Some laugh at the rear fold-down rear 'micro' seats, but they make the 911 one of the only choices for enthusiasts with small children. In reality all Porsche 911's are wonderfully practical sports cars. Fold those back seats down and 201 L (7.1 cu ft) of cargo space is at your disposal. The front trunk donates 130 L (4.6 cu ft) more making any 911 a favorite pick for romantic weekend trips with Jennifer, my wife.
When family is involved safety is always a key concern, thus the enhanced nighttime visibility of its bi-xenon headlamps is much appreciated. Other C4S safety features include front and side impact airbags, traction control, ABS brakes and a winter tire package - a $5,000 option.
Of course the safest measure is to try and keep the Carrera 4S to slightly less than excessive speeds. It's not that the car can't handle high speed emergency maneuvers, but more so that unpredictable drivers of slower vehicles will, no doubt, get in the way. Keeping the speed to the posted limit, mind you, requires a level of emotional maturity clearly beyond my own. That's OK, my personal financial portfolio is also lacking, making the need to show restraint for a lengthier time span than my weeklong test irrelevant. For those whose funds are sufficient, enjoy the temptation.
Specifications:
When family is involved safety is always a key concern, thus the enhanced nighttime visibility of its bi-xenon headlamps is much appreciated. Other C4S safety features include front and side impact airbags, traction control, ABS brakes and a winter tire package - a $5,000 option.
Of course the safest measure is to try and keep the Carrera 4S to slightly less than excessive speeds. It's not that the car can't handle high speed emergency maneuvers, but more so that unpredictable drivers of slower vehicles will, no doubt, get in the way. Keeping the speed to the posted limit, mind you, requires a level of emotional maturity clearly beyond my own. That's OK, my personal financial portfolio is also lacking, making the need to show restraint for a lengthier time span than my weeklong test irrelevant. For those whose funds are sufficient, enjoy the temptation.
Specifications:
- Price (MSRP): $117,500 (options can increase the price substantially)
- Body Type: 2-door coupe
- Layout: rear-engine, AWD
- Engine: 320 hp, 273 lb-ft, 3.6-L, 24-valve, DOHC H-6
- Transmission: 6-spd man (opt 5-spd auto with manual mode)
- Performance (0 - 100 km/h):5.0 seconds
- Brakes (front/rear): disc/disc, ABS
- Cargo Cap (front trunk/rear seats folded): 130 L (4.6 cu ft) / 201 L (7.1 cu ft)
- Curb Weight: 1,345 kg (2,965 lbs)
- Fuel Economy (city/hwy): 13.3 / 8.3 L/100 km
- Warranty (mo/km): 48 / 80,000 comprehensive
- Direct Competitors: BMW M3, Chevrolet Corvette, Dodge Viper, Ferrari 360 Modena, Jaguar XKR, Maserati 4200GT, Mercedes-Benz CL/SL
- Web Site: www.porsche.com
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