NEWS: Surprise! New Carrera 4 and 4S

By Michael Banovsky
Photo Courtesy Porsche Cars North America

As if Porsche leaves anything to the imagination. Their model line has seemingly run on a German train schedule: "First, ve introduce da Carrera, den four months later ze Cabriolet, den four months later ze Carrera 4, den four months later ze GT3, den four months later ze Turbo..."

If their efficiency is to be believed, a train containing pre-orders is rolling into Stuttgart right now.

Like all 911 evolutions, this one is being measured in Millimeters. It's 44 millimeters wider, now wears rear 295/35 ZR18 (Carrera 4), and 305/30 ZR19 (Carrera 4s) tires.

The models use the same engines as their rear-wheel-drive brethren, meaning a 325HP 3.6L flat-6 for the "4" and a 3.8L flat-6 for the "4S". The 4 and 4S accelerate to 100km/h in 5.1 and 4.8 seconds, respectively.

The all-wheel-drive system can split between 5 and 40 per cent of the engine's power to the front wheels. The (Porsche Stability Management) PSM system also has two new functions for the car. First, the brake system is pre-filled to eliminate the air gap between the brake pads and discs making contact, for shorter stopping distances.

The second 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.

As in the Carrera and Carrera S, a stiffer sports suspension can be ordered, along with the Chrono package.

Expect the new Carrera 4 and 4S to start around $125,000 Cdn.

Just don't miss the train.