Porsche 911 Carrera 4S review, test drive

The Carrera 4S is powered by a 3.8-litre, direct-injection six-cylinder motor. Producing 395bhp, this naturally aspirated motor sends its power to all four wheels via a seven-speed dual-clutch gearbox (there is the option of a seven-speed manual too). This potent engine delivers brilliant performance from anywhere in its powerband and the four-wheel-drive system is quick to channel power optimally to the wheels. This motor’s mid-range and top end are nothing short of explosive too. Tap the throttle and the 4S vaults off the blocks; thrust is immediate and very strong, power delivery is linear, and even short bursts of acceleration are addictive. Configure the onboard computer and set the gearbox, dampers and engine to Sport Plus mode, and things get even more insane.

Performance is now in proper supercar territory, and the car changes the way it responds to throttle inputs. The seven-speed, twin-clutch gearbox is lightning quick with its shifts and, as ever, you can use it in manual mode, where the gears shift up only when you pull the right paddle. Flat-out performance is rapid, with 100kph taking 5.09 seconds, 150kph 9.54 seconds and 200kph just 16.86 seconds! In-gear acceleration is very strong too, despite the car having tall gearing. You won’t need a long stretch of road to hit its claimed top speed of 298kph. The only fly in the ointment is the big gap between first and second gears, which you will use frequently if you’re driving up a ghat road. First is too short and second a bit too tall and this can lead to irritating moments while attacking a series of hairpin bends.Drive it a few notches down and the 911 is still impressive. On our ever-crowded streets, it’s quickly apparent that, with the gearbox in D, this car is almost as civilised as most family cars – its direct steering, linear throttle response and smooth shifts making it no harder to drive than a Corolla.