For 2009, the entire Porsche 911 Carrera lineup has been given a refresh, and now we've got the details and first shots of the all-wheel-drive 911 Carrera 4 and Carrera 4S models. Thanks to direct-injection, the 3.6-liter flat-six in the Carrera 4 now makes 345 HP, and the 3.8-liter unit in the Carrera 4S makes a Bruce-tastic 385 HP. But the first thing you likely noticed was the new reflecto' bar bridging the LED rear lights that brings to mind the old air-cooled 911. All the other visual changes carry over from the rear-wheel-drive models, though as usual, the all-wheel-drive models have a slightly (just 1.73") wider stance. That's pretty precise, but hey, they're Germans. Check out all the uber-precise details in the press release below the jump.
New Engines, Double-Clutch Transmission and Electronically Controlled All-Wheel-Drive
Atlanta, June 25, 2008 - New engines, all-wheel-drive systems, transmissions, interior features and exterior cues will mark the evolutionary advances of the new 2009 Porsche 911 Carrera 4 and Carrera 4S models upon their introduction this fall when they join the already announced two-wheel-drive 2009 Porsche 911 Carrera and Carrera S.
Like the improvements to the rear-wheel-drive models, the combined changes for the Porsche 911 Carrera 4/4S will result in enhanced performance coupled with better fuel economy and reduced emissions.
The output of the 3.6 liter engine in the Porsche 911 Carrera 4 increases by 20 horsepower to 345 hp. The Porsche 911 Carrera 4S with its 3.8 liter engine is equally impressive, with an increase of 30 horsepower to 385 hp.
The revolutionary PDK works in conjunction with direct fuel injection for the flat-six engines and electronically controlled all-wheel-drive system to provide these seemingly diverse improvements to performance, fuel-economy and emissions.
The new generation of the Porsche 911 Carrera 4/4S replaces the former all-wheel drive viscous multiple-plate clutch system with a more dynamic electronically controlled PTM (Porsche Traction Management) system. This system, originally developed for the Porsche 911 Turbo and adapted for the normally aspirated variants, combines the driving pleasure typical of Porsche with a high level of driving stability, traction and agility, which is further enhanced by a (now standard) mechanical locking rear axle differential.
Standard on all versions of the new model are a proven six-speed manual transmission. As an alternative, the new Porsche 911 Carrera 4/4S are available with the Doppelkupplungsgetriebe or double-clutch, which replaces the Tiptronic S automatic transmission. The PDK offers faster gearshifts and better fuel efficiency. The PDK gearbox comes with seven gears shifting hydraulically without the slightest interruption of traction and pulling force.
The new generation of the Porsche 911 series visually stands out through discreet, but striking, modifications to the front and rear lighting. The new models come with BI-XENON™ headlights and new LED daytime driving lights. The redesigned rear-light clusters feature LED technology. For the first time in a 911, Porsche offers dynamic bending lights as an option, which moves in the direction the steering wheel and the car is turning.
The Porsche Carrera 4 models retain a rear muscular stance, as before, 1.73-inches wider than the two-wheel drive version. A new reflector trim bar between the LED rear lights gives the rear end of the new car even more character.
The most compelling interior upgrade is the new Porsche Communication Management (PCM) 3.0 which features a touchscreen for simplified operation of the audio system as well as the optional hard-disk-drive navigation system. Other important additions to PCM 3.0 are the new options of XM radio with XM NavTraffic capability, Bluetooth® connectivity, iPOD® port, USB port and auxiliary jack.
The 2009 Porsche 911 Carrera 4 and Carrera 4S Coupe and Cabriolet models will be introduced in the U.S. on October 25, 2008. The 911 Carrera 4 Coupe is priced at $81,700, while both the 911 Carrera 4 Cabriolet and 911 Carrera 4S Coupe are $92,300. The 911 Carrera 4S Cabriolet is $102,900.
[Porsche]