Porsche 911 Carrera 4 2005 Review

All-wheel-drive has significant benefits for all the above.

In the early 1980s, Porsche let its engineers loose on an all-wheel-drive system and came up with a cracker. The car was so good the 911 sports coupe won Paris Dakar against a swag of off road vehicles.

A road version called the Carrera 4 appeared in 1989. Since then, a succession of Carrera 4s has been produced, most, significantly better than the model they replaced. Porsche learned plenty along the way resulting in its latest all- wheel-drive models being absolutely brilliant in all dynamic functions.

Not only do they look impressive, they offer blistering performance in a straight line, under brakes and around corners.

Better than a rear wheel drive Carrera ?

No question.

It's measurable against the clock and is evident in the extra security and stability felt on the road.

Porsche's, new Carrera 4 has just arrived in four versions – two coupes and two cabriolets: Carrera 4 and Carrera 4S, in each body type.

The "lesser" models run a 3.6-litre flat six cylinder engine with 239kw/370Nm while the S scores a 3.8-litre flat six with 261kW/ 400Nm. Both engines are naturally aspirated and have a six speed manual transmission as standard with optional five speed Tiptronic auto available.

The Carrera 4 has a wider body than the standard Carrera with a wider track, bigger wheels and larger diameter brakes thrown into the equation.

It isn't as aerodynamic as the Carrera but still cuts the air efficiently at 0.30Cd.

Minor changes are effected throughout the car including front chassis mods' to accommo- date the front drive system and the suspension is also upgraded including active suspension in the S. Drive split front to rear gives a maximum 40 per cent to the front on demand.

An optional system called Sport Chrono alters numerous setting throughout the car to deliver sportier performance and feel.

On an extensive test drive of the new Carrera and Carrera 4, it was immediately evident how much more grip the "four paw" cars have compared to the rear drivers.

Simply sensational things to drive hard the Carrera 4s are incredibly forgiving and stable. Engine performance is outrageously strong accompanied by the customary wail of the flat six.

Porsche has even developed a system to move the brake pads lightly against the discs in expectation of heavy braking if the driver's foot is lifted quickly from the accelerator. That underlines the level of detail used by Porsche engineers.

They are seriously quick cars with the manual 4S putting down a 4.8 second 0-100kmh pass.

From the driver's seat, you feel totally in control and well informed all the time.

Safety is at a high level and the cars are beautifully finished.

They cost a bomb, starting at about $210K for the Carrera 4 coupe manual (my choice of the bunch) rising to about $264K for the auto Cabrio 4S with everything.

Half of all 911s sold are Tiptronic and yes, all are luxuriously equipped.