Porsche has taken a tin-opener to the Carrera 4 and Carrera 4S versions of the new 911 (997). Power comes from the same 3.6-litre (Carrera 4) and 3.8-litre (Carrera 4S) flat-six engines employed by the coupé, pumping out 325bhp and 355bhp respectively. Like the coupé, the all-wheel drive cabrio distributes its power via a viscous multi-plate clutch, which transfers up to 40 percent of drive to the front wheels when the going gets slippery.
Despite the extra traction, performance is blunted by the additional weight of the drivetrain with maximum speeds of 175mph (C4) and 182mph (C4S) both 2mph down on their two-wheel drive siblings.
Porsche anoraks will spot the new model by the extra 44mm width at the rear, the flared wheelarches required to accommodate a boost in rear track. Like the two-wheel drive cars, the C4 and C4S drop-tops feature an electric fabric roof that opens or closes in 20sec at up to 31mph.
UK sales start on 22 October with prices of £69,900 for the Carrera 4 Cabriolet and £76,880 for the Carrera 4S Cabriolet.
Add your comment