The 992 Carrera line-up will grow to eight models when the Carrera 4 and 4 convertible arrive in showrooms early next year, featuring the same 385hp turbocharged flat-six as the entry-level rear-drive 911. With 385hp now shared between the front and rear axles, the Carrera 4 sprints from 0-62mph in four seconds with the Sport Chrono pack selected - or 4.2 seconds without it - while the rag-top adds two tenths to both.
Although off-the-line performance remains identical to the rear-driven Carrera models, the Carrera 4 promises the same year-round usability as the already-launched Carrera 4S – even Porsche labels the variants as the “surefooted” option – and adds the new ‘Wet’ setting to its drive modes. It's not all about rainy days though: the new model also gets Porsche’s electronically controlled limited slip diff with torque vectoring on the back axle for maximum attack.
New hardware is limited to the drivetrain though; the engine and gearbox remain unchanged compared to the two-wheel drive Carrera. The twin-turbo 3.0-litre unit produces its peak power at 6,500rpm, after torque maxes out at 332lb ft between 1,900-5,000rpm, with drive sent through the same eight-speed PDK. In fact, most of the 4’s technical make-up is unchanged; you’ll find the same PASM chassis tech with variable dampers, 19 front and 20-inch rear wheels, along with 330mm brake discs all-round, either of standard cast-iron or optional ceramic forms.
The design differences between the two and all-wheel drive are, well, non-existent, barring the badge on the boot. So that’s that. Orders are being taken now, with prices starting at £88,101 for the coupe and £97,746 for the drop-top. You won't have long to wait, as first deliveries are due in late October.
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