Porsche 911 Carrera 4
Porsche introduced its new 911 Carrera 4 at the L.A. Auto Show. This is the first Porsche to offer an automatic transmission on a four-wheel drive model, though the standard transmission is still a six-speed manual.
The Carrera 4 comes equipped with the all-new Porsche Stability Management, or PSM, that combines existing longitudinal control systems, such as anti-lock brakes, traction control and Automatic Brake Differential, with dynamic lateral control tailored specifically to four-wheel drive. This use of brake intervention and automatic engine power control keep the car stable by minimizing understeer and oversteer in bad weather (or bad driving) circumstances. As one Porsche executive stated, "PSM can make us all much better drivers than God ever intended us to be."
The new all-wheel drive system is similar to that used in the previous 993 chassis, but with minor upgrades. For example, the viscous center differential has been moved from the rear of the car to the front for improved weight distribution. Trunk space has been cut by 23 percent to make room for the front-wheel half shafts and the front struts have been moved slightly rearward.
The Carrera 4 will be available in both Coupe and Cabriolet form. Only minor exterior cues, like titanium brake calipers, unique 17-inch wheels and the Carrera 4 badge will distinguish it from its two-wheel drive 911 brethren. But the most exciting aspect of the new 911 Carrera 4 Coupe is its price, which will be approximately $2,500 lower than a 1998 version.
Porsche introduced its new 911 Carrera 4 at the L.A. Auto Show. This is the first Porsche to offer an automatic transmission on a four-wheel drive model, though the standard transmission is still a six-speed manual.
The Carrera 4 comes equipped with the all-new Porsche Stability Management, or PSM, that combines existing longitudinal control systems, such as anti-lock brakes, traction control and Automatic Brake Differential, with dynamic lateral control tailored specifically to four-wheel drive. This use of brake intervention and automatic engine power control keep the car stable by minimizing understeer and oversteer in bad weather (or bad driving) circumstances. As one Porsche executive stated, "PSM can make us all much better drivers than God ever intended us to be."
The new all-wheel drive system is similar to that used in the previous 993 chassis, but with minor upgrades. For example, the viscous center differential has been moved from the rear of the car to the front for improved weight distribution. Trunk space has been cut by 23 percent to make room for the front-wheel half shafts and the front struts have been moved slightly rearward.
The Carrera 4 will be available in both Coupe and Cabriolet form. Only minor exterior cues, like titanium brake calipers, unique 17-inch wheels and the Carrera 4 badge will distinguish it from its two-wheel drive 911 brethren. But the most exciting aspect of the new 911 Carrera 4 Coupe is its price, which will be approximately $2,500 lower than a 1998 version.
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