Porsche is synonymous with performance. As always, the 911 Carrera 4S is no different. Pop the top to power, ingenuity, and of course integrity. She is the fourth in the series of all wheel drive powerhouses delivered by Porsche’s desire to improve on the legendary 997 and 996 series.
After widening the rear by 1.7 inches over her predecessors, the designers went to town enhancing performance on all surface tracks, focusing on road handling for slick surface. With her base 18 inch wheels, with an option of 19 inch wheels, the viscous multiple plate coupling transfers between 5 to 40 % of the engine’s power to the appropriate wheel. This naturally enhances handling on slick surfaces ten fold.
The designers went on to increase the stiffness of the rear anti-roll bar while simultaneously softening the front anti-roll bar. This resulted in less under-steering and a higher responsiveness at the driver’s fingertips. The feel of the handling is reported to be sportier, tighter, and more aggressive. A new transmission output shaft and a revised front axel drive ration which enhances the new, larger tires brings the original drive train of her predecessors to life.
The Porsche Active Suspension Management System delivers an electronically adjustable shock absorber system allows the driver to determine whether they are up for a sporty feel under normal driving conditions or are ready to firm up to an all out test of Porsche standards. Activation by a one button touch system is optional on the 911 Carrera 4S.
The sweet 325 horse power 3.8 litre engine available on the 4S boasts a 0 to 62 mile per hour time of 4.8 heart pounding seconds. She tops out at 179 thrilling miles per hour. Unlike many performance cars that are built for speed, her speed is matched by her handling. She is livelier and crisper than her predecessors, with a clean line and more grip, and a better turn in.
There was little done to redesign her styling, but the little which was done has made a huge difference. Just adding a couple of extra inches to the car’s rear and a very mild, almost unnoticeable flaring over the rear wheels created a smoother, more engaging appearance without drastic changes. With the changes and enhancements that were made, only 121 extra pounds were added to the car over the rear wheel drive model. The 121 pounds aren’t noticeable during any driving conditions.
The six speed manual transmission comes standard while the optional 5 speed Triptonic automatic transmission has rapidly become a favorite among performance car enthusiasts and experts alike. The additional 60 horses and available turbocharged version can add up to an eye opening, pulse quickening 480 horses with 457 pound per foot of torque. Her turbocharged option delivers a 0 to 62 mile per hour time clocks in at 3.4 seconds with a top speed of 193 miles per hour.
The extra widened tires, measuring in at 305 millimeters, contribute to her improved handling. Braking was enhanced as well, with Porsche’s independently designed Ceramic Composite Brakes with larger rotors can bring her to a standstill in a little over a heartbeat. A little tweaking from the designers eliminated the dive forward that is so very common with speed machines. The addition of two new systems to the brake design added comfort to safety. One system predicts that when the driver’s foot leaves to gas peddle it’s most likely to stop next on the brake, and thus it shoots fluid to the calipers to shrink the gap between the pads and the rotors. The second system kicks in to add full power to the brakes during a hard stop regardless of whether or not the driver does so.
One of the most worthwhile options on the Carrera 4S is the Sport Chrono Package Plus. This ingenuous design feature sharpens throttle response and changes the shift points on the Triptonic S transaxle, and enhances the responsiveness of both the Porsche Stability Management System and the Porsche Active Management System. The Sport Chrono Package Plus is like ordering an extra double shot of espresso in your espresso.
The rear spoiler was intelligently designed to lift 0.8 inches when the car reaches 75 miles per hour and then drops down again when the car reduces speed to 50 miles per hour. This keeps the car’s stability high while encouraging the bone crushing speeds Porsches beg for. The all wheel drive coupled with the improved suspension system eliminates the shudders associated with older Porsches whose rear wheels have to search for the road in slick conditions. The redesigned underbody tray efficiently redirects air flow to the viscous coupling and front differential to assist in keeping fluids at a more constant temperature.
The basic package for all this power and performance runs about $87,000 and change which has awarded her several awards for best overall value in a performance car. $87,000 buys the same interior as the rear wheel drive 911, as well as the same power train with the enhanced qualities that bring forth the Porsche distinction. Of course with the optional enhancements that provide the drive that most crave the sticker price reflects a more realistic $122,000 and change.
Unfortunately, despite the phenomenal design and power and performance improvements, Porsche released a recall which compromised its later standings in the overall quality system. The recall was announced for both the 911 S and the 911 4S series. Over 5,000 cars in the United States and Canada were affected in the recall. The exhaust tips were determined to be faulty as they were improperly welded and determined to vibrate off the car. While a seemingly small detail but enough to compromise their overall value standings.
Porsche has consistently delivered impressive performance with legendary quality and top notch speed. There is no reason to expect less from this sweet addition to the Porsche fleet. Like most performance car manufacturers, they just keep pushing their own limits to create more—more speed, more power, more performance.
© 2007 Kiersten Stetser and Francis Schwaller for www.sport-cars.org
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