2009 911 Carrera 4



Carrera Not another new 911 derivative?
Certainly is. This is the new second generation 911 Carrera 4, which means the smaller 3.6-litre flat-six engine, 345hp and 0-62mph in 5.0 seconds and 177mph top speed. It comes with a six-speed manual gearbox as standard – as driven here – and Porsche Traction Management four wheel drive. The seven-speed, double-clutch PDK gearbox is a £2288 option.

How does it differ to the previous Carrera 4?
More powerful, fuel efficient direct fuel injection engine aside, all new four-wheel drive 911s now come with Porsche Traction Management in place of the previous car’s viscous coupling all-drive transmission. The result is a quicker, more reactive system that can distribute the engine’s torque more efficiently to the individual wheels with the grip rather than either the front or rear axle.

Can you notice the difference?
In the real world? No. But start to climb in to the C4’s impressive talents and push up to the limits of adhesion and, where the previous generation C4 would start to run out of ideas once it had sent a glug of torque to the axle with the grip, PTM’s ability to constantly vary the level of power and torque to each individual corner results in a calmer, smoother and more progressive feeling when grip levels are breached. Get into a slide and the C4 wants to work with rather than against you.

Is it better than a regular Carrera 2?
This depends on your geographical location and use of the car. If you use your 911 all year round (and why wouldn’t you?) or live with a climate where conditions dictate four-wheel drive in the winter and like the idea of the increased traction levels a four-wheel drive chassis provides, then it’s worth considering a Carrera 4. However, if it’s for high days and holidays that you only get your 911 out for, save the £4314 and buy a Carrera 2.

Verdict
PTM is quicker and more responsive than the outgoing four-wheel drive system, but you must really need a 4x4 to shell out for one over a regular rear-wheel drive Carrera.

Specification
911 Carrera PDK
Engine: 3614cc, flat-six water-cooled
Max Power: 345hp @ 6500rpm
Max Torque: 287lb ft @ 4400rpm
Weight: 11470kg
Price: £67,384
On-sale: Now
Contact: www.porsche.com

 



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