The all-wheel drive system is more or less carryover from the 996 C4S, comprised of a multi-disk viscous coupling that transfers between five and forty percent of output to the front wheels when a reduction of traction occurs.
 |
| Porsche Active Suspension Management (PASM) lets the driver choose between a comfort-oriented ride and a high-performance track-tuned setup. (Photo: Porsche Canada) |
Porsche will also make the Carrera 4 available with its new Porsche Active Suspension Management (PASM) system for the first time. Standard on the Carrera 4S, PASM lets the driver choose between a comfort-oriented ride and a high-performance track-tuned setup, optimizing the car's ride/handling equation to make the most of road conditions, and more importantly, a driver's mood swings. It really works too, unlike some systems that merely firm up the shock absorbers. While I didn't drive the all-wheel drive car, I was able to play with PASM in a rear-drive CS and enjoyed the suspension rigidity that could literally be dialed in on the fly, ideal for those moments when leaving a rough country lane for a glassy smooth open highway.
 |
| The Carrera's optional Sport Chrono Plus package is a technophile's dream. (Photo: Trevor Hofmann, Canadian Auto Press) |
When on the track the Carrera's optional Sport Chrono Plus package is a technophile's dream. Capable of counting laps, keeping track of a driver's best time and displaying all laps on a digital graph, the Sport Chrono Plus package also modifies the car's engine management characteristics plus the behavior of PSM and PASM systems. I think this is my favourite car-toy yet. With the flick of a column-mounted lever, I was able to set my lap interval, and keep track of my times by tapping the lever each time I passed my predesignated position. The graphics are great, showing each lap on a bar graph. One glance and I was immediately reminded of the corners I got wrong, and fortunately, the ones that I was able to execute with a modicum of professionalism. While this tool isn't for everyone, those who might find themselves at the local race track for a little weekend fun every now and then, will want to make the investment.