911 Carrera 4, 4S gain traction
2012-08-27 11:32
MORE TRACTION, MORE FUN: Porsche's latest 911 Carrera 4 and 4S models will be unveiled at the 2012 Paris auto show. Images: Porsche
Porsche takes to the Paris auto show to reveal its latest 911 derivatives – the all-wheel drive Carrera 4 and 4S in Coupé and Cabriolet body styles.
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The new additions to the 911 range share their body design, suspension, engines and transmissions with the rear-wheel drive versions although the Carrera 4 has the dynamic benefit of the latest version of Porsche’s “active” all-wheel drive system – Porsche Traction Management (PTM).
REAR-WHEEL BIAS
The all-wheel drive system does, however, still offer a rear-axle bias although drivers would be assured of scintillating driving dynamics and traction on a number of road surfaces and in different weather conditions.
The biggest physical difference between the rear- and all-wheel drive models is the Carrera 4’s wider rear section where the track has been increased by ten millimetres while the rear wheel housings have each also been extended by 22mm.
According to Porsche, the new models are more fuel-efficient than the models they replace (up to 16%, Zuffenhausen’s engineering buffs claim). This improved fuel efficiency is aided, no doubt, by a dramatic weight saving, too – the latest Carrera 4 is up to 65kg lighter than the model it replaces.
All models will be offered with a seven-speed manual transmission with the option of Porsche’s PDK. The 257kW Carrera 4 Coupé will, the automaker claimed, sprint from 0 – 100km/h in 4.5 seconds (4.7 seconds for the Cabriolet) and reach top speeds between 282 and 285km/h.
Fuel consumption is quoted as 8.6 litres/100km (Coupé) and 8.7 litres/100km (Cabriolet), while figures for the 3.8-litre 4S (with PDK) are understandably inflated. Here Porsche claims 9.1 litres/100 km for the Coupé and 9.2 litres/100km for the Cabriolet.
NEW DRIVER'S MENU
The 294kW boxer engine in the 4S propels the Coupé from 0 – 100km/h in 4.1 seconds and the soft-top in 4.3 seconds, the automaker stated. Top speeds are listed as 299km/h and 296km/h for the Coupé and Cabriolet versions, respectively.
As for equipment, Porsche lists a new driver’s menu within the instrument cluster (which informs the driver of how the PTM system is distributing engine power), the introduction of optional Adaptive Cruise Control to the automaker’s model range, and a new sliding sunroof for the Carrera Coupé as highlights.
Porsche’s new 911 Carrera with all-wheel drive will make its first public appearance at the 2012 Paris auto show before being launched in Europe by the end of 2012. They will be available in South Africa from January 2013, Porsche SA said.
