Inside Line tests hundreds of vehicles a year, but not every one gets a full write-up. The numbers still tell a story, though, so we're introducing a new feature on Straightline called "IL Track Tested." It's a quick rundown of all the data we collected at the track, along with comments direct from the test drivers. Enjoy.
All-new for 2009, the Porsche 911's most distinguishing new feature is the new PDK double clutch transmission. It's a nice piece of work, and we found it quite impressive during our first test of the 2009 911 Carrera 2.
But Porsche still offers one of the best standard gearboxes around, so we sampled another 2009 911 with the six-speed manual transmission. And unlike the rear-wheel-drive cabriolet we tested the first time, this was an all-wheel-drive coupe. See how it matched up to the PDK after the jump.
Vehicle: 2009 Porsche 911 Carerra 4S
Odometer: 1234
Date: 12/16/08
Driver: Josh Jacquot
Specifications:
Drive Type: all wheel drive
Transmission Type: 6-speed Manual
Engine Type: flat6
Displacement (cc / cu-in): 3800cc (232cu-in)
Redline (rpm): 7,400
Horsepower (hp @ rpm): 385 @ 6500
Torque (lb-ft @ rpm): 310 @ 4400
Brake Type (front): ventilated disc
Brake Type (rear): ventilated disc
Steering System: speed-proportional power steering
Suspension Type (front): modified MacPherson strut
Suspension Type (rear): multi-link
Tire Size (front): 235/35ZR19 Z
Tire Size (rear): 305/30ZR19 Z
Tire Brand: Michelin
Tire Model: Pilot Sport PS2
Tire Type: performance
Wheel Size: 19 X 8.0 front - 19 X 11.0 rear
Wheel Material (front/rear): alloy
As tested Curb Weight (lb): 3,403
Test Results:
0 - 30 (sec): 1.5
0 - 45 (sec): 2.8
0 - 60 (sec): 4.2
0 - 75 (sec): 6.2
1/4 Mile (sec @ mph): 12.5 @ 110.9
0-60 with 1-ft Rollout (sec): 4.0
30 - 0 (ft): 26
60 - 0 (ft): 104
Braking Rating: Excellent
Slalom (mph): 70.7
Skid Pad Lateral acceleration (g): .98
Handling Rating: Very good
Db @ Idle: 48.5
Db @ Full Throttle: 86.5
Db @ 70 mph Cruise: 74.5
Acceleration Comments: Clutch must be snapped out quickly or it will slip against all this grip and power. As usual, awesome shifter and a blast to drive.
Braking Comments: No sign of fade, excellent progressive pedal pre-ABS, combined with "pick up my eyeballs" stopping once ABS is engaged. Distance is not as good as some other 911s.
Handling Comments: Awesome balance on the skid pad. Aggressive rotation with lift throttle followed by "hang it out" slip once back on the gas. Through the slalom, the all-wheel drive grip gives the C4S a better slalom number than the C2S. Nimble, sharp, responsive, intuitive, predictable, fun and fast.
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I'm looking forward to more of these. Thanks, Ed! I bet you bench/magazine racers out there will love these!
It just keeps getting better every year. That's the Porsche way; take the same proven designs and technologies and simply improve on them.
You ought to test the new C4S against a 997 Turbo to determine if the Turbo is really worth the extra money other than strictly in the brute power department :-)
I love reading Chris and Josh's comments, too! :thumbsup:
Wow, just wow. 12.5 @ 110mph? That's incredible for a production 3400 pound vehicle running a naturally aspirated 3.8 liter engine. And this is not the "hardcore" version!
I wonder what this engine was launched at, with the clutch snapped out, to get these times?
Joe
Amazing! I love to read these, there's a good bit of information condensed into a small package. As mikeebear said, Porsche just keeps making their signature car better. 911s aren't engineered from year to year, they evolve.
What a car.
Porsche is one of the few manufacturers that has an odd formula ( the controversial rear engine layout), yet seems to refine it and make it better with each upgrade or full model change. It seems like they go to great lengths to ensure every aspect of the car (brake performance,brake feel, steering, shift quality, technology, engine power, engine response, chassis performance ETC ETC) is super refined and works flawlessly.
Ive always been impressed with Porsche the flat 6, but now I'm really impressed with the updated, direct injected, more powerful flat 6 as its more efficient, super refined, offers performance that rivals or surpasses V8 performance cars yet still possesses that signature Porsche flat 6 mechanical sound. The power and torque rating are really impressive for a naturally aspirated 6.
Overall, awesome machine although Id take the GT3 (or F430 Scuderia) over any (PURE) sports car currently on the market.
Joe,
If I remember correctly, launch rpm was 5500 to 6000 rpm every time. Much more than that and it was too much for the poor clutch, which would slip under this extreme load but always seemed to recover quickly for the next launch.
Josh
12.5 @ 110 mph is almost an odd-ball time. That's a strong ET for such a low trap speed. A function of the incredible grip of AWD off the line I think. For reference, the C5 Z06 had a stock quarter mile of 12.4 @ 117 mph. The higher trap speed is a product of more horsepower (405 vs. 385) and lighter weight (3,150 vs. 3,403).
I've seen similar results from Car & Driver with the standard RWD base Carrera with the PDK (great ET with relatively low trap speed, strong 0-60 time). Even the RWD 911's get great traction off the line due the weight of the engine all the way in rear.
I like how they stole the wheel design from the C5 Z06 too... It's almost exactly the same!
Stingray - Yep. AWD cars typically have better times with lower traps, IMHO.
Though 7mph in the Z06 trap for "only" 20 more HP seems like alot more speed for not alot more ponies. But we're comparing different cars on different days, so it's moot.
I don't remember exactly, but I believe a stock 911 has like a 67 rear, 33 front weight distribution....and I think supposedly it shifts to 80% rear on a launch. 305 tires in the rear take that on ;)
Josh - Amazing that those clutches last even 2000 miles on all that testing abuse you guys can deliver.
Im still trying to figure out how Porsche got that kind of power and torque out a normally aspirated 3.8L 6.
hondacura4:
That kind of torque from a 3.8 usually means that the engine is a long stroke engine (undersquare) but they can also reach those numbers with very efficient breathing and minimal parasitic losses internal to the engine..
Hondaacura -
Why? Bout 100hp per liter is not exactly an abnormal figure in a high performance engine, especially one as worked-over as this with direct injection, etc.
The torque impresses me. That's 81.6 ft/lbs per liter. The standard in a naturally aspirated engine is more around 70.
I'm guessing direct injection and undersquare engine? Whats the CR?
Joe