The Porsche 911 (996) Carrera 4 (996.2) was produced from 2002 to 2004 and is a mid-life refresh of the original 996 generation. This model year introduced several key changes that significantly impacted the overall driving experience.
Engine:
- Type: Water-cooled, flat-6 cylinder engine
- Displacement: 3.6 liters
- Power: 316 horsepower (at 6800 rpm) with a 0-60 mph time of around 4.5 seconds
- Torque: 369 lb-ft (at 5600 rpm)
- Transmission: 6-speed manual or 4-speed automatic
Chassis and Suspension:
- Body Style: Fixed roof, rear-wheel drive coupe or convertible with a fixed rear wing and active aerodynamics
- Chassis: Aluminum-intensive unit body construction for improved strength-to-weight ratio
- Suspension: Double wishbone front suspension with anti-roll bars, multi-link rear suspension with aluminum lower control arms and stabilizers
Exterior and Interior:
- Exterior Design: Mildly revised front bumper with a larger air intake, updated side skirts, and a new rear wing that was more pronounced than the original
- Wheels: Standard 17-inch alloy wheels or optional 18-inch alloys
- Interior: Updated with a fresh instrument panel, a new steering wheel, and available features such as power seats, climate control, and a Bose sound system
Safety and Features:
- Safety Features: Dual front airbags were standard, while side and curtain airbags were optional
- Electronic Stability Control (ESP) was fitted as standard across the range
- Optional features included rain-sensing wipers, rear parking sensors, and an automatic dimming rearview mirror
Other Changes and Models:
- There were variations within the 996.2 Carrera lineup, including the high-performance Turbo S model and a more practical Carrera 4S version with all-wheel drive
- Porsche's Tiptronic automatic transmission became optional on certain models
- Minor specification changes over its lifespan kept the car competitive in terms of performance and refinement
The overall package offered by the 996.2 Carrera provided significant improvements in both power and handling compared to its predecessor, while maintaining the quintessential driving experience that defines the Porsche 911.
