More efficient and with greater sprinting power – The new all-wheel drive sports cars

[stuart]

Porsche 911 Carrera 4 and 911 Targa 4 with turbocharged engines and new all-wheel drive

A sports car with all-wheel drive is the first choice for more than one in three Porsche 911 buyers. With the new 911 Carrera 4 and 911 Targa 4, the innovative turbocharged engines are more powerful and consume less, with the improved all-wheel drive increasing dynamics and driving safety. In addition, the adaptive PASM chassis (Porsche Active Suspension Management) with its 10-millimetre lower ride height included as standard enables an even greater spread between sporty circuit and relaxed long-distance driving. Rear-axle steering that is available as an option for the Carrera 4Smodels further increases the dynamic spectrum considerably. Interior functionality is enhanced by the standard-feature Porsche Communication (PCM) connectivity and infotainment system with simplified operation and multi-touch display.

The all-wheel drive models not only include the numerous visual refinements of the new 911 Carrera generation but also have their own individual distinguishing characteristics. For instance, the light strip between the rear lights now produces an especially distinctive effect thanks to its new three-dimensional design. The light strip also underlines the signature look of the all-wheel drive 911, with rear wings that arch further outwards by 44-millimetres, as in previous models. Additional distinguishing features of the new 911 generation range from the headlights with four-point daytime running lights, via door handles without recess covers, to the redesigned rear lid with vertical louvres and new rear lights – including the characteristic four-point brake lights.

New developments in the visual appearance also underline the sophisticated elegance of the 911 Targa. With its individual design, the new 911 Targa continues to stand out clearly from the coupé and cabriolet. It spectacularly combines the classic Targa idea with advanced roof convenience. Like the legendary original Targa, it has the characteristic wide bar in place of B-pillars, a removable roof section over the front seats and a wrap-around rear window without C-pillars. The roof segment can be opened and closed at the push of a button, with the soft top being accommodated behind the rear seats as it opens.

Faster acceleration with up to 12 per cent lower fuel consumption

Behind the re-engineered flat engines are more than four decades of Porsche experience with turbocharged engines from motor racing and production sports car. The result is that all new 911 Carrera models impress with top values in terms of performance, driving fun and efficiency. Thanks to bi-turbocharging, the three-litre, six-cylinder engines in the 911 Carrera 4 and 911 Targa 4 achieve an output of 370 hp (272 kW) and a torque of 450 Nm, while output in the S models increases to 420 hp (309 kW) and torque to 500 Nm. This gives the driver an added bonus of 20 hp (15 kW) to convert into driving fun. The greater power of the Carrera S models comes from turbochargers with modified compressors, a specific exhaust system and tuned engine management.

In combination with the now electro-hydraulically controlled all-wheel drive, the 911 Carrera 4 for the first time even achieves better acceleration values than its rear-wheel-drive counterparts. Equipped with the options of PDK and Sport Chrono package, the 911 Carrera 4 sprints from zero to 62 mph in 4.1 seconds (0.4 seconds less than its predecessor model), with the S model registering 3.8 seconds (0.3 seconds less). The cabriolet S and the 911 Targa 4 with comparable equipment need just 0.2 seconds longer – the time it takes to blink. Top speeds vary according to model and equipment between 178 mph and 189 mph.

Traditionally, every new generation of engines from Porsche combines more output with less consumption. Consequently, fuel consumption in the 911 Carrera 4 Cabriolet with PDK rises to a combined 36 mpg (previously 32.5 mpg). The models with the most significant improvements are the 911 Carrera S Cabriolet and 911 Targa 4S, each with PDK, in which average consumption rises to a combined 35 mpg (previously 30.7 mpg).

Inherited from the 918 Spyder: Sport Chrono package with mode switch

In conjunction with the optional Sport Chrono Package, the new 911 models now have a mode switch on the steering wheel for the first time, which has been derived from the 918 Spyder hybrid supercar. The mode switch consists of a rotary selector with four positions for the driving modes “Normal”, “Sport”, “Sport Plus” and “Individual”. Using the latter setting, drivers can configure their own individual vehicle set-up, allowing them to adjust, for example, PASM, active engine mounts, PDK shifting strategy and sports exhaust system if fitted. In combination with the PDK transmission, the mode switch has an additional control, called the “Sport Response Button”. When this button is pressed, the drivetrain is pre-conditioned for maximum acceleration for 20 seconds, for example in order to carry out overtaking manoeuvres. For this purpose, the optimum gear is engaged and the engine management adjusted to an even more spontaneous response for a short time.

Re-engineered PASM chassis with 10-millimetre lower ride height as standard

A Porsche 911 with all-wheel drive stands for the commendable combination of traction and driving safety with sporty driving performance. In this new generation, Porsche reconciles these contrasts even further. Firstly, the electro-hydraulically controlled all-wheel drive responds with even more speed and sensitivity thanks to the technology adopted from the 911 Turbo. This especially enhances directional stability during extremely sporty driving without sacrificing any agility. Harmony between the re-engineered all-wheel drive and the retuned PASM chassis with its ten-millimetre lower ride height is thus even better. It is fitted as standard to all Carrera models and increases stability during fast cornering. At the same time, the new shock absorber generation with its wider spread characteristics enhances comfort thanks to its even more refined responsiveness, yet it also improves car body control during dynamic driving.

The active rear-axle steering that is available as an option for the Carrera S marks the adoption of chassis technology from the 911 Turbo and 911 GT3. It increases the turn-in agility of the 911. In addition, it leads to even higher driving stability when changing lanes at high speeds. At the same time, it ensures greater manoeuvrability in city traffic thanks to the 0.4-metre reduction in turning circle. The improved handling is transmitted to the driver via the new steering wheel generation with a design based on that found in the 918 Spyder. The basic steering wheel has a diameter of 375-millimetres; the optional GT sports steering wheel measures 360-millimetres. For useful everyday practicality, Porsche supplies a hydraulic lift system with integrated lifting cylinders in the struts of the front axle. Pressing a button increases the ground clearance at the front spoiler lip by 40-millimetres within five seconds and thus prevents the vehicle underbody from hitting the ground, such as when negotiating steep garage exits.

Connectivity and infotainment system: PCM with multi-touch display and new functions

The completely new PCM connectivity and infotainment system included as a standard feature integrates new functions around the multi-touch display in the centre console that now has a seven-inch format. Also fitted as standard, the navigation system can be operated like a smartphone and can even process handwritten input. Drivers can access real-time traffic information, which allows them to gain an overview of the traffic situation in their area and on their route. In addition, mobile phones and smartphones can now be integrated more quickly, easily and extensively than before via Wi-Fi, Bluetooth or cable. This means that both vehicle-related services such as remote retrieval of vehicle data and also Internet-based services such as Google Street View and Internet radio are available. These services are being constantly expanded and improved.

The new Porsche 911 Carrera 4 and Targa 4 models are on sale now from Porsche Centres in the UK and Ireland. First deliveries will begin in early 2016.

Recommended retail prices as follows:

UK

Carrera 4 - £81,398 RRP
Carrera 4 Cabriolet - £90,240 RRP
Carrera 4S - £90,843 RRP
Carrera 4S Cabriolet - £99,684 RRP
Targa 4 - £90,240 RRP
Targa 4S - £99,684 RRP

Ireland

Carrera 4 - €146,493 RRP
Carrera 4 Cabriolet - €162,406 RRP
Carrera 4S - €163,491 RRP
Carrera 4S Cabriolet - €179,402 RRP
Targa 4 - €162,406 RRP
Targa 4S - €179,402 RRP

Every new Porsche customer will also benefit from the opportunity to get aquainted with the breadth of dynamic attributes offered by these new 911 models courtesy of a complimentary driving course at the the Porsche Experience Centre Silverstone.

[Max Tyson]

It does break me on the 1/4 mile when the 4wd dissapear!