Porsche 911 Carrera 4 and 4S Bow to World at Paris Auto Show [w/Videos]

The main attraction at Porsche’s Paris Auto Show stand this year is, of course, the Panamera Sport Turismo concept, but the Stuttgart-based automaker that recently passed into the loving arms of the Volkswagen Group, also had new production models to show in the guise of the four-wheel drive editions of the all-new 911.

Based on the all-new, 991 series, there are coupe and cabriolet versions and in 345HP (350PS) Carrera 4 and 394HP (400PS) Carrera 4S flavors, bringing the total 911 AWD tally to four versions.

Visually, the Carrera 4 differs from the rear-wheel drive 911 in its rear wheel archers, which are wider by 22 mm (0.87-inch) on each side, and the illuminated red horizontal strip between the taillights.

Despite being larger than the outgoing 997, though, it’s up to 65 kg (143 pounds) lighter and as much as 16 percent more frugal.

Like the RWD model, the Carrera 4 sits on an all-new chassis with a 10 cm (3.9-inch) longer wheelbase, and features an electric steering system and a seven-speed manual gearbox.

Traction comes courtesy of the Porsche Traction Management (PTM) system, which employs an electronically variable multi-plate clutch that works with the Porsche Stability management (PSM) system to distribute torque between the two axles.

Buyers will be faced with Porsche‘s long list of acronyms, which depending on the model, are on the standard or options list.

These include the seven-speed dual-clutch PDK gearbox, the PCCB (Porsche Ceramic Composite Brake) ceramic discs, the PASM (Porsche Active Suspension Management) electronically controlled suspension, PTV (Porsche Torque Vectoring) in standard and “Plus” versions, the PDCC (Porsche Dynamic Chassis Control) active anti-roll system and the Sport Chrono package with active engine mounts, to name but a few.

You can view the image gallery, along with videos of Porsche’s stand and factory driver Patrick Long displaying the new all-wheel drive 911’s capabilities during a hill climb right after the break.

By Andrew Tsaousis

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