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2002 Porsche 911 Carrera 4S Road Test

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Khatir Soltani
But who cares about fuel economy when we're talking Porsches? Carving up the corners is C4S territory and to that end it masters even the talented RWD Carrera. Its wider stance and tenacious P225/40ZR18 front and P225/40ZR18 rear tires make sure the majority of the engines power finds its way through the Porsche Stability Management (PSM) tamed all-wheel drive system to the pavement below. Overall the C4S is capable of slicing and dicing anything thrown at it with the ease and grace of an Olympic gymnast. To be specific, understeer is reduced under acceleration while the front end shows more stability when at the limit - partly due to the AWD system's front-drive components adding weight over the front wheels. There's more to it than that though. Its especially firm C4S suspension pulls parts from the Turbo as well. The vented discs and red-colored 4-piston calipers also come from the Turbo bringing the C4S to standstill instantaneously. You can repeat the process over and over again without any sense of brake fade.

It's a good idea to come to a full stop before attempting to figure out the complicated Becker supplied stereo interface, the week point of a much improved Bose-speaker enhanced audio system. That's the only sour note within an otherwise very well appointed cabin. Soft leather stretched taut over body-hugging, power-memory seats looks and feels sensational. It also covers the dash and doors as on the Turbo - leather sun visors are optional. Its tilt and telescopic steering wheel makes finding the desired driving position a snap for all but the most disproportionate people.
Khatir Soltani
Khatir Soltani
Automotive expert
  • Over 8 years experience as a car reviewer
  • Over 50 test drives in the last year
  • Involved in discussions with virtually every auto manufacturer in Canada