The 996.1 Carrera 4 (Porsche 911) was a significant model in the Porsche lineup from 1999 to 2001. It marked the first generation of the 911 with an all-wheel-drive system, hence the '4' designation.
Engine and Performance:
- The engine used in the 996.1 Carrera 4 is a 3.6-liter flat-six cylinder (Boxer) engine.
- This engine produced 299 horsepower at 6,300 rpm and had a peak torque of 284 Nm at 4,500 rpm.
Transmission:
- The standard transmission was a Tiptronic S five-speed automatic with a manual mode for more control.
- A six-speed manual transmission was available as an option.
Drivetrain and Performance:
- The Carrera 4 featured Porsche's first all-wheel-drive system in a rear-engined sports car, which significantly improved traction compared to its rear-wheel-driven counterparts.
- Despite the weight added by the drivetrain, the Carrera 4 managed impressive acceleration figures, with 0-100 km/h (0-62 mph) taking around 5.2 seconds and a top speed of approximately 285 km/h (177 mph).
Suspension and Brakes:
- The Porsche Active Suspension Management (PASM) system was featured for the first time in the 996 series, allowing for adjustable damping on both axles.
- The brakes were vented discs at all four wheels with a diameter of 330 mm in front and 300 mm at the rear.
Interior and Safety Features:
- The interior featured Porsche's modern take on comfort and functionality, including heated seats, cruise control, and an advanced sound system.
- In terms of safety, dual airbags were standard, along with ABS (Anti-lock braking system), and ESP (Electronic Stability Program) which was part of the PASM package.
Exterior:
- The exterior design was a significant departure from its predecessors, adopting a more angular look that became the hallmark of the 996 generation.
- Features included bi-xenon headlights, side air intakes in front of the rear wheels (a distinctive feature of all 996 Carrera models), and pronounced rear haunches.
Other Features:
- The Tiptronic S transmission was designed to provide smooth acceleration when needed but could also allow for more manual control by using a paddle shift.
- Rear differential locks were also part of the package, aiding in situations where one wheel had lost traction.
The 996.1 Carrera 4 played a pivotal role in Porsche's lineup during its production run from 1999 to 2002 (including 2001 as part of the 996 series) but was eventually replaced by the facelifted 996.2 models with significant updates, including a new engine for some variants.
