Porsche 911 Carrera 4S Part 3: Performance Review

Porsche's philosophy of constant evolution has always been epitomized in the latest and greatest 911 model. Whatever new feature or advanced technology is introduced must always result in improved performance and a more rewarding driving experience.

Enter the 911 Carrera 4S with its vast number of improvements headlined by Porsche's new generation of direct injected engines. With gains made in power output and mileage numbers, and with significantly reduced emissions, Porsche's direct fuel injection - or DFI - makes for an even better rounded 911-model range.

The other big news mechanically is the availability of PDK - Porsche's dual-clutch transmission. We'll talk more about PDK in an upcoming test of a 911 with that option, but for now we're left with the precise and positive action of the excellent manual six-speed.

To be honest, I've never understood why anyone wouldn't want to shift for themselves in a 911. No doubt, the sales numbers for PDK will prove that the manual transmission is giving way to "progress", and one day someone will ask, "what happened to the manual transmission?" To which some smart-ass will answer, "the same thing that happened to Donkey Kong and Ms. PacMan." But I tell you, if the demise of the manual gearbox constitutes progress in sportscars, consider me old skool... and give me a clutch pedal!

Another key dynamic element of our Carrera 4S test car is Porsche Traction Management all-wheel drive - or PTM. The same system used until now exclusively on the 911 Turbo, the intelligent all-wheel drive system aims to utilize the 911's considerable power to best effect by putting it down to the pavement through both axles more quickly than before. Now employing an electronically controlled multi-plate clutch instead of the previous viscous system, PTM is significantly more responsive to changing traction conditions, and in conjunction with PSM, ensures perfect distribution of power at all times.

The PSM system - or Porsche Stability Management - is a model of self-control, allowing you to use the 911's full capabilities - and then some - without intervening. It's only when you get really aggressive that the system will wag its finger at you. Lift off abruptly mid-corner in an attempt to induce a slide, and PSM will gently slap your hand and prevent any sideways tomfoolery. After all, that's not the fast way around, and Porsches are all about the fast way around. So if you drive the car quickly and smoothly, the system rewards you by staying dormant. If, like me, you have some unresolved control issues, well, you can turn PSM off completely and do your best Walter Rohl impersonation, which involves a lot of seriousness... and a lot of sideways-ness!

PTM and PSM clearly help to exploit the impressive power of the fabulous dry-sumped, 3.8-liter flat six of the S-model 911s. And when it's time to slow things down, the power of deceleration that Porsches have long been known for will impress in equal measure.

Brakes are typical of the brand, with gobs of stopping power, great feel through the pedal, and, of course, the stability and traction afforded by that rear weight bias. If you somehow feel that you just need more stopping power - or if you're one of those guys who thinks size is everything - you can opt for the massive optional ceramic brakes, which admittedly are pretty sexy.

With its many advancements and its superior traction ensuring higher performance and driver satisfaction - and with its direct fuel injection delivering improved economy and reduced emissions - the newest Porsche 911 Carrera 4S proves that in automotive terms, you can in fact have your cake and eat it too.

Watch the video
Read Part 1: Design
Read Part 2: Interior & User Experience

Porsche 911 Carrera 4S

Performance
- Acceleration: Hard to believe this car is powered by a normally aspirated six... SO QUICK! - huge grip from AWD means it's hard to launch hard without being abusive, though
- Handling: Precise and accurate once you get used to its peculiar feel - prefers a clean, proper approach versus any tomfoolery - practice your drifting elsewhere!
- Braking: The most stable braking platform in the car biz gets even better thanks to AWD - the optional ceramics are overkill, but no doubt even more amazing

Design
- Exterior: Hard to believe it still looks as good as it does - great 997 "version 2.0" facelift keeps the 911 fresh while somehow still classic - one of the great automotive shapes
- Interior: 997's return to the pre-996 layout was extremely welcomed and addressed the biggest flaw of the 996 - PCM cleans up the center stack and improves things further

Utility
- Comfort: Great in the front, especially for a performance car of this nature - nonexistent in the rear, but everyone knows that
- Space: Boot is deep, but not as handy as a proper trunk - rear parcel shelf (referred to as "rear seats" by Porsche) is quite useful

Safety
- Dynamics: One of the very best stability control systems is as foolproof as you can get - evasive maneuvers a bit tricky as the front-end needs weight transfer to be effective
- Technology: Again, PASM is awesome - add to that PTM and airbags and those brakes and... yeah, it's all here and then some

Value
- Price: Yikes! That is a BIG number... Even for a car like this
- Mileage: Direct injection means that one of the most environmentally friendly sportscars is now even more so - other manufacturers should take note

Emotional Appeal
- Heart thumpin' factor: That profile and those hips will make your hairs stand up before you even start it up
- Fun to spank: Spank isn't the right word here. Fun to drive quickly? Absolutely. But it wants to be driven cleanly and quickly, not sideways

SPECIFICATIONS

Layout: Rear engine / All-wheel drive
Engine: 3.8 liter, Flat-6
Power (SAE): 385 hp @ 6500 rpm
Torque: 310 lb-ft @ 4400 rpm
Gearbox: 6-speed manual
Curb Weight: 3263 lbs.
0-60 mph: 4.7 sec.
Top Speed: 185 mph
Mileage: 17 city / 25 highway
Base Price: $93,200
Competitors: Audi R8, BMW M6, Mercedes-Benz SL63 AMG