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Wednesday, January 7, 2009

Track Tested: 2009 Porsche 911 Carrera 4S

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Inside Line tests hundreds of vehicles a year, but not every one gets a full write-up. The numbers still tell a story, though, so we're introducing a new feature on Straightline called "IL Track Tested." It's a quick rundown of all the data we collected at the track, along with comments direct from the test drivers. Enjoy.

All-new for 2009, the Porsche 911's most distinguishing new feature is the new PDK double clutch transmission. It's a nice piece of work, and we found it quite impressive during our first test of the 2009 911 Carrera 2.

But Porsche still offers one of the best standard gearboxes around, so we sampled another 2009 911 with the six-speed manual transmission. And unlike the rear-wheel-drive cabriolet we tested the first time, this was an all-wheel-drive coupe. See how it matched up to the PDK after the jump.

Vehicle: 2009 Porsche 911 Carerra 4S
Odometer: 1234
Date: 12/16/08
Driver: Chris Walton

Specifications:
Drive Type: all wheel drive
Transmission Type: 6-speed Manual
Engine Type: flat6
Displacement (cc / cu-in): 3800cc (232cu-in)
Redline (rpm): 7,400
Horsepower (hp @ rpm): 385 @ 6500
Torque (lb-ft @ rpm): 310 @ 4400
Brake Type (front): ventilated disc
Brake Type (rear): ventilated disc
Steering System: speed-proportional power steering
Suspension Type (front): modified MacPherson strut
Suspension Type (rear): multi-link
Tire Size (front): 235/35ZR19 Z
Tire Size (rear): 305/30ZR19 Z
Tire Brand: Michelin
Tire Model: Pilot Sport PS2
Tire Type: performance
Wheel Size: 19 X 8.0 front - 19 X 11.0 rear
Wheel Material (front/rear): alloy
As tested Curb Weight (lb): 3,403

Test Results:

0 - 30 (sec): 1.5
0 - 45 (sec): 2.8
0 - 60 (sec): 4.2
0 - 75 (sec): 6.2
1/4 Mile (sec @ mph): 12.5 @ 110.9
0-60 with 1-ft Rollout (sec): 4.0
30 - 0 (ft): 26
60 - 0 (ft): 104
Braking Rating: Excellent
Slalom (mph): 70.7
Skid Pad Lateral acceleration (g): .98
Handling Rating: Very good
Db @ Idle: 48.5
Db @ Full Throttle: 86.5
Db @ 70 mph Cruise: 74.5

Acceleration Comments: Clutch must be snapped out quickly or it will slip against all this grip and power. As usual, awesome shifter and a blast to drive.

Braking Comments: No sign of fade, excellent progressive pedal pre-ABS, combined with "pick up my eyeballs" stopping once ABS is engaged. Distance is not as good as some other 911s.

Handling Comments: Awesome balance on the skid pad. Aggressive rotation with lift throttle followed by "hang it out" slip once back on the gas. Through the slalom, the all-wheel drive grip gives the C4S a better slalom number than the C2S. Nimble, sharp, responsive, intuitive, predictable, fun and fast.

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