All-wheel-drive 911

Such are the exceptional abilities of the standard 911 Carrera that the four-wheel-drive model can seem unnecessary. However, the latest Carrera 4 is the most accomplished version yet. Performance is a close match for the standard machine’s, while differences in economy and emissions are minor. It’s a beautifully built and faultlessly engineered sports car that offers all-wheel- drive traction without ruining the 911’s traditional appeal.

Porsche has been steadily refining the 911 for 45 years – but the famous German firm isn’t wasting any time launching new versions of the latest model.

Hot on the heels of the revised Carrera 2 – which we tried in Issue 1,017 – comes the four-wheel-drive Carrera 4. As with the rear-drive car, there’s a choice of coupé and cabriolet bodystyles, as well as standard and S models. The new versions are distinguished by their fresh headlamps, LED running lights and updated rear clusters.

Opting for the Carrera 4 costs £69,768 – a £4,360 premium over the standard car. And while Porsche purists have never warmed to the idea of an all-wheel-drive 911, the Stuttgart firm promises this latest version is the best yet.

At the heart of its claim is the Porsche Traction Management transmission – until now the preserve of the top-spec Turbo. This uses an electromagnetically controlled multi-plate clutch set-up for optimum distribution of power between the axles. A mechanical limited-slip differential is also fitted.

On the road, the combination of the 911’s grip and the added security of four-wheel drive makes this a phenomenally fast point-to-point car.

The previous-generation Carrera 4 felt nose heavy and was more prone to understeer than the rear-drive version, but this has been toned down in the new model.

In fact, the chassis is so capable and you are kept so far from the limit of grip that it’s hard to even spot this car has four-wheel drive. Only in the wet or over slippery surfaces can you feel the power shifting between the axles to help maintain traction.

Combine this grip with the perfectly developed stability control, and the Carrera 4 is one of the most driver-friendly sports cars available.

With the optional Sport Chrono Pack fitted, the stability set-up can be switched to Sport+ mode. And when used on the track, for example, it allows the driver to slide the 911 further before the ESP cuts in. It’s when this happens that you can feel the four-wheel drive at work.

As with the 3.8-litre in the Carrera S, the 3.6-litre flat-six engine is all-new, and benefits from direct petrol injection for the first time. This has increased power, although both units are cleaner and more frugal than those they replace.

The introduction of 4WD has added only 55kg to the kerbweight of the Carrera 4, so performance is similar to the standard car’s. The model we tried came with Porsche’s new PDK twin-clutch gearbox, and its 4.6-second 0-62mph time is only one-tenth-of-a-second slower than the rear-drive 911. What’s more, the Sport Chrono Pack adds launch control to the PDK set-up, which makes for truly sensational getaways.

Yet despite the speed and precision of the gearchanges, the wheel-mounted shifters are fiddly, and take away some of the connection that makes a Porsche so special. We would save £2,338 and stick with the excellent six-speed manual.

Whichever transmission you go for, though, if you want the security of a four-wheel-drive sports car, the Carrera 4 is one of the most accomplished choices.