By: Jesse Adams
Kyalami - The decision makes perfect sense, but the announcement was still a shock to the system.
Late last year Porsche made it clear that all 911 derivatives, except the GT3 and GT3 RS, would replace their normally-aspirated engines with turbocharged ones. Yes, even the most base spec Carrera models.
Previous 3.4 and 3.8-litre naturally-aspirated engines make way for more powerful but less thirsty 3-litre twin-turbo flat-sixes, with either 272kW/450Nm or 309kW/500Nm outputs (for non-S and S models respectively).
Now that this historic titbit has had time to sink in, we can announce that the new force-fed fleet will hit our shores imminently. Then, all-wheel-drive versions comprising Carrera 4 and Targa 4 models are scheduled to land at the same time as new 911 Turbos this April.
The media launch of these new 4s was tagged onto the Turbo and Turbo S international event held in South Africa recently, and in between ballistic Kyalami hotlaps and test drives of the flagships, we also got a chance to sample the latest Carrera 4S and Targa 4S as well.
New 911 Turbo takes on new Kyalami
Besides a faint exhaust whistle it could be difficult for anyone but the most astute Porsche fan to distinguish the new turbocharged lineup, but one easy way is by the engine cover louvers – now with lateral strakes designed as a retro nod to historic 911s.
With all-wheel-traction the Carrera 4 and 4S models are quicker than two-wheel-drive counterparts, with Porsche claiming 4.1 and 3.8 seconds from 0-100km/h respectively. The heavier Targas are two tenths slower apiece. Top speeds range from 287 to 305km/h depending on model and equipment.
Just like their full fat Turbo and Turbo S siblings, the lesser models also get four-way mode switches on new steering wheels, and new electro-hydraulic centre clutches (replacing electro-mechanical) which can divvy power to front and rear axles. Suspensions are now 10mm lower, and four-wheel-steering is now an option on all 4S derivatives.
PRICES:
Carrera 4 Coupé - R1 352 000
Carrera 4S Coupé - R1 510 000
Carrera 4 Cabriolet - R1 477 000
Carrera 4S Cabriolet - R1 613 000
Targa 4 - R1 477 000
Targa 4S - R1 613 000