2006 Porsche 911 Carrera 4 Coupe Preview

The second engine will be fitted to Carrera 4S (C4S) models, featuring 355-horsepower via a 3.8-litre flat-six, which is

The all-wheel drive system is more or less carryover from the 996 C4S. (Photo: Porsche Canada)

enough to push it to 100 km/h in a mere 4.7 seconds and keep the momentum going to a terminal velocity of 288 km/h (179 mph). Again, I've tested this engine out too, on the race track no less. It displays a stunning improvement over the base engine, feeling more like a Turbo than a naturally aspirated horizontally opposed six. Actually, after a few laps in a rear-wheel drive Carrera S I completely fell head over heals. I think I like it more than the Turbo, but I'd have to test one back to back before making such an affirmative declaration. No doubt, the C4S will only add greater traction, albeit with a slight weight penalty.

The most noticeable exterior modifications of both all-wheel drive models are their 44 mm (1 ¾ inch) wider flanks, expanded to

The new 911 Carrera 4 Coupe and Carrera 4S Coupe will be available across the United States and Canada this fall. (Photo: Porsche Canada)

accommodate the Carrera 4's larger 295/35ZR 18 tires, and the Carrera 4S' 305/30 ZR 19 larger rear tires.

The automaker also included its enhanced Porsche Stability Management (PSM) system, optimized for shorter stopping distances and greater control in slippery conditions. PSM, as fitted to the Carrera 4S, features two additional functions to improve braking performance, the first being preemptive braking design that pre-fills the hydraulic pump in order to reduce the air gap between the pads and the disk and therefore shorten stopping distances before full braking power is applied. This process is especially effective if "the driver depresses the brake pedal quickly but not forcefully," says Porsche.