Certainly, like no other motor, the 911
brings together apparent contradictions such as sportiness and everyday practicality, tradition and innovation, exclusivity and social acceptance, design and functionality. It is no wonder that each generation has written its own personal success story. So, even though I can’t afford one now I’m
all grown up with kids of my own – I never pass up the opportunity to borrow a Porsche – and trying out the most up-to-date 911 Carrera 4 during the model’s 50th anniversary year just had to be done. Te latest Carrera 4 builds upon the automotive fairy tale further by providing all-wheel drive. Te four-by-four grip is supplied via wizardry known as Porsche Traction Management (PTM). Tis precisely distributes power to the front and rear axles as road and driving conditions change – making for a thrilling, responsive, yet fantastically stable drive. Unbelievably, despite the shot of adrenaline the 911 Carrera 4 gives you every time you go out for a spin, it doesn’t gobble up fuel. On a British road trip from the Midlands to East Anglia I averaged 30mpg. Tat isn’t bad when you consider a 3.4 litre lump is shoehorned into the car.
Behind the wheel, that powerhouse enables magic to happen every time you touch the throttle pedal. Fuel is injected fractions of a second prior to combustion, the engine responding spontaneously to even the slightest movement of your right foot. Tis isn’t only the case when accelerating, but also when lifting off. Te seven speed manual transmission adds to the entertainment mix. Its slick action soon makes it seem entirely natural to shift all the way up to that seventh cog on the straights. As for looks – well I’ve touched a little on those already – the shape of the 911 is the
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‘meat in the sandwich’. Aside from brute force, it’s why you buy the car. So, subtlety is what the present Carrera 4 is all about. Look close enough and you’ll see modifications to the nose and tail and the more overt use of lighting technology: bi-xenon headlights and gorgeous, sparkly, LED daytime driving lights are fitted as standard. Te 911 Carrera 4 is also wider across the rear wheel arches than its two-wheel drive sibling. And further definition is added courtesy of a reflective trim that spans the width between the striking LED rear lights. Te contemporary Porsche 911 Carrera 4 is
priced from £77,924, but you could end up spending thousands more on all the option packages available. Rest assured though – your pricey pride and joy won’t go missing very easily. Fitted
to every 911 is a Porsche Vehicle Tracking System (VTS) - a sophisticated vehicle security package approved to Tatcham Category 5 standard. Can’t be bad, eh?
Fast Facts Max speed:
0-62 mph:
Combined mpg: Engine:
177 mph 4.9 secs 30.4
3436 cc, 6 cylinders, 24 valve, petrol
Max. power (bhp): 345 at 7400 rpm Max. torque (Ib/ft): 288 at 5600 rpm CO2: Price:
219 g/km £77,924 on the road
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