Porsche's Better 911
September, 1998 -- Porsche's highly-acclaimed 911 lineup just got better with the addition of the Carrera 4 coupe and convertible, both of which were unveiled today in Paris.
The new Carrera 4 continues a tradition begun with the 959-series of the 911; full-time four-wheel drive that enhances performance and stability in all driving conditions. Unlike the previous generation Carrera 4, which had a conventional transaxle system running in a separate tube, the new model has a low weight driveshaft located in the central transmission tunnel. At the same time, Porsche engineers moved the viscous clutch from the gearbox to the front differential housing to improve weight distribution. The sophisticated four-wheel drive setup transfers five percent of the engine's power to the front wheel under normal driving conditions; it redirects up to 40 percent of the engine's power in low traction situations.
The traction-enhancing benefits of the Carrera 4 are further augmented by the introduction of Porsche Stability Management (PSM). Using the latest antilock brake technology, PSM is designed to prevent the Carrera 4 from spinning during aggressive cornering. The system helps drivers maintain control by minimizing the effects of both oversteer and understeer. PSM prevents oversteer by selectively applying the outside front brake in a turn; it prevents understeer by applying the inside rear brake. Porsche assures us that PSM doesn't take the fun out of driving a 911, just some of the danger.
For the first time in its distinguished history, the Carrera 4 is available with an automatic transmission. Like all automatic-equipped 911s, the slushbox in the Carrera 4 is a five-speed Tiptronic S unit.
The Carrera 4 can be visually distinguished from its two-wheel drive counterparts by its titanium-colored engine cover and brake calipers, as well as by its unique 17-inch wheels. All 911 models get minor revisions to the front and rear light clusters.
September, 1998 -- Porsche's highly-acclaimed 911 lineup just got better with the addition of the Carrera 4 coupe and convertible, both of which were unveiled today in Paris.
The new Carrera 4 continues a tradition begun with the 959-series of the 911; full-time four-wheel drive that enhances performance and stability in all driving conditions. Unlike the previous generation Carrera 4, which had a conventional transaxle system running in a separate tube, the new model has a low weight driveshaft located in the central transmission tunnel. At the same time, Porsche engineers moved the viscous clutch from the gearbox to the front differential housing to improve weight distribution. The sophisticated four-wheel drive setup transfers five percent of the engine's power to the front wheel under normal driving conditions; it redirects up to 40 percent of the engine's power in low traction situations.
The traction-enhancing benefits of the Carrera 4 are further augmented by the introduction of Porsche Stability Management (PSM). Using the latest antilock brake technology, PSM is designed to prevent the Carrera 4 from spinning during aggressive cornering. The system helps drivers maintain control by minimizing the effects of both oversteer and understeer. PSM prevents oversteer by selectively applying the outside front brake in a turn; it prevents understeer by applying the inside rear brake. Porsche assures us that PSM doesn't take the fun out of driving a 911, just some of the danger.
For the first time in its distinguished history, the Carrera 4 is available with an automatic transmission. Like all automatic-equipped 911s, the slushbox in the Carrera 4 is a five-speed Tiptronic S unit.
The Carrera 4 can be visually distinguished from its two-wheel drive counterparts by its titanium-colored engine cover and brake calipers, as well as by its unique 17-inch wheels. All 911 models get minor revisions to the front and rear light clusters.
Add A Comment »