Porsche 911 Carrera 4 - 2003 Model
Published: 25th October 2002
Permanent four-wheel drive with optimal power distribution
Like its predecessor, the latest generation 911 Carrera 4
comes as standard with four-wheel drive. Variable distribution
of engine power to the front axle via a viscous clutch in
the front differential guarantees excellent traction and supreme
driving safety on all kinds of roads and under all types of
conditions.
Porsche Stability Management (PSM)
The 911 Carrera 4 is fitted as standard with Porsche Stability
Management, or PSM, a sophisticated electronic system that
intervenes in the engine management and braking systems to
stabilise the car in both longitudinal and lateral directions
whenever the car is driven to - or beyond - the limit. And
PSM has been tuned by Porsche suspension engineers to ensure
that the sporting character of the 911 is not compromised
by premature intervention of the system. In fact, the objective
in calibrating the PSM system was to provide brief but essential
assistance to all four wheels, to maximise driving dynamics
and stability.
Superior safety characteristics, outstanding driving qualities
The springs, dampers and anti-roll bars are specially tuned
and modified to reflect the dynamic driving qualities of the
four-wheel drive model. Careful adjustment of the axle geometry
for the requirements of four-wheel drive, and retuned elasticity
of the front axle, ensure neutral handling behaviour all the
way to extreme limits, particularly through corners.
320bhp spread between all four wheels
Displacing 3.6 litres and developing a maximum of 320bhp (235kW),
the Carrera 4’s power unit ensures supreme performance,
with a minimum of 5 per cent and a maximum of 40 per cent
of the drive going to the front wheels, depending on road
and driving conditions. Acceleration from 0-62mph (100km/h)
is the same as for the rear-wheel drive Carrera, exactly 5.0
seconds. Top speed (with the six-speed manual gearbox) is
also identical, at 177mph (285km/h).
Discreet Distinction
Applying the principle of great to look at, even better to
drive, the Carrera 4 does not flaunt its wares. Carrera 4
badging stands out in titanium colour on the engine cover,
and also appears discreetly on the black wheel hub covers.
Titanium-coloured brake callipers are a further identifying
feature of the Carrera 4.
