Porsche 911 Carrera 4S 2008 Review

Launched: Porsche 911 Carrera 4S

I'm intentionally drifting a Carrera 4S coupe. Get it right across the top of this corner and the new 911 will be set up perfectly for the test track's looping 180-degree left-hander that's rushing closer.

It's an act of simplicity. The rears are staccatoing across the slick surface; the fronts are turning into the slide and the forward momentum will overcome lateral movement at just the right moment.

Turn in, feel the grip, tramp the throttle hard and the new direct-injection 3.8-litre boxer six howls for that 7600rpm redline. Underneath us, the electro-magnetic all-wheel-drive system is shuttling power fore and aft with the assistance of a mechanical LSD.

Swerve left-right through the esses, holding 5000rpm in the third ratio of the new seven-speed dual-clutch PDK gearbox. A quick burst of power then clamp down on the discs for the hairpin. Still not quite straight, the rear shimmies as weight surges forward. But the nose digs in and the turn is precise.

Such is the Carrera 4's adjustability, understeer, neutrality or oversteer is available with a simple adjustment of turn-in point and application of the precise throttle. All the while the conversation between car and driver is clear, intimate and simply thrilling.

Of course Porsche has been long renowned for such linguistic dexterity, so much so that this 997 Series II update has concentrated mostly on green issues.

Two of the prime upgrades - new gen boxer engines and the replacement of the traditional torque-converter auto with a seven-speed dual-clutch manual - were first revealed with the 911 Carrera.

In double-quick time Porsche has also rolled out the 4 coupe and cabrio range, along with the PTM AWD system that replaces the old viscous coupling. It's a quicker, more efficient system, able to shift 100 percent of drive forward (the old car was limited to 40 percent).

Just as in the Carrera, the various technical upgrades mean the 4 is faster, more economical and greener, particularly when mated with PDK. Porsche claims it offers up to 12.9 percent better fuel economy while lowering emissions by up to 15.4 percent.

A PDK-equipped 4S coupe fitted with the optional launch control function can accelerate from 0-100km/h in just 4.3sec, yet it can also sip PULP at a miserly 10.5L/100km while emitting 247g CO2/km. Not at the same time, though.

The C4 is not quite as efficient or as fast as the Carrera, but it's not far off. And there's no doubt the extra layer of AWD grip offers a more secure driving experience for mere mortals.

But the Carrera 4 will also chop that little bit more out of your bank account. A base model Carrera 4 coupe with PDK is a frightening $243,400. The soft-top 4S PDK a horrifying $294,400. So, how much do you value an intimate chat?