Good news is the 2004 C4S shows a major improvement over the previous 2002 model I drove, a testament to the German sports car manufacturer's focus on incremental improvement. The C4S Cab is altogether new however, with the convertible top only previously available with the regular Carrera 2 and C4. What a nice combination from a visual perspective. Its hind end wider than the base car, with Turbo-style front and rear fascia treatments; it's a car that draws envious stares.
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| This is a car that easy draws attention and envious stares, it's a visual and auditory feast for the senses. (Photo: Shawn Pisio, Canadian Auto Press) |
That's when you blip the throttle and give passersby something really special to gawk at, a visual and auditory feast for the senses. Just when the sidewalk masses are fully attentive, a quick blast up the road to legal speeds will have them talking all the way through lunch hour and into the afternoon. It's not a point of showing off to get attention, not that this would be difficult with the top lowered, but more so a responsibility to give the car enthusiasts in the crowd a little something to get their collective spines tingling. It's more of a responsibility if you're in something as exotic, to provide sufficient entertainment to like minded gearheads in general proximity.
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| If you're shopping for a C4S Cab, splurge on the optional leather package that replaces the plastic interior surfaces, the difference is night and day. (Photo: Shawn Pisio, Canadian Auto Press) |
OK, maybe that's a little too much justification for laying into the throttle more times than I should have during my test week. But it's just so much fun. This particular example of Porsche's engineering expressionism featured a carbon fiber gear shift knob and e-brake lever, definitely worth the somewhat expensive $1,240 surcharge. Aluminum is also available for the same price, or a variety of wood veneers - depending on personal taste. Another personal favorite is the center console and steering wheel in carbon, but at $2,275 and $2,150 respectively, I can see why not everyone opts for the racy add-ons. Something my test car did feature, that is also well worth the extra coin if in the budget, is optional leather to replace plastic interior surfaces. Let's face it, while Porsche builds one of the most enticing sports cars available, it doesn't do a very good job with interior plastics. High-volume entry-level midsize cars, such as the
Honda Accord and
Mazda6 do at least as good a job in this department, with premium brands such as Audi and BMW outclassing Porsche's 911 by a long shot. But add the leather surfaces and it's an altogether different story.
