Porsche 911 Carrera 4S - 2003 Model

The subtle difference

With the same dark-finish air intake openings in its deep front spoiler, the Carrera 4S is similar in style to the legendary 911 Turbo. The minor difference is the spoiler lip which is slightly raised in the centre, pointing to the car’s new carefully controlled aerodynamic balance.

The rear bodywork is 60mm wider than that of the standard Carrera models, in order to cover the 18-inch Turbo-style alloy wheels that provide ample traction. Another subtle difference between the Carrera 4S and the Turbo becomes obvious at the rear - a Carrera spoiler is used instead of the extending divided wing, and includes a red light-strip linking the two tail-lights. These detail modifications give the Carrera 4S a distinctively different, striking rear end appearance.

Four-wheel traction

The Carrera 4S has a 320bhp (235kW) 3.6-litre boxer engine and standard four-wheel drive. With this technology and a viscous multi-plate clutch, the front wheels deliver a constant minimum of 5 per cent of the available power to the road surface, rising to 40 per cent when circumstances demand it. Also standard is the Porsche Stability Management (PSM) electronic dynamic driving control system, which in conjunction with the four-wheel drive makes this an especially safe car.

Suspension and brakes based on the 911 Turbo’s

Sitting 10mm lower than other Carrera models, the suspension, brakes, engine mounts and a front axle pivot bearing optimised for good brake ventilation, are based on those of the 911 Turbo. This layout provides a unique combination of sports-style road behaviour, supreme handling and extremely high levels of road safety. The wider rear track and 295/30 R18 rear tyres also increase the dynamic potential of the Carrera 4S.

The braking system adopted from the 911 Turbo is another top-level active safety feature. Compared with the other Carrera models, the front and rear wheels are decelerated by even larger drilled and internally ventilated discs, clamped by larger, uprated four-piston fixed callipers. These extraordinary brakes provide extreme stopping power even in conditions as tough as motor racing.

Top-quality standard equipment

In addition to the generous standard equipment levels of the other Carrera models, the Carrera 4S has metallic paint, an abundance of interior leather, a high-level audio package, and electrically adjustable seats with a memory function for the driver’s side. The seat memory can be activated via buttons on the door sill or with the remote-control ignition key.