AWD traction is always going to run rings around RWD only or FWD only mechanisms, especially in the wet. I can remember at the great Bathurst 1000 race, back in the early nineties when Mark Skaife drove the Nissan GTR to victory. This car was quick anyway, but in the wet, and with AWD, it was lethal, leaving all others along-ways back in the field. Porsche, for a little while now, have cottoned onto the fact that AWD in a 911 is a great idea. With the power upgrades in the new 911, AWD makes these cars sensationally quick in the wet and in the dry.

Let’s take a look at the new 911 Carreras. Porsche have opted for the Carrera versions to be the model of choice for using the AWD traction. Four models are available, with two engines on offer: a 257 kW and 294 kW engine. The engine used in the Porsche 911 Carrera 4 and Porsche 911 Carrera 4 Cabriolet boasts 257 kW from a six-cylinder format. The 3.5-litre engine provides its peak power at 7400 rpm and pushes a 390 Nm level of torque at 5600 rpm to the rear wheels. Slight variations in acceleration times are down to whether or not you opt for the standard six-speed manual gearbox or the slightly quicker Porsche Doppelkupplung (PDK) gearbox.

Looking at the 294 kW engine, the same six-cylinder configuration is used, however the engine has been bored out to 3.8-litres – hence the greater top end power and greater torque of 440 Nm at 5600 rpm. Again, acceleration times drop ever-so slightly depending on whether the six-speed manual or PDK gearbox are used. To most driving enthusiasts, any mid four second 0-100 km/h time is quick. You’ll find that the powerful 294 kW engine will be found in the Porsche 911 Carrera 4S and Porsche 911 Carrera 4S Cabriolet. So that’s the powerhouses looked at. What about the drive system that takes it to the wheels?

On the 911 Carrera AWD models, the enriched Porsche Traction Management (PTM) driveline distributes the power to the wheels according to weather and road conditions. Handling is more controlled, particularly when the car is being driven to its limits. As a result, you are safer not just in the wet and snow, but also when adopting that all-addictive sporty driving style. With the higher rated engines, Porsche have provided Porsche Torque Vectoring (PTV) which increases the car’s already dynamic performance. Optional for the S models, is the addition of Porsche Dynamic Chassis Control (PDCC), the ultimate in sport control.

If you love to feel the wind in the hair, the 911 Carrera 4 Cabriolet and 4S Cabriolet will be the models you’ll be picking. Few people dislike the distinctive 911 styling, with its racy, compact lines and massive on road presence. Add the drop top effect, and this is one sexy set of wheels.

Sport and luxury go together, so whether it’s the cabriolet or hard top version of the Carrera 4 and 4S, you are caressed in the ultimate blend of sporty extravagance. A two-zone air conditioning system, a leather steering wheel rim, leather door pulls and leather armrests are standard features. Alcantara material is used for the roof lining in the Coupe models. Porsche Communication Management (PCM) with navigation module and a high-resolution 7-inch colour touchscreen comes as standard, while the PCM is your control centre for audio, navigation and communication functions.

There is a lot of choice for making your new Porsche 911 Carrera 4 models to match your tastes. In addition to the choice of Black, Platinum Grey, Luxor Beige and Yachting Blue for the interior, there is a wide range of other options available, including two-tone colour combinations or special colours and materials such as carbon, aluminium or high-quality wood.

When the road surface gets a little bit marginal, the Porsche 911 Carrera 4 and 4S have all the traction you’ll be able to find. These cars never disappoint.

The current Porsche 911 Carrera 4 models include the:

• Carrera 4 (manual)
• Carrera 4 (PDK)
• Carrera 4S (manual)
• Carrera 4S (PDK)
• Carrera 4 Cabriolet (manual)
• Carrera 4 Cabriolet (PDK)
• Carrera 4S Cabriolet (manual)
• Carrera 4S Cabriolet (PDK)

For any more information on the Porsche 911 Carrera 4 models or, for that matter, any other new car, contact one of our friendly consultants on 1300 303 181. If you’d like some fleet discount pricing (yes even for private buyers!), we can submit vehicle quote requests out to our national network of Porsche dealers and come back with pricing within 24 hours. Private Fleet – car buying made easy!

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