Porsche 911 Carrera 4 And Targa 4 Models Make Debut

Porsche customers in 2015 are quite happy to dismiss the past, and accept four-wheel drive and fuel-efficient turbocharged engines.

The 2016 Porsche 911 Carrera 4 has been revealed as a Coupé, Cabriolet and Targa complete with cosmetic tweaks and the new 3.0 litre turbo engines. The 911 Carrera 4S is a safe, sensible sports auto, albeit one with a 189mph top whack and a meaty 369lb ft of torque.

Wider rear arches and a horizontal light band that runs between the tail-lights will continue to distinguish the four-wheel-drive 911s from the rear-drive editions. The extra power of the Carrera S vehicles is coming from the tuned engine management, the specific exhaust system and the turbochargers with modified compressors. Fitted with the optional Sport Chrono package, the base model does 0-100km/h in just 4.1 seconds, while the S does it in a phenomenal 3.8 seconds.

Porsche has announced details of its all-wheel drive 2016 Carrera 4 and Targa 4 models this week, following the September debut of their rear-wheel drive siblings.

Top speeds vary according to model and equipment between 178 and 189 miles per hour.

The first in a series of modular turbocharged engines, it replaces the naturally aspirated 3.4-litre six-cylinder unit in the 911 Carrera 4 and Targa 4, delivering an added 20bhp and 45lb ft, with 365bhp now available at 65000rpm and 332lb ft on tap from 1700 through to 5000rpm. The 911 Carrera 4 Cabriolet can be yours from 117,073 euros and the 911 Carrera 4S Cabriolet costs 131,234 euros.

Traditionally, every new generation of engines from Porsche combines more output with less consumption.

Other features include a new 918-inspired 375mm steering wheel, with the option of a 360mm GT wheel, and the new Porsche Communications Management (PCM) infotainment system is also featured.

Another important change for the updated 911 models is the fitment of the adaptive PASM chassis (Porsche Active Suspension Management) system with its 10-millimeter lower ride height as standard. Variants with the most significant improvements are the Carrera S Cab and Targa 4S, each with PDK, in which average consumption falls by 1.2 litres to 8.0 l/100 km.

As with the rear-wheel drive models, the Sport Chrono pack of the 4 and 4S models now includes a mode-selection switch, derived from the hero 918 Spyder hypercar. It gives drivers a mode switch on the steering wheel, to select between Normal, Sport, Sport Plus and Individual driving modes.

We’re also informed of a cheery new feature labelled the “Sport Response Button”, which “pre-conditions” the drivetrain for a 20-second burst of maximum acceleration. Thanks to “electro-hydraulically controlled all-wheel drive”, Porsche says that this is actually the first four-wheel drive 911 to beat its rear-driven brother in the acceleration stakes.

A Porsche 911 with all-wheel drive combines exceptional traction with particularly sporty handling and driving performance.

Inside, an improved PCM connectivity and infotainment system – with improved smartphone integration and a wider range of internet-based services – joins a more tactile steering wheel, like that of the 918 Spyder. For unlimited everyday practicality, Porsche supplies a hydraulic lift system with integrated lifting cylinders in the struts of the front axle. Ground clearance at the front spoiler lip can be increased by 40 millimeters within five seconds at the touch of a button.