Porsche 911 Carrera 4S PDK (2009) CAR review

What about the four-wheel drive system – surely they’ve been working on that too?

The 4S is effectively now the son-of-Turbo as it gains that car’s electronically controlled four-wheel drive system (PTM). Instead of the old viscous coupling for the centre differential there is an electromagnetically controlled multi plate clutch, with a 22 percent limited slip differential now fitted as standard on the rear axle. You can also tell a ‘4’ by the return of a Porsche favourite – the red translucent ‘strip’ that spans between the rear lights.

So how does it drive?

Select ‘drive’, breathe on the throttle and the 4S attains a rapid cruising speed with little more than a murmur and slur from engine or gearbox. The steering is weightier than the ‘2’, and the car feels rock steady on the road, inspiring tremendous confidence. You can mooch around like this all day, and despite the sporting focus of this particular car, it isn’t uncomfortable. And that gearbox really is so clever.

Great, but this is a 911 – give it some throttle!

In CAR's August 2008 issue we compared the new Carrera 2 3.6 with the revised 4.7 Aston Martin V8 Vantage, and found there was nothing between them in terms of outright performance. Against this 4S the Aston wouldn’t have a chance, and despite the carbon-ceramic brakes, seats and suspension upgrades, it’s worth noting that the 4S still costs less then the Aston.

Porsche claims its car will accelerate from rest to 60mph in just 4.3 seconds (with launch control fitted) and that is produces 380bhp, but to be honest, both numbers feel subjectively rather conservative. It is the kind of car that flits up to 120mph in one greatly sustained surge and seems happiest taking apart a back road north of 100mph. Grip and traction levels are immense on dry smooth tarmac (the rear tyres have a 305 section width after all) and the four-wheel drive system is noticeably quicker to operate on slippery surfaces. Combine that with the brutally fast gear shifts in ‘Sport Plus’ mode and the tireless brakes and you’ve a formidably fast car.

Click 'Next' below to about the downsides and our verdict on the Porsche 911 Carrera 4S PDK