Carrera walks on water

Hot on the heels of the international launch of the new Porsche Carrera Coupe and Cabriolet come the updated all-wheel-drive models.

The rear-drive Carrera 2 models go on sale on September 20, with the all-wheel-drive Carrera 4 variants in showrooms on October 25.

Pivotal to the Carrera 4 and Carrera 4S models is the Porsche Traction Management (PTM) which is now electronically controlled, replacing the former all-wheel drive with its viscous multiple-plate clutch.

The new PTM system was first developed for the 911 Turbo and has been modified for the Carrera models.

Porsche claims that, together with the mechanical limited slip differential now fitted as standard to the rear axle, it improves stability, traction and agility.

With the previous viscous clutch, up to 40 per cent of torque could be directed to the front axle. The new electronically controlled PTM system delivers a variable torque split, and is able to distribute up to 100 per cent of traction to the front or rear wheels.

Porsche claims PTM gives a faster and more precise transmission of power in all driving situations.

The 911 Carrera 4 models share their new flat-six engines with Direct Fuel Injection with the two-wheel-drive Carrera 2 and Carrera 2S as well as the new semi-automatic, seven-speed, double-clutch (Porsche Doppelkupplung) transmission.

Depending on the model, the all-wheel-drive 911 Carrera offers up to 8.5 per cent more power, fuel economy improved by up to 12.9 per cent, and 15.4 per cent lower CO2 emissions than the previous generation.

Output of the 3.6-litre power unit is up by 15kW to 254kW, while the Carrera 4 Coupe with PDK transmission offers fuel consumption of 10.1L/100km which is slightly higher than the rear-drive models.

The Carrera 4S with its 3.8-litre engine gets a 22kW boost to 283kW and overall fuel consumption down in the case of the Carrera 4S Cabriolet with PDK to 10.7L/100km.

All new 911 models have subtle styling changes, while the Carrera 4 models are 44mm wider across the rear panels. A further distinguishing feature is a new reflector panel between the rear lights.

They also get a new Porsche Communication Management with touch-screen, and compatibility with Bluetooth, USB and iPod.