It has often been said that the best variant in any 911 range tends to be the base model. Devoid of most electronic aids and tweaks that are hallmarks of the pricier models, they generally offer a purer driving experience. The previous-generation Carrera T is a case in point and with the current 992 generation 911 Carrera offering a serious 379hp in base form, there really is more than enough power on tap for most.
The newly announced Carrera 4 and Carrera 4 Cabriolet models add all-wheel drive into the mix and while they make do with fewer electronic aids as standard compared to the Carrera 4S models, they are still equipped with the same AWD system and, aside from the oval exhaust design, and one inch smaller standard wheels, are identical from the outside.
Being a base model in the latest 911 lineup does not mean quite the bare-bones offering as it did in the past and PASM (Porsche Active Suspension Management) and Porsche’s Traction Management (PTM) system are still standard. And while the fully variable, electronically controlled limited-slip rear differential with Porsche Torque Vectoring (PTV) is standard on the Carrera 4S models, it is an option on the Carrera 4 models. In fact, almost every feature found on the higher-spec model can be added to the Carrera 4, from the larger diameter wheels to the quad-pipe sports exhaust system but for most the standard car will be more than competent enough.
The 3.0-liter twin-turbo motor is also shared with the 4S but uses model-specific turbochargers to produce 379hp and 331lb-ft of torque, an improvement of 9hp over the outgoing Carrera, which means an improvement of 0.1 seconds across the board in 0-60mph times. Equipped with the optional Sport Chrono Package and the 8-speed PDK transmission, the Carrera 4 can complete the benchmark sprint in just 3.8-seconds. Hardly entry-level figures.
For customers looking for increased traction in inclement weather without necessarily wanting to pay for the slightly better performance capabilities of the 443 hp Carrera 4S, then these new AWD models are more than capable alternatives. Prices start at $104,700 for the Carrera 4 (4S starts at $120,600) and $117,500 for the Carrera 4 Cabriolet (4S Cabriolet starts at $133,400) excluding taxes, and they should reach US showroom floors by early 2020.
Images courtesy of Porsche
