| Updated model | Porsche 911 Carrera 4 |
Porsche has revealed that the 911 Carrera 4 and 4S models will receive the same engine upgrades as the
new rear-wheel drive 911 models. The Carrera 4 will feature the same 345bhp 3.6-litre engine as the revised Carrera, while the 4S will get the 3.8-litre unit with 385bhp.
Improved performance for both models will go hand in hand with reduced emissions and better fuel economy. Porsche also reckons both models will offer an enhanced driving experience as both will use the same traction control system as the
911 Turbo, which is the first time this will feature in lesser versions of the 911.
A six-speed manual gearbox will be standard for both four-wheel drive models, but Porsche will also offer its PDK transmission. The PDK twin-clutch system works in a similar fashion to Audi's DSG gearbox and is operated in the 911 by steering wheel-mounted paddles.
Exterior and interior revisions are the same as those for the two-wheel drive 911 models recently launched, with the four-wheel drive models marked out by the addition of an extra red strip between the rear lights and a 44mm wider rear-end than the two-wheel drive 911s. Sales of the revised Carrera 4 and 4S models begin on 25 October and prices will be announced closer to the on-sale date.
Alisdair Suttie - 30 Nov 1999