia and provide cooling air to the car's three radiators. The Turbo also has a wider stance, particularly at the rear, where its fenders spread 2.6 inches wider to accommodate even larger rear wheels and tires (295/30ZR18s on 18x11-inch rims). Air scoops integrated into the leading edges of the rear fenders channel cool air to the turbo intercoolers, while louvers in the sides of the rear cover let the hot air out. The engine compartment lid carries a two-piece rear wing, the upper part of which automatically rises at speeds above 75 mph and lowers at 50 mph.

The Carrera 4S looks almost exactly like the Turbo. It shares the Turbo's wide rear stance, but lacks the side intake ducts, and retains the automatic-deploying rear spoiler from the 911 Carrera. From the rear, the C4S is distinguished by its own glass-reinforced plastic decklid with a reflector strip connecting the taillights.