Well, you knew this was coming. Porsche has followed up the debut of its freshened 997 rear-wheel-drive range with the introductions of the all-wheel-drive 2009 911 Carrera 4 and Carrera 4S. Visually, the C4 and C4S are immediately distinguishable from their 2WD counterparts via the red reflector strip spanning the width between the taillamps. That's a nice touch that brings back some fond memories of the 911s of our youth. The C4's rear bodywork is also wider than that of the 2WD cars. Up front, you'll find the same schnoz introduced a couple of weeks ago.
As with the Carrera and Carrera S, the C4 range also gets the new, direct-injected engines and the optional seven-speed Porsche Doppelkupplung (PDK) twin-clutch gearbox. Power is up, and so is efficiency, while emissions output goes down. The Carrera 4's 3.6L flat six makes a stout 345 horses, and the step-up Carrera 4S pumps out 385 ponies from its 3.8. It's not just the engine and tranny that are new -- the previous car's all-wheel-drive system has now been replaced by Porsche Traction Management, which trickles down to the C4 from the mighty 911 Turbo. Want to scoff at lousy weather and still drive a 911? Come October (in Europe) your new ride will be waiting.
PRESS RELEASE:
Porsche Carrera 4 with Electronically Controlled All-Wheel Drive
Stuttgart. Showing the dynamic attitude typical of the brand, Dr. Ing. h.c.
F. Porsche AG, Stuttgart, are continuing the generation change of the 911
model series. Just a few weeks after the new 911s with classic rear-wheel
drive, the all-wheel-drive versions Carrera 4 and Carrera 4S are now
entering the market in both Coupé and Cabriolet guise.
A whole range of new technologies surrounding the engine, the transmission
and drivetrain ensures an even higher standard of driving pleasure on much
lower fuel consumption. Particularly the precision and fast response of the
new, electronically controlled all-wheel drive offers an even more intense
driving experience, above all in interaction with the likewise new flat-six
engines with Direct Fuel Injection and the PDK Porsche
Doppelkupplungsgetriebe or double-clutch gearbox available as an option.
The features and characteristics of the new engines speak for themselves:
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. Specifically, output of the 3.6-litre power unit
is up by 20 to 345 bhp (254 kW). At the same time a Carrera 4 Coupé with
PDK, to take just one example, consumes a mere 10.1 litres of fuel per 100
kilometres, equal to 28.0 mpg imp. 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, equal to 26.4 mpg
imp.
In the new generation of the Carrera 4 and Carrera 4S electronically
controlled PTM Porsche Traction Management replaces the former all-wheel
drive with its viscous multiple-plate clutch. This superior system
developed for the 911 Turbo and modified for the Carrera models combines
the driving pleasure so typical of Porsche with an even 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
featuring six gears. As an alternative the new models are available with
Porsche's new Doppelkupplungsgetriebe replacing the former Tiptronic S
automatic converter transmission and offering an even faster gearshift on
less fuel. The Doppelkupplungsgetriebe or double-clutch gearbox comes with
seven gears shifting electrohydraulically 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. It
almost goes without saying that all Carrera 4 models come as before with
their muscular rear end 44 millimetres or 1.73" wider than on the
two-wheel-drive versions. And 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.
All all-wheel-drive Carrera models will be at the dealership as of 25
October 2008.
