THE CARRERA WITH THE “TURBO LOOK”

(SAE) normally aspirated 911 Carrera engine with the all-wheel-drive chassis,

body design and feature content of the 911 Turbo.

“The 911 Carrera 4S is the ideal vehicle for the 911 enthusiast who appreciates

the performance provided by the normally aspirated ‘boxer’ engine, and who

wants the dynamic capabilities that come with all-wheel-drive and the aggressive

look of the 911 Turbo,” says Frederick J. Schwab, President and CEO, Porsche

Cars North America.

While the 911 Carrera 4S shares its 315-horsepower (SAE) engine with the 911

Carrera Coupe, Cabriolet, Carrera 4 Cabriolet and 911 Targa, it shares its body

with the 911 Turbo.

Like the Turbo, the Carrera 4S measures 2.3 inches (60 mm) wider in the rear

compared with the 911 Carrera to accommodate massive 295/30R-18 rear tires

on standard Turbo-style wheels. The wheels give a plain view to the red-painted

brake calipers, also shared with the Turbo. As on the Turbo, the Carrera 4S

offers metallic paint choices at no extra cost.

However, instead of the Turbo’s two-piece rear spoiler, the Carrera 4S retains the

automatic-deploying rear spoiler used on other 911 Carrera models. The Carrera

4S gets its own glass-reinforced plastic rear decklid. From the rear, the quick

tip-off to the model’s identity is its exclusive reflector strip connecting the taillights.

As on the Turbo, three large dark-finish intake grills dominate the lower front fascia.

Optional Bi-Xenon headlights use high-intensity gas discharge bulbs for both the

low and high beams. The Carrera 4S employs a different front spoiler than the 911

Turbo. To give an idea of Porsche’s attention to detail, the slightly raised center

section of the spoiler helps compensate aerodynamically for this model having a

different weight and weight distribution than the Turbo, as well as the different

rear spoiler.

The Carrera 4S deletes the Turbo’s large intake ducts ahead of the rear wheels,

since these are only required on the Turbo to supply air to the turbo intercoolers.

The 911 Carrera 4S does retain the Turbo’s lower rear quarter panel louvers.

All-wheel-drive, the Porsche Stability Management system (PSM), and 18-inch

wheels inherited from the 911 Turbo combine to make the 911 Carrera 4S one

of the best-handling Porsches ever. Aside from its own specific shock absorber

tuning, the Carrera 4S shares the 911 Turbo suspension, including its engine

mounts and longer rear control arms.

The 911 Carrera 4S also inherits its larger-diameter brake rotors from the 911

Turbo. Any additional weight compared to a rear-wheel-drive 911 Carrera has

minimal impact on the car’s performance: the 911 Carrera 4S can accelerate from

zero-to-62 mph (100 km/h) in just 5.1 seconds, compared to 5.0 seconds for the

standard rear-wheel drive 911 Carrera.

The 911 Carrera 4S can be equipped with either the standard six-speed manual

shifting control as well. The 911 Carrera 4S shares the additional standard luxury

content of the 911 Turbo, which includes full-power adjustable leather seats for

the driver and passenger (with driver’s side memory), programmable remote

entry, and security system with alarm and immobilizer.

The driver can control the seat memory and open the luggage compartment remotely.

The remote determines which of the four car keys is in use and transmits the

information for driver’s seat position and exterior mirrors to the memory control

unit. Apart from the function provided by the four programmable keys, the driver

can select two other seat positions via memory buttons to the left of the seat.

panoramic sound stage, deep bass and smooth frequency response to produce

lifelike music reproduction, even in the challenging environment of a car interior.

Digital amplifiers provide clean, uncolored sound at any listening level. In the

Carrera 4S, the 12 advanced speakers, including a subwoofer, blend seamlessly

into cabin trim, raising and widening the sound stage and ensuring balanced stereo.

Like other 911 Carrera models, the 911 Carrera 4S shares its instrument panel with

the 911 Turbo. The standard onboard computer conveys information on an LCD

display within the tachometer. In addition to information about fuel consumption

and driving range, the computer can display engine oil level, outside temperature

and 35 different warning messages in plain text. Likewise, the 911 Carrera 4S

benefits from interior enhancements to the Carrera line, including a three-spoke

sports steering wheel and redesigned center vents.

The lockable glove box and a cupholder integrated into the center dash add

convenience, while matte surfaces for the switches enhance tactile quality.

The optional parking aid with sensors integrated into the bumper covers can help

prevent parking maneuver “fender-benders” by sounding an audible alert as the

car gets closer to an obstacle.

The front trunk is equipped with an anti-entrapment release with internal handle,

and the car keys feature a color Porsche crest.

Porsche’s new Communication Management system (PCM) comprises tuners, CD

player, navigation system, and trip computer, all linked through Media-Oriented

Systems Transport (MOST) digital databus. The MOST system incorporates light-wave

conductors that exchange data between the individual components without loss

of quality and at ultra-high speeds.

PCM includes a 5.8-inch color screen with its 16:9 aspect ratio and 12-position

keyboard for easily and efficiently entering radio frequencies. The system assures

excellent audio quality.

The navigation module provides such features as road junction zoom-in, dynamic

navigation to avoid congestion, map scrolling so you can see beyond your current

position, tour planning with the ability to memorize as many as eight destinations in a

row and a CD-ROM system that can be used for the navigation system or for music.

A year ago, Porsche increased displacement of the six-cylinder boxer engine in

the normally aspirated 911 models, including the Carrera 4S, from 3.4 liters to

3.6 liters. The larger displacement, along with other powerplant changes, boosted

horsepower to 315 (SAE), increased torque and provided more powerful and

smoother engine response.

Patented LOKASIL high-silicon cylinder liners help reduce friction and wear to

such a level that Porsche can recommend a 15,000-mile (24,000 km) oil change

interval and a 30,000-mile (48,000 km) oil filter change interval.

Aside from the displacement increase, the biggest change to the 911 engine

911 Turbo. VarioCam Plus not only adjusts camshaft position to provide

continuously adjustable valve timing, but incorporates two camshaft profiles and

two sets of tappets to vary both valve lift and duration, as well. The new system

helps broaden and smooth out the torque curve while helping to reduce emissions.

The dual-stage resonance air intake system – optimized for the larger displacement

engine – also helps boost power and torque at midrange engine speeds. The

911 engine produces 273 lb.-ft. of peak torque at 4,250 rpm, with at least 236

lb.-ft. available from 2,500-7,000 rpm and a midrange torque “plateau” of at

least 265 lb.-ft. from 3,800-6,000 rpm.

Sequential multi-port fuel injection features separate fuel mixture control for each

cylinder bank, and a coil-on-plug ignition system provides quick response and

reliable operation. The ME 7.8 engine control module incorporates the E-Gas

electronic throttle. In place of a traditional throttle cable setup, E-Gas electronically

transmits pedal position to the engine control unit.

The all-wheel-drive system that the 911 Carrera 4S shares with the 911 Turbo is,

at just 120 pounds (54 kg), one of the lightest such systems in the auto industry.

This proven system is based on a viscous multi-plate clutch located directly behind

the front differential. The system directs torque to the front wheels at a rate that

varies from 5 to 40 percent, depending on available traction and power applied.

The viscous unit compensates for differing wheel speeds during cornering. The

911 Turbo exhibits outstanding traction on all road surfaces.

The four-wheel independent suspension features a Porsche-optimized

MacPherson-strut design in front and a multilink setup in the rear, both with

aluminum suspension components to reduce unsprung weight. Front and rear

stabilizer bars and gas-charged shock absorbers provide flat cornering. Standard

power rack-and pinion steering yields a quick 2.98 turns lock-to-lock and a tight

34.8-ft. (10.6-meter) turning circle.

A “staggered” wheel/tire array (wider wheels and wider, lower-profile tires on the

rear) contributes to neutral handling. The standard solid-spoke aluminum alloy

wheels from the 911 Turbo measure 18 x 8 inches in front and mount 225/40

ZR18 tires. The 18 x 11-inch rear wheels mount 295/30 ZR18 tires.

The 911 Carrera 4S employs the four-wheel vented disc brakes derived from the

Porsche GT1 racecar and shared with the 911 Turbo. One-piece (“monoblock”),

four-piston brake calipers reduce unsprung weight and improve heat dissipation.

The front and rear discs measure 13.0 inches in diameter (330 mm), but differ

in thickness – 1.34-inch (34 mm) in front and 1.1-inch (28 mm) in the rear. The

cross-drilled rotors dissipate heat to maintain braking performance and brake

feel even under hard usage. In comparison, the brake rotors on the standard 911

Carrera measure 12.5 inches in diameter and 1.1-inch thick (318 mm x 28 mm)

in front and 11.8 inches in diameter and 0.95-inch thick (299 mm x 24 mm) in

the rear.

The Porsche Stability Management system (PSM) is standard equipment on the

911 Carrera 4S and the 911 Turbo. PSM can enhance handling under a variety

of driving conditions. Using data from several sensor inputs, PSM can detect a

loss of grip at the front or rear and reduce instability by applying braking to

individual wheels and, if necessary, altering engine power.

On slippery roads, PSM can help keep the 911 Carrera 4S going in the direction the

driver steers. The PSM system operates so quickly that most drivers likely will

not feel the corrections. The driver can disengage PSM with a dashboard switch.

However, for safety, PSM will engage under braking and then disengage whenever

the driver lifts off the brake. While the system provides dynamic handling aid,

Porsche cautions drivers that PSM cannot counteract the laws of physics.

Porsche offers a choice of two transmissions on the 911 Carrera 4S: a precisely

Porsche increased the torque capacity of the manual transmission a year ago by

using stronger alloy steel on key components. In addition, the output shaft runs

in three bearings instead of two, and the differential uses stronger bevel gears.

As before, a dual-mass flywheel ensures low vibration, and a hydraulic clutch

provides consistent performance.

The 911 Carrera 4S adopts the Tiptronic S transmission from the 911 Turbo,

which can handle greater torque output. The lock-up torque converter and shifting

programs have been specially tailored to the naturally aspirated engine.

In automatic mode, Tiptronic S uses infinitely variable shift points to respond to

the driving circumstances and the driving style. During leisurely driving, Tiptronic S

will upshift early to provide a quiet ride and the best fuel efficiency. With quicker

gas pedal action, the transmission responds by raising shift points to hold each

gear longer for crisp response and power. The Tiptronic S transmission draws

from among 250 different shift maps to provide optimal performance at all times.

a driver working a manual transmission, downshifting or holding lower gears

when cornering and driving on hills. Tiptronic S allows the driver to select

manual mode by pressing an up- or downshift button, even with the shift lever in

the “D” position.

With the high performance potential of the 911 Carrera 4S comes a high level of

occupant protection. A patented crumple zone body structure protects the

reinforced passenger compartment. Seatbelt pretensioners and load limiters

supplement the three-point inertia-reel seatbelts in all 911 models. All new Porsche

models include dual front airbags plus the Porsche Side Impact Protection

System that includes boron-steel door reinforcement beams, energy-absorbing

door panels, and door-mounted side airbags. The 30-liter capacity sidebags

provide additional protection for the chest, head, and pelvis as standard equipment.

At a customer’s request, a U.S. Porsche dealer can install a system that

deactivates the passenger airbags when a Porsche-approved child seat is used.

The system features a cross brace with belt lock in front of the passenger seat.

Buckling the special child seat into this brace deactivates the airbags. To install

the system, the dealer also must reprogram the airbag control module.

Reflecting its role as a grand touring sports car, the 911 Carrera 4S comes with

many standard luxury features:

• Anti-theft system with engine immobilizer and alarm

• Auto-dimming inside and outside mirrors with

  integrated rain sensor windshield wipers

• Automatic climate control with dust/pollen and

  activated charcoal odor filters

• Bose digital audio system with digital radio

• Full-power adjustable leather front seats

• Heated power sideview mirrors

• Heated windshield washer nozzles

• Leather-covered telescoping steering wheel

• On-board computer

• Power sunroof

• Power windows with one-touch up/down

• Remote locking system

All Porsche models feature light-emitting diode (LED) interior orientation lights.

One LED provides gentle illumination of the cockpit and center console. An LED

on the driver’s side door handle illuminates the ignition lock and light switch, and an

LED illuminates each door latch.

Porsche Cars North America offers customers in the United States and Canada

the opportunity to personalize their cars through two option-selection channels.

Together with the choice of limited-availability special paint colors, the special

options allow a customer to make a Porsche into a truly one-of-a-kind car. The

Porsche Exclusive program offers a wide array of optional features installed at the

factory. Options include custom interior trim packages and individual trim items.

The Porsche four-year/50,000-mile (80,000-kilometer) bumper-to-bumper

warranty covers all Exclusive options, and Porsche dealers can include the cost

of the options in the lease or finance contract.

only from authorized Porsche dealers. Tequipment options include such items

as special wheels, an aerobody kit, instrument panel trim kits, CD changers and

custom floor mats. Customers can order Tequipment options at the time of

purchase or return to the dealership for installation later. While installation of

Tequipment may require some modifications to the car, such modifications do

not affect the car’s standard limited warranty. Tequipment items come with a

two-year warranty when installed by a certified technician at an authorized

Porsche dealership.

In addition to the limited-availability special paint colors, Porsche will even paint

a 911 Carrera 4S to match a sample from the customer. The Porsche 26-step

corrosion protection and paint process ensures that the custom paintwork meets

the same quality standards as a regular production paint color. The Porsche

three-year/unlimited mileage paint finish and 10-year/unlimited mileage corrosion

perforation warranties apply to any custom color.

Every 2003 Porsche car sold in the United States and Canada is covered by a

four-year/50,000-mile (80,000 kilometer), bumper-to-bumper limited warranty,

which includes Porsche’s roadside assistance program. The galvanized body

and 26-step paint and anti-corrosion process enable Porsche to warrant each car

against rust perforation for 10 years with unlimited mileage. In addition, Porsche

guarantees the paint finish for three years – also without a mileage limitation.

Porsche Cars North America, Inc., (PCNA), based in Atlanta, Ga., and its

subsidiary, Porsche Cars Canada, Ltd., are the exclusive importers of Porsche

vehicles for the United States and Canada. A wholly owned, indirect subsidiary

of Dr. Ing. h. c. F. Porsche AG, PCNA employs some 200 people who provide

Porsche vehicles, parts, marketing and training for its 203 dealers in the United

States and Canada. They, in turn, provide Porsche owners with best-in-class service.

    • VarioCam® Plus system varies valve timing, lift and duration

Drivetrain:      6-speed manual transmission standard

Brakes

     • Power-assisted, dual circuit 4-wheel disc

All images courtesy Porsche. The Porsche crest,  911, VarioCam, Porsche Stability Management, Porsche Communicatios Management, Tiptronic and Boxster are registered trademarks of Porsche.