New Porsche 911 Carrera 4 and Carrera 4S

Press Release

Even more dynamic road behavior – and 44 millimeters wider

The 911-type Carrera 4 and Carrera 4S all-wheel-drive coupes from Dr. Ing. h.c. F. Porsche AG in Stuttgart are a further addition to the  911 model family and perpetuate a long and successful tradition. Porsche’s legendary 959 model and the first Carrera 4, which dates from 1988, were early evidence of this manufacturer’s competence in all-wheel-drive technology.

A striking feature of these new 911 models: they are 44 millimeters wider over the rear fenders. The rear wheels of the Carrera 4 can therefore be fitted with 295/35 ZR 18 tires, and its “bigger brother” with 305/30 ZR 19 tires. Powered by the proven 3.6-liter six-cylinder engine, which has an output of 239 kW (325 bhp), the Carrera 4 accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in 5.1 seconds and has a top speed of 280 kilometers per hour. The 4S model, with a 3.8-liter engine developing 261 kW (355 bhp), can reach 100 km/h in 4.8 seconds and has a top speed of 288 km/h.

The all-wheel drive system has a multi-disk viscous coupling and transfers between five and 40 percent of the tractive force permanently to the front wheels, giving the two new coupes excellently balanced performance on bends until close to the handling limit, absolute straight-line stability up to top speed and improved traction on slippery roads.

Porsche Stability Management (PSM) now has two new functions: the brake system is pre-filled ready for a full brake application, thus eliminating the air gap between the pads and the disk and making stopping distances even shorter.

The second new PSM function is activated if the driver depresses the brake pedal quickly but not forcefully. In this situation, the hydraulic pump builds up extra pressure to bring all the wheels into the ABS range and ensure optimal braking.

In its regular setting, Porsche Active Suspension Management (PASM) offers a sporty but comfortable basic shock absorber setup, but operation of the sport button activates a noticeably firmer mapped setting. In both settings, however, the suspension ratings are matched at all times to the driving style and road conditions. The active shock absorber system is a standard feature on the 911 Carrera 4S and an optional extra on the Carrera 4. On request, both models can also be fitted with sports suspension to lower the body 20 millimeters closer to the ground; this option includes a mechanical rear axle differential lock.

The optional Sport Chrono Plus package is also available for the new all-wheel-drive models. It modifies the engine management characteristics and the control behavior of the PSM and PASM systems.

The list prices in Europe are 71,100 Euros for the Carrera 4 and 79,900 Euros for the Carrera 4S. Prices in Germany (including value added tax and country-specific requirements) are 82,657 Euros for the Carrera 4 and 92,865 Euros for the Carrera 4S. The two models will be launched on the German market on October 22, 2005.