1996-1998 Porsche 911 993 Carrera 4S
The 993 Carrera 4S was a high-performance variant of the Porsche 911, produced from 1996 to 1998. It was designed to be an all-wheel-drive (AWD) version of the iconic sports car, with significant improvements over its predecessor.
Design and Features
The 993 Carrera 4S had a sleek and aerodynamic design, with a distinctive curved roofline and a more aggressive front bumper with a larger air intake. The interior was upgraded with leather upholstery, power seats, and a premium audio system. The car featured larger 18-inch alloy wheels, wrapped in high-performance tires.
Performance
The 993 Carrera 4S was powered by a naturally aspirated flat-6 engine producing 285 horsepower at 5900 rpm. A revised intake manifold, improved camshaft design, and increased compression ratio contributed to the power increase. The car's all-wheel-drive system sent 35% of torque to the front wheels and 65% to the rear. This setup allowed for faster acceleration from a standstill, but also made the car more stable in cornering.
Engine and Transmission
The engine was mated to a Getrag 420 six-speed manual transmission or an optional Tiptronic semi-automatic transmission. The Tiptronic system featured four modes: Normal, Sport, Comfort, and a "Tiptronic" mode that allowed for seamless upshifts without interruption of the driving experience.
Suspension and Brakes
The car's suspension was upgraded with improved MacPherson struts at the front and multi-link independent suspension at the rear. The brake system featured larger 12-inch rotors, ventilated disc brakes, and a more advanced ABS system that optimized braking performance in emergency situations.
Safety Features
Standard safety features included anti-lock brakes (ABS), dual airbags, and side impact protection. Optional equipment included a driver's side airbag, a rearview camera, and a premium audio system with a built-in CD player.
Weight and Dimensions
The 993 Carrera 4S weighed around 3,370 pounds (1,530 kg) in its lightest configuration. Its length was 176 inches (447 cm), width 73 inches (186 cm), and height 47 inches (119 cm).
Top Speed and Acceleration
Officially, the car's top speed was electronically limited to 155 mph (250 km/h). In testing, however, it managed a 0-60 mph time of just under 5 seconds. Top-gear acceleration from 30-70 mph took approximately 10.1 seconds.
Production and Market
Only 2,179 Carrera 4S models were produced between 1996 and 1998, making it one of the rarest 911 variants. The car was marketed as a high-performance option for enthusiasts who wanted an all-wheel-drive version with better traction and stability in adverse conditions.
Collectibility and Value
Due to its rarity and reputation for excellent performance, the Porsche 911 993 Carrera 4S has become highly sought after by collectors and enthusiasts. Prices have fluctuated over time but are generally higher than those of other 911 models from the same era.
Legacy
The 993 Carrera 4S played a significant role in cementing the reputation of the Porsche 911 as an exceptional performance car with impressive capabilities across various terrains.
