2013 Porsche 911

What's New for 2013

Porsche expands the lineup of 911s based on the new-generation car (the "991") with the addition of the all-wheel-drive Carrera 4 and 4S models.

Introduction

A lot of Porsche 911 Carreras sold in the U.S. are sold in Southern California. And if they're not sold in Southern California, they're sold in similarly temperate climates. So it's the rare 911 buyer who needs the all-weather confidence of an all-wheel-drive Carrera. But when they do, the 2013 Porsche 911 Carrera 4 and Carrera 4S are the go-to choices.

The all-wheel-drive models mark the latest of the Porsche hit parade to migrate to the 911's new longer, wider and lighter platform, which debuted in 2012. Like the base rear-drive model, the base Carrera 4 also gets a smaller flat-6 engine, down from 3.6 liters to 3.4 liters. The smaller direct-injected engine generates 350 horsepower and 287 pound-feet of torque and puts power to the pavement through a standard seven-speed manual transmission. Porsche claims 0-60-mph acceleration in 4.7 seconds, while opting for the seven-speed dual-clutch automated transmission (PDK, in Porsche-speak) shaves that to 4.5 seconds while achieving 20 city mpg/28 highway mpg and 23 mpg combined. Those less mindful of fuel economy and more mindful of outright speed will want the Carrera 4S with its 3.8-liter flat-6 capable of 400 hp and 325 lb-ft of torque. Zero to 60 time drops to about 4.3 seconds, Porsche says.

Regardless of transmission, the Porsche Traction Management system uses a multiplate clutch to continuously transfer power between the front and rear axles. Intuitive and transparent, the system's greatest feat sends just enough power to the front wheels while preserving the 911's hallmark rear-bias handling. The all-wheel-drive system adds just 110 pounds to the Carrera and required no suspension adjustment other than a slight tweak to the antiroll bars.

The Carrera 4 and 4S feature the same classy Panamera-inspired interior scheme that debuted in the new 911, a slim-stack profile with tight fit and finish and an explosion of small buttons. There's even an option that allows an acoustic channel to pipe more of the boxer engine's noise into the interior.

The 2013 Porsche 911 Carrera 4 and 4S go on sale in December 2012, with a base Carrera 4 starting at around $92,000 and a base C4S priced around $106,000. Check back for a full review of the complete Porsche 911 lineup, including the new Carrera 4 and Carrera 4S, as more information becomes available.