2014 Porsche 911 Carrera 4 & 4S
| ---- Specifications ---- | |||||
| Price | -- | Production | -- | ||
| Engine | 3.4 & 3.8 liter h-6 | Weight | -- | ||
| Aspiration | natural | Torque | -- | ||
| HP | 350 hp & 400 hp | HP/Weight | -- | ||
| HP/Liter | 102.9 @ 105.3 hp per liter | 1/4 mile | -- | ||
| 0-62 mph | 4.1 - 4.7 seconds | Top Speed | -- |
(from Porsche Press Release) 2014 Porsche 911 Carrera 4 and 4S
Greater dynamics and agility
Porsche is doubling its range of driving fun in the new 911 generation by launching the all-wheel drive 911 Carrera 4 on the market in four model versions. The new sports cars with their uniquely powerful proportions combine the excellent traction and driving stability of the active Porsche Traction Management (PTM) system with the benefits of lightweight design, new engines and additional assistance systems – traction and dynamics to the fourth power.
Despite enhanced engine and driving performance, all four models consume significantly less fuel than their respective previous models; in some cases the savings add up to as much as 16 per cent. So, the new all-wheel drive 911 is consistently following the same course as the 911 Carrera Type 991 presented in 2011. The Carrera 4 takes top efficiency and performance to an even higher level.
Overview of the new models:
911 Carrera 4
3.4-litre boxer engine with 350 hp (257 kW); seven-speed manual gearbox, optional seven-speed Porsche Doppelkupplungsgetriebe (PDK); active all-wheel drive Porsche Traction Management (PTM); acceleration from zero to 100 km/h in 4.9 seconds (PDK: 4.7 seconds; Sport Chrono: 4.5 seconds); top speed 285 km/h (PDK: 283 km/h); fuel consumption (NEDC) 9.3 l/100 km, CO2 219 g/km; (PDK: 8.6 l/100 km, CO2 203 g/km).
911 Carrera 4 Cabriolet
3.4-litre boxer engine with 350 hp (257 kW); seven-speed manual gearbox, optional PDK; PTM; acceleration from zero to 100 km/h in 5.1 seconds (PDK: 4.9 seconds; Sport Chrono: 4.7 seconds); top speed 282 km/h, (PDK: 280 km/h); fuel consumption (NEDC) 9.5 l/100 km, CO2 224 g/km; (PDK: 8.7 l/100 km, CO2 205 g/km).
911 Carrera 4S
3.8-litre boxer engine with 400 hp (294 kW); seven-speed manual gearbox, optional PDK; PTM; acceleration from zero to 100 km/h in 4.5 seconds (PDK: 4.3 seconds; Sport Chrono: 4.1 seconds); top speed 299 km/h, (PDK: 297 km/h); fuel consumption (NEDC) 9.9 l/100 km, CO2 234 g/km; (PDK: 9.1 l/100 km, CO2 215 g/km).
911 Carrera 4S Cabriolet
3.8-litre boxer engine with 400 hp (294 kW); seven-speed manual gearbox, optional PDK; PTM; acceleration from zero to 100 km/h in 4.7 seconds (PDK: 4.5 seconds Sport Chrono: 4.3); top speed 296 km/h, (PDK: 294 km/h); fuel consumption (NEDC) 10.0 l/100 km, CO2 236 g/km; (PDK: 9.2 l/100 km, CO2 217 g/km).
The most distinctive identifying feature of the 911 with all-wheel drive is still the wide rear section. Thanks to Porsche Traction Management, the new generation of 911 Carrera sport cars is able to optimally transfer its high performance potential to the road at all times. Via a multiplate clutch, it actively controls the distribution of power between the front and rear wheels within fractions of a second. This system can deliver greater driving stability, more agile traction or more agile handling, depending on the driving situation. Expressed in another way: even more safety with even more driving fun.
Indicator shows torque distribution: all-wheel drive made visible
In the new 911 Carrera 4, this special driving fun is being made visible for the first time: as a new standard feature, an indicator can be called up on the instrument cluster display that shows how the PTM all-wheel drive is distributing engine power. A bar indicator with ten segments per axle continually informs the driver of the drive torque available at the main transmission output as well as its current distribution to the front and rear axle.
Prominent identifying feature: 44 mm wider rear section
The new all-wheel drive 911 is easy to recognize at first glance: Compared to the two-wheel drive 911 Carrera models, the wheel arches of the rear axle are more flared, each extending an additional 22 mm to the sides, while the rear wheels are each ten millimetres wider. This increases the track width of the 911 Carrera 4 by 42 mm and that of the S model by 36 mm. The impressive view at the rear is underscored by the exclusive tail-light panel with parking light and rear light functionality. The light panel runs directly beneath the spoiler edge, and it visually combines the two rear lights. For one, this emphasises the powerful termination of the vehicle, while also giving the all-wheel drive models a unique and clearly differentiated night design. When the light is activated, the illuminated light panel visually joins the rear lights; at night this also signals to cars behind that a new all-wheel drive 911 is driving ahead. The car’s independent image is rounded out by the black recessed sill panels in side view and by the modified front end with lateral air inlet screens in trim form in the front view.
Advanced development of Porsche Traction Management supports coasting
The new all-wheel drive 911 cars are equipped with the latest generation of Porsche Traction Management (PTM). It is based on the system of the 911 Turbo, Type 997 and was especially optimised in its control strategy with a special focus on improving efficiency and fuel economy.
The system recognises a fuel-efficient style of driving based on the driving situation and reduces the transfer of drive torque to the front axle. This reduces power losses. PTM also supports the typical Porsche “coasting” function of the 911s equipped with PDK. The PTM clutch is opened while the vehicle is coasting without drive power. This reduces the braking torque of the all-wheel drive system, which in turn improves fuel economy.
PTM combines typical Porsche driving fun of a rear engine and rear-wheel drive with even greater driving stability, traction and agile handling. In every driving situation, PTM accomplishes this by directing the optimal share of engine torque to the front wheels via a multi-plate clutch, and this distribution the driver can now see on the display. With a maximum switching time of 100 milliseconds, PTM is quicker than the engine’s reaction to load change and quicker than the driver can perceive. In practical terms, this means a high level of agility on narrow country roads, excellent traction even on slippery surfaces and top-notch driving safety even during extreme driving manoeuvres in the high-speed range. These properties make Porsche Traction Management one of the highest performance and yet lightest all-wheel drive systems on the market.
Dynamic tuning of the all-wheel drive system is rear drive dominant in its basic layout. However, power is distributed with full variability depending on the specific driving situation and the slip friction value. Parameters such as wheel slip, longitudinal acceleration and transverse acceleration as well as oversteer and understeer are used to detect the slip friction value. Drive forces are quickly and precisely distributed between the front and rear axles in response to steering angle and accelerator pedal inputs, according to the specific driving situation.
More power, better fuel economy
With the generation change, the all-wheel drive models of the 911 Carrera now have new engines with 3.4 litres and 3.8 litres of engine displacement. To increase their efficiency, the boxer engines feature electrical system recuperation and map-controlled coolant thermal management.
In electrical system recuperation, the battery is charged more during braking and coasting phases. When the battery is fully charged, the generator’s charging current is throttling down, which in turn relieves load on the internal combustion engine during acceleration phases, because the generator does not need to output as much power to charge the battery. Meanwhile, the shared, intelligently controlled cooling system for the engine and transmission of the thermal management system ensures that both drive units reach their operating temperatures quicker. This improves efficiency in part-load conditions due to less friction without any disadvantages in full-load operation. Porsche also introduced the auto start/stop function in the new 911 Carrera generation for all transmission versions – including the manual transmission. Other measures that improve fuel economy are friction minimising actions in engine design, reduced rolling resistance with new generation tyres and the introduction of electro-mechanical power steering.
The principle of only calling up engine power when it is actually needed has led to a new feature for sports cars in the new 911 cars with PDK: coasting. In this case, the term refers to coasting without any engine propulsion, which enables idling fuel consumption over specific segments of the driving route. Coasting is good for fuel economy, because the vehicle is able to use its kinetic energy for certain sections of the driving route. In practical terms, this results in fuel savings of up to one litre per 100 km with an anticipatory style of driving in everyday operation. Coasting is initiated by slowly releasing the accelerator pedal or by a manual upshifting pulse while in the highest gear for the currently selected driving profile. Coasting is ended by accelerating, braking or manually shifting.
Sound Symposer intensifies acoustic driving fun
The new generation Porsche 911 Carrera also offers the driver even sportier driving fun in its acoustics. The Sound Symposer – a standard feature in all models – produces an even more full-bodied and sporty engine sound in the interior and is operated by the standard Sport or optional Sport Plus control button.
The Sound Symposer is a passive system; it does not generate any artificial engine sound, rather it directs the unmistakable sound of the new boxer engines into the interior at the push of a button. An acoustic channel absorbs the air induction vibrations between the throttle valve and the air filter. A membrane is integrated in this acoustic channel, which transmits the vibrations in the area of the package tray in the interior. A controlled flap located in front of the membrane activates or deactivates the Sound Symposer at the press of a button.
Sport exhaust system boosts power and enjoyment
A sport exhaust system is also available as an option for the new all-wheel drive models. It not only dethrottles the exhaust at the press of a button, but also merges the two exhaust lines. Pressing the sport exhaust system button on the centre console gives the six-cylinder boxer engine a more full-bodied sound paired with optimal performance. The acoustical effect offers even more emotional appeal, especially since the sound symposer flap is simultaneously activated. The sport exhaust system is visually distinguished by two twin tailpipes with unique styling.
Transmissions: seven speeds for dynamics and efficiency
The Porsche strategy for realising efficient performance includes two transmissions that deliver uncompromising sportiness as well as long gear ratios that improve fuel economy: the world’s first seven-speed manual gearbox in passenger car production and the Porsche Doppelkupplungsgetriebe (PDK), which also has seven gears. This means that drivers of the 911 Carrera with a manual gearbox can enjoy the same fuel economy advantages that the PDK is known to deliver: up to 19 per cent lower revs at the same vehicle speeds, which improves fuel economy by up to ten per cent in constant speed driving. A special aspect of the manual transmission is the shift gate lock to seventh gear. This prevents the driver from unintentionally shifting to seventh gear when quickly upshifting from fourth to fifth gear. The engaged gear is shown on the gear indicator in the instrument cluster.
Chassis with larger track width ensures superior stability in bends
In developing the new 911 Carrera generation, preparations were already made in tuning the chassis for the additional driving of the front wheels in the new all-wheel drive 911. That explains why the vehicle is largely based on the rear-wheel drive version. A significant exception is the wider track of the rear axle. On the 911 Carrera 4 it is 42 mm wider, and it is 36 mm on the 911 Carrera 4S. Together with PTM all-wheel drive, this offers even higher stability in bends, even with powerful acceleration.
As in all 911 models, the longer wheelbase – lengthened by 100 mm compared to the previous model – provides for significantly better driving stability at high speeds. Other systems that guarantee top driving performance – some standard and some optional depending on the model – are the further advanced Porsche Active Suspension Management (PASM), dynamic engine mounts, Porsche Dynamic Chassis Control (PDCC), innovative electro-mechanical power steering, Porsche Torque Vectoring (PTV), a high-performance brake system and the car’s wheels and tyres.
PASM sport chassis with downforce at the rear axle
The PASM sport chassis – which sports a ride height lowered by 20 mm and an aerodynamic package – is also offered in the new 911 Carrera 4 models. For one, the independent design of the front spoiler lip that is included in the package has been aerodynamically optimised. For another, the rear spoiler deploys further than in models without a sport chassis. This aerodynamic tuning results in less lift at the front axle and even provides downforce at the rear axle. In sum, the lift is zero. As a result, a 911 Carrera 4 with PASM sport chassis delivers exceptionally good road contact at high speeds and reacts very spontaneously and directly to steering inputs. The results: further enhancement of circuit driving performance.
Precision and feedback: electro-mechanical steering
Porsche introduced electro-mechanical power steering in the new 911 Carrera generation, which assumes a top position in terms of its high performance and precision. The primary benefit compared to hydraulic power steering is that it reduces fuel consumption by at least 0.1 l/100 km. In addition, auxiliary functions enhance convenience and safety. The system gives feedback to the driver via the steering wheel and filters out negative or unnecessary disturbances.
Even at low speeds, active steering wheel return automatically brings the steering wheel back to the centre position. When braking on roadways with different friction values for different wheels, a steering pulse at the steering wheel indicates the direction to steer, to make it easier for the driver to stabilize the car and stay in the desired driving lane. Delivering additional comfort is the optional power steering plus, which simplifies manoeuvring, for example, by stronger servo boosting at speeds below 50 km/h.
Driving through a bend faster and safer: Porsche Torque Vectoring
Offering even further enhanced agility in the new 911 cars is Porsche Torque Vectoring (PTV), which is standard in the 911 Carrera 4S and is available as an option in the 911 Carrera 4. There are two versions of the system: PTV with mechanically locking differential for cars with a manual gearbox and PTV Plus with electronically controlled, fully variable differential lock for PDK vehicles. Essentially, when driving through a bend PTV/PTV Plus uses specific brake interventions at the inside rear wheel to improve agility and steering precision with a highly dynamic style of driving, and the differential lock improves the car’s acceleration potential coming out of a bend.
Even sportier at the press of a button: from Sport button to Sport Chrono package
All 911 Carrera cars already have a Sport button as standard. It lets the driver choose tuning optimised for comfort and fuel economy or tuning that emphasises sporty performance. The optional Sport Chrono package with the additional Sport Plus button enables an even wider spread between sporty tuning and ride comfort in everyday driving. Besides configuring all relevant systems and functions for maximum performance, the Sport Chrono package also has controlled dynamic engine mounts.
When the Sport Plus button is pressed, both the transmission and, with PDK, the PSM intervene later to permit greater agility and driving performance. The optional PASM, PTV Plus, PDCC and dynamic engine mounts switch over to sport mode for stiffer and sportier damping and chassis control settings. Other functions are activated by the standard Sport button as well: the accelerator pedal characteristic is modified for more direct response, and the auto start/stop and coasting functions are deactivated. Moreover, the Sound Symposer and optional sport exhaust system are activated, and the optional Porsche Dynamic Light System is preconditioned for quicker reactions.
New in the Sport Chrono package: downshifting with double declutching
The Sport Chrono package includes an analogue and digital chronometer; the optional PCM also has a performance indicator with memory function. Another new feature of the optional Sport Chrono package is that for vehicles with a manual gearbox it has been extended to automatically double declutch during downshifts in Sport Plus mode. In quick shifting, this better adapts engine speed to the lower gear, letting the driver utilise the engine’s power or braking ability more effectively.
In conjunction with PDK, other functions are added. Launch Control, for example, supports the best possible drive-off acceleration when the Sport Plus button is pressed. This shortens the sprint from 0 to 100 km/h by 0.2 seconds. The Sport Plus button also activates the PDK “race course” shifting strategy with quicker shifts and optimal shift points for maximum acceleration and performance.
Porsche Dynamic Chassis Control for impressive performance gains
Making a decisive contribution towards impressive performance gains in the new 911 generation is Porsche Dynamic Chassis Control (PDCC) – an optional feature of the 911 Carrera 4S. With this system, the 911 attains a new level in terms of lateral acceleration and handling. Body roll of the vehicle is nearly fully compensated by the variable stabiliser system up to maximum lateral acceleration, e.g. when steering into a bend, driving through a bend or quickly changing lanes. Because of the reduced roll angles, the tyres are always optimally aligned to the road surface, so that they can transmit maximum force in any direction. This boosts potential vehicle speeds when driving through bends. The System also offers more direct steering feeling and higher steering precision. The intelligent control of the PDCC system is also able to drive the hydraulic actuators individually according to the driving situation. This affects self-steering effects and in turn improves vehicle stabilisation.
Lightweight design in perfected form
The innovative lightweight body of the new 911 Carrera range was developed for top driving characteristics in both the Coupé and Cabriolet – and for rear-wheel and all-wheel drive versions – with just minor modifications. All models share the weight advantages of the aluminium-steel construction with substantially improved rigidity, supplemented by local reinforcement elements in the soft-top 911s.
The idea behind this concept of intelligent lightweight design is to use the right material at the right place. Despite slightly increased vehicle dimensions, the sum of all design measures has led to significantly lower weights compared to previous models: The new 911 Carrera cars with all-wheel drive are up to 65 kg lighter than previous models.
911 Cabriolet: unique fabric roof hood with coupé properties
An eye-catching feature of the soft-top all-wheel drive 911 cars is the panel bow top – a new development by Porsche. This innovative technology has succeeded in creating a previously unattainable coupé-like roof arch of the soft top when it is up, and this leads to aerodynamic advantages as well. In addition, the weight of the entire top nearly matches that of the previous model, despite being longer and offering significantly improved comfort. The hood can be opened or closed in about 13 seconds – up to a speed of 50 km/h as in the previous models. It is operated by a button on the centre console or from outside by RF remote control.
When the hood is up, occupants enjoy climate and noise comfort that approaches that of the Coupés more than ever. There is an insulation layer under the entire surface of the exterior fabric. The panel bows, which are made of magnesium, are covered on the inside by form-stable roofliner trim pieces which convey a pleasant feeling in the interior space. The side panels are also fully covered with a fabric liner, so that none of the mechanical parts are visible when the top is up. Head room is also similar to that of the Coupé interior.
Another innovation in all soft-top 911 Carrera cars is the integrated and electrically deployed wind deflector. Installing and removing it are now a thing of the past.
More refined driving
The interior of the new all-wheel drive 911 cars that is making its appearance is based on the new generation concept. The central design element is the centre console that rises towards the front. It provides excellent ergonomics that integrate both the driver and front passenger. The operating concept permits uncomplicated and intuitive control of key vehicle functions.
The dashboard has a classic layout. The typical five round instruments of the 911 provide all key information on the 911’s operating status. On the 4.8-inch high-resolution TFT colour monitor in the instrument cluster to the right of the central tachometer, a comprehensive list of configurable display options are provided: all-wheel drive, vehicle status, audio, telephone, navigation, map display, trip computer and tyre pressure indicator. In conjunction with the optional Sport Chrono Package, users can call up the G-Force display which graphically illustrates the longitudinal and transverse acceleration on the multifunctional display. In vehicles with a manual transmission, a shifting assistant display is also implemented for performance-optimised driving. The standard running lights assistant can automatically switch from the daytime running lights to dipped beam under darkening conditions or during tunnel passages.
Sport seats for dynamic driving and long distances
The interiors of all 911 Carrera cars are equipped with a standard sport seating system with electric backrest angle and seat height adjustment. The optional sport seats with electric 14-way adjustment add electric adjustment of the longitudinal position, seat cushion angle and depth and four-way adjustment of the lumbar support. Another option is adaptive sport seats plus with 18-way adjustment and prominent side supports; the side supports are adjusted on the seat surface and backrest for optimal lateral support in every driving situation. Both versions include the memory package and electric steering column adjustment. Seat ventilation is also available for all sport seat versions in conjunction with the optional seat heating.
New: lightweight sport shell seats made of fibre-reinforced polymer
For 911 Carrera drivers with very sporty performance standards, Porsche offers new especially lightweight sport shell seats with folding backrests, integrated thorax airbag and manual longitudinal adjustment. The seat shell is made of glass-reinforced and carbon-reinforced polymer with a visible carbon surface. A special feature is the pivot point of the backrests, which lies high in the side supports. The lateral support that is characteristic of race car shell seats is thereby also assured in the pelvic area. However, the folding backrest still enables convenient loading of the luggage compartment in the rear.