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Ahead of its official launch in the country in April 2016, Porsche Centre Lagos is already wooing lovers of the Porsche brand in Nigeria with the 911 Carrera 4.
Flaunting the unique features of the sport car expected to be unveiled at the March 2016 Geneva Motor Show, a statement from Porsche Centre Lagos described the Porsche 911 as a sports car with all-wheel drive, saying it is the first choice for more than one in three buyers.
“With the new 911 Carrera 4 and 911 Targa 4, buyers now profit from an increase in sporting characteristics and comfort in the latest 911 generation: the innovative turbocharged engines are more powerful and consume less, with the improved all-wheel drive increasing dynamics and driving safety. In addition, the adaptive PASM chassis (Porsche Active Suspension Management) with its ten-millimetre lower ride height included as standard enables an even greater spread between sporty circuit and relaxed long-distance driving. Rear-axle steering, that is available as an option for the Carrera 4S models, further increases the dynamic spectrum considerably.
“Interior functionality is enhanced by the standard Porsche Communication connectivity and infotainment system with simplified operation and multi-touch display,” the statement said.
The all-wheel drive models include numerous optical refinements of the new 911 Carrera generation. They range from the headlights with four-point daytime running lights, via door handles without recess covers, to the redesigned rear lid with vertical louvres and new rear lights, including the characteristic four-point brake lights. The new 911 Carrera 4 and 911 Targa 4 derivatives also have their own distinguishing characteristics. The distinctive light strip between the rear lights now produces an especially distinctive effect thanks to its consciously three-dimensional design. It also underlines the typical format of the all-wheel drive 911, with rear fenders that arch further outwards by 44 millimetres.
Faster sprinting with up to 12 per cent less fuel consumption .Behind the re-engineered flat engines are more than four decades of Porsche experience with turbocharged engines from motor racing and production sports cars. The result is that all new 911 Carrera models impress with top values in terms of performance, driving fun and efficiency. Thanks to bi-turbocharging, the three-litre, six-cylinder engines in the 911 Carrera 4 and 911 Targa 4 achieve an output of 370 hp (272 kW) and a torque of 450 Nm, while output in the S models increases to 420 hp (309 kW) and torque to 500 Nm. This gives the driver an additional 20 hp (15 kW) of dynamic performance to convert into driving fun. The greater power of the Carrera S models comes from turbochargers with modified compressors, a specific exhaust system and tuned engine management.
In combination with the now electro-hydraulically controlled all-wheel drive, the 911 Carrera 4 achieves better acceleration values than its rear-wheel-drive counterparts for the first time. Equipped with the options of PDK and Sport Chrono Package, the 911 Carrera 4 sprints from zero to 100 km/h in 4.1 seconds (0.4 seconds less than its predecessor model), with the S model registering 3.8 seconds (0.3 seconds less). The 911 Cabriolet 4S and the 911 Targa 4, with comparable equipment, need just 0.2 seconds longer. Top speeds vary according to model and equipment between 287 km/h and 305 km/h.
Traditionally, every new generation of engines from Porsche combines more output with less consumption. Consequently, fuel consumption in the 911 Carrera 4 Cabriolet with PDK drops by 0.8 litres to 7.9 l/100 km. The models with the most significant improvements are the 911 Carrera 4S Cabriolet and 911 Targa 4S: average consumption decreased by 1.2 litres to 8.0 l/100km (when equipped with PDK).
Inherited from the 918 Spyder: Sport Chrono Package with mode switch
In conjunction with the optional Sport Chrono Package, the new 911 models feature a mode switch on the steering wheel for the first time, derived from the revolutionary 918 Spyder. The mode switch consists of a rotary ring with four positions for choosing a driving mode, this includes: “Normal”, “Sport”, “Sport Plus” and “Individual”. The latter setting enables drivers to configure their own individual vehicle set-up, for example the PASM, active engine mounts, PDK shifting strategy and sports exhaust system. In combination with PDK transmission the mode switch has an additional button, the “Sport Response Button”. When this button is pressed the drivetrain is pre-conditioned for maximum acceleration for 20 seconds, for example before overtaking manoeuvres. For this, the optimum gear is engaged and the engine management adjusted to an even more spontaneous response for a short time.
Re-engineered PASM chassis with ten millimetre lower ride height as standard
A Porsche 911 with all-wheel drive stands for the commendable combination of traction and driving safety with sporty driving performance. In this new generation, Porsche reconciles these contrasts even further. The electro-hydraulically controlled all-wheel drive responds with more speed and sensitivity, thanks to the technology adopted from the 911 Turbo. This enhances directional stability during extremely sporty driving, without sacrificing agility. Harmony between the re-engineered all-wheel drive and the retuned PASM chassis with its ten-millimetre lower ride height is thus even better. It is fitted as standard to all 911 Carrera models and increases stability during fast cornering. At the same time, the new shock absorber generation enhances comfort and improves car body control during dynamic driving.
The active rear-axle steering, that is available as an option for all Carrera S models, is chassis technology adopted from the 911 Turbo and 911 GT3. It increases the turn-in agility of the 911, leading to even higher driving stability when changing lanes at high speeds and reducing the turning circle by 0.4 metres. The improved handling is transmitted to the driver via the new steering wheel design taken from the 918 Spyder. The basic steering wheel has a diameter of 375 millimetres, whereas the optional GT sports steering wheel measures 360 millimetres.
For everyday practicality, Porsche offers a hydraulic lift system with integrated lifting cylinders in the struts of the front axle. The vehicle’s ground clearance increases by 40 millimetres within five seconds at the press of a button.
