Porsche 911 Carrera 4S review, test drive

No less than 90 percent of the new 911’s mechanical ingredients are either all new or significantly improved. It has completely new dimensions, a new electromechanical power steering system and a construction richer in aluminium than ever before. It retains the classic rear-engine layout of every 911 since the original from way back in 1963, albeit with modifications to the engine mounting points, which have been optimised for improved weight distribution. As with the previous 911 (997), the front-end structure, complete with its MacPherson strut suspension, is more or less shared with the smaller Boxster and, at the rear, this 911 gets reworked multi-link suspension.The 911 continues with a predominantly steel structure and a body constructed from a combination of steel, aluminium and plastic composites.

A series of weight-optimisation measures has pared the kerb weight by around 45kg, bringing the new base 911 Carrera down to around 1380kg. This being the all-wheel-drive version, the rear track is wider, and it weighs in at a heavier 1465kg thanks to the extra set of axles. Speaking of which, the 4S is predominantly rear-wheel drive until provoked. Once the system detects the need for more traction, it’ll shuffle power (you can see it working on a display in the instrument cluster) to the front axles until it is satisfied that things are under control.