 Porsche Carrera 4/4S |
Porsche has expanded its 911 model range with the Carrera 4 and 4S all-wheel drive coupes. The new 911s are both 44 mm wider over the rear arches, allowing the rear wheels of the 4 to be fitted with 295/35 ZR 18 tyres, and the 4S with 305/30 ZR 19 tyres.
Powered by the 325bhp 3.6-litre flat-six engine, the Carrera 4 accelerates from 0 to 62mph in 5.1 seconds and has a top speed of 175 mph. The 4S model, with a 3.8-litre engine developing 355bhp, can reach 62 mph in 4.8 seconds and has a top speed of 180mph.
The all-wheel drive system has a multi-disc viscous coupling and transfers between five and 40 per cent of the tractive force permanently to the front wheels, providing them with balanced performance up to and beyond the limits of adhesion, increased straight-line stability and improved traction on slippery roads.
Porsche is following Mercedes and BMW in bringing a form of braking force assistance to the party. Porsche Stability Management (PSM) now has two new functions: the brake system is pre-filled ready for a full brake application, thus eliminating the air gap between the pads and the disc and making stopping distances even shorter.
The second new PSM function is activated if the driver depresses the brake pedal quickly but not forcefully. In this situation, the hydraulic pump builds up extra pressure to bring all the wheels into the ABS range and ensure optimal braking.
In its default setting, Porsche Active Suspension Management (PASM) offers a sporty but comfortable basic shock absorber setup, but operation of the sport button activates a noticeably firmer mapped setting. In both settings, however, the suspension ratings are matched at all times to the driving style and road conditions. The active shock absorber system is a standard feature on the 911 Carrera 4S and an optional extra on the Carrera 4. Both models can also be fitted with an optional sports suspension to lower the body by 20 mm; this option includes a mechanical rear axle differential lock.
The optional Sport Chrono Plus package is also available for the new all-wheel drive models. It modifies the engine management characteristics and the control behavior of the PSM and PASM systems.
The 911 Carrera 4 will be priced at £62,930 and the 911 Carrera 4S at £69,900 and will be available in the UK from 22 October 2005.
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