Porsche has just dropped the facelifted all-wheel drive incarnations of the 911 on us, with the 2017 Carrera 4(S), Carrera 4(S) Convertible and Targa 4(S) packing a wonderful tech surprise.
No, of course, we’re not referring to the two versions of the new 3-liter twin-turbo. Sure, they are present, but we’ve already met that less than a month ago, when the RWD models showed up in Frankfurt.
Instead, we are talking about the first “4” models ever to pack an electro-hydraulically controlled all-wheel drive system. Sure, the 911 Turbo already used this trick, but now the technology has reached the... civilian models. As usual, you can spot the all-wheel-drive versions thanks to the beefier rear wings, which spread an extra 44 mm (1.7 inches) in total.
In a straight line, this means the all-wheel drive models can now hit 100 km/h (62 mph) quicker than their rear-wheel-drive brothers. When fitted with the optional Sport Chrono Package and PDK gearbox, the 911 Carrera 4 needs 4.1 seconds to hit the benchmark speed, while the S version brings that time down to 3.8 seconds.
In terms of top speed, the new models can hit between 287 and 305 km/h (178 and 189.5 mph).
We’ll remind you the entry-level models for the Coupe, Cabriolet and Targa deliver 370 hp and 331 lb-ft (450 Nm) of twist.
The 4S versions see the engine gaining bespoke compressor wheels, a custom exhaust and new ECU mapping. This means we are treated with 420 hp and 368 lb-ft (500 Nm) of torque.
To put things into perspective, the turbocharged engines deliver an output premium of 20 hp and 44 lb-ft (60 Nm) compared to their atmospheric predecessors.
As for the twisty bits of the drive, the new models mix the advantages of the intelligent all-wheel drive with the retuned suspension. PASM is now standard, which also means the ride height has been reduced by 10 mm. At the same time, the active shock absorbers have also been re-engineered.
Factor in the optional rear-axle steering that has made its way from the 911 Turbo and 911 GT3 onto the Carrera S and we should end up with a Nubrubrging time mirroring that of the Carrera GT.
Porsche hasn’t released the Green Hell figure though and we’re not expecting Zuffenhausen to do it. Since the 2017 Carrera S already posted a jaw-dropping 7:30 time, Porsche will probably wait until the facelift reaches the Turbo and then hit us with a memorable figure.
Those of you who want to dig even deeper into the bits and pieces that make up the 2017 Porsche 911 4 range can check out the press release below. You might find a mention of a 12 percent efficiency boost.
In his quest to bring you the most impressive automotive creations, Andrei relies on learning as a superpower. There's quite a bit of room in the garage that is this aficionado's heart, so factory-condition classics and widebody contraptions with turbos poking through the hood can peacefully coexist. Full profile
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