Shortly after the new Porsche 911s with classic rear-wheel drive, the company presented all-wheel-drive versions Carrera 4 and Carrera 4S in both Coupé and Cabriolet guise.
Article continues below
The precision and fast response of the new, electronically controlled all-wheel drive offers more intense driving experience, above all in interaction with the new flat-six engines with Direct Fuel Injection and the PDK Porsche Doppelkupplungsgetriebe (double-clutch gearbox) which is available as an option. The features and characteristics of the new engines are brilliant: Depending on the model, the new all-wheel-drive Carrera offers up to 8.5 per cent more power, up to 12.9 per cent more fuel economy, and 15.4 per cent lower CO2 emissions.
In numbers, output of the 3.6-litre power unit is up by 20 to 345 bhp (254 kW). At the same time Carrera 4 Coupé with PDK, for example, consumes a mere 10.1 litres of fuel per 100 kilometres. The improvements on the 911 Carrera 4S with its 3.8-litre power unit are equally significant, with maximum output up by 30 to 385 bhp (283 kW) on overall fuel consumption down in the case of Carrera 4S Cabriolet with PDK to 10.7 litres/100 km.
In the new generation of the Porsche Carrera 4 and Carrera 4S electronically controlled PTM Porsche Traction Management replaces the former all-wheel drive with its viscous multiple-plate clutch. This new system offers higher standard of driving stability, traction and agile handling further enhanced by the mechanical rear axle differential fitted as standard.
The new all-wheel-drive sports cars come with sporting manual transmission with six gears. The new models are also available with Porsche's new Doppelkupplungsgetriebe replacing the former Tiptronic S automatic converter transmission. That offers an even faster gearshift on less fuel. The Doppelkupplungsgetriebe or double-clutch gearbox comes with seven gears shifting electro-hydraulically without the slightest interruption of traction and pulling force.
The new generation of the 911 model series stands out clearly through the discreet but striking modification of the front end and new lights technology. The new Carrera models come in all cases with bi-xenon headlights and new LED daytime driving lights. The newly designed rear light clusters also feature LED technology and for the first time Porsche offers Dynamic Bending Lights as an option. A new reflector trim bar between the LED rear lights gives the typical rear end of the car even more dynamic character.
New PCM Porsche Communication Management with its touch-sensitive screen improves operation of the in some cases optional navigation, information and audio systems to an even higher standard. And a further important point is that PCM is now compatible with Bluetooth, USB and iPod requirements. ■
Under an intense surge of arctic air, Friday morning will begin with the coldest temperatures so far this season across much of the central and eastern U.S. with blustery conditions and a piercing wind chill.