TechArt squeezes more power out of Porsche 911 Carrera 4S
TechArt Porsche 911 Carrera 4S - Click above for high-res image gallery
In certain circles, the 911 4S is considered the Porsche to get. You got your high-output S motor, the security of all the wheels being driven, a curvaceous (if not swollen) rear end, all the luxuries of home (especially if you tick off "leather air vents" on the options list) but without the crippling price of the Turbo or punishing ride/packaging of the GT3. Obviously, lots of folks feel differently, but if you're going to go down the 4S road, you might want to stop off and pay a visit to TechArt.
The "why" is that using some absolutely gorgeous piping, TechArt has found a way to squeeze 35 more horseponies out of the Carrera 4S's 3.8-liter flat-six, raising the total from 385 to 420. Which is as much power as the original 996 Turbo made. Which, we need not remind you, passed for a supercar just a few short years ago. And the 997 iteration of the 4S weighs about one hundred pounds less than the old Turbo.
But you can't just give the people more power and call it a day. With that maxim in mind, TechArt has gone ahead and crafted up a nice body kit for its 4S. There's a little lip spoiler, some twisted sills and a tastefully done spoiler. Actually, that spoiler does more than just look good – it's got a Gurney flap! That means it's adjustable. TechArt also fussed around with the suspension, crafted some forged light-alloy wheels and even gave the interior a once over, adding better leather and aluminum pedals. You can find all of the details in the press release after the jump. But before than doing that, may we suggest you just trip out on this for a while?
[Source: TechArt]
The "why" is that using some absolutely gorgeous piping, TechArt has found a way to squeeze 35 more horseponies out of the Carrera 4S's 3.8-liter flat-six, raising the total from 385 to 420. Which is as much power as the original 996 Turbo made. Which, we need not remind you, passed for a supercar just a few short years ago. And the 997 iteration of the 4S weighs about one hundred pounds less than the old Turbo.
But you can't just give the people more power and call it a day. With that maxim in mind, TechArt has gone ahead and crafted up a nice body kit for its 4S. There's a little lip spoiler, some twisted sills and a tastefully done spoiler. Actually, that spoiler does more than just look good – it's got a Gurney flap! That means it's adjustable. TechArt also fussed around with the suspension, crafted some forged light-alloy wheels and even gave the interior a once over, adding better leather and aluminum pedals. You can find all of the details in the press release after the jump. But before than doing that, may we suggest you just trip out on this for a while?
Gallery: TechArt Porsche Carrera 4S
[Source: TechArt]
Press Release
TECHART Program for Porsche 997 - new performance kit for significantly more power
Leonberg, November 2009 - In an unmistakable look at the IAA be presented TECHART program for the current Porsche 911 Carrera 4S. The individualized Porsche brings perfection of form, sportiness and dynamism, and once again embodies the basic principle of all TECHART products: OEM quality - made in Germany. Available now in the program with this is the new Performance: The components include the exhaust valve "Racing" and a new engine electronics for a notable increase in output by up to 35 hp.
New TECHART performance kit
For the Porsche Carrera S and 4S all-wheel version of one developed TECHART performance kit for listening and feeling. The kit includes a new engine management software and an exhaust valve in the variant "Racing". The exhaust system includes two manifolds and a stainless steel Sportkatanlage, muffler with exhaust flap control unit and an exhaust valve doppelovale tailpipes in gloss black or chrome. The driver can thereby switch between a sporty-production sound or a powerful racing sound. Overall, the new performance kit provides a clearly noticeable performance increase of 35 horsepower - in the upper rpm range. Optionally, a pure exhaust valve of the variant "sport" is available which, although not a performance boost, it also provides the individual sound experience. The facility consists of muffler with exhaust valve, exhaust valve control unit, and doppelovalen tailpipes in gloss black or chrome.
Aerodynamics and Design
The TÜV-certified Aerokit I is the successful result of intensive development work in the wind tunnel. This increased to improve the use PUR-RIM components of downforce on the axles and also the stability. The front spoiler I, highlights the dynamics of the 911 Carrera and provides by streamlining the flow of air for effective cooling of the brake system. Side emphasizing the powerful sidelines. A roof spoiler and rear wing, three different variants, depending on the requirements to enable an accurate aerodynamic set at the rear. Thus, the variable rear wing IV pitot-air channels and integrates an additional adjustable trailing edge (Gurney flap). The dynamic nature are further complicated by decorative screens for the outside mirrors - made from carbon fiber painted in desired color, Scheinwerferzierblenden, a deep-seated rear diffuser and the new sport exhaust systems emphasized.
TECHART suspension
For sporty, tight handling makes next to a sports spring kit also TECHART TECHART threaded chassis VARIO. For vehicles with PASM, the variant VARIO PLUS is available. Both systems are equipped with threaded shock absorbers with adjustable train and rebound as well as specific main and auxiliary springs. TECHART Formula II and Formula light-alloy wheels, a five-spoked wheel in one or multipieced design underline this sportiness. For the new 911 models is also the TECHART Formula III forged light-alloy forged in the twin-spoke design Available in sizes 19 - and 20-inches. Optional is also the TECHART Noseliftsystem available to overcome curbs or other ramps. By pressing a button the car can be increased by up to 60 millimeters - even while driving up to 60 km / h.
Independent to the last detail: The interior
A wealth of different leather interiors, matching 3-spoke airbag sports steering wheels, aluminum pedals and trim are just a few extras. Custom design is limited by the TECHART-Manufactory almost no limits. The silver-colored accents are inter alia in the dashboard and Türzierteilen, placed at the aperture of the infotainment system in the center console, seat-back trays and coat hooks.
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 2)
Venom 3:07PM (11/11/2009)
Small problem with this article.
There is no price listed for this package.
If you bought the 4S to save money over the cost of the Turbo and this ends up costing as much as or more than the Turbo then what is the point?
That being said, it is gorgeous.
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sparrk 4:35PM (11/11/2009)
true , there is no point in tuning the C4S if the price gets close to the turbo. the standard C4S is the best everyday luxury sportscar imo , especially with PDK because you can turn it to 100% RWD and have the full 911 experience and then turn back the AWD for daily driving and rain/snow.
http://www.autoblog.com/2008/11/07/porsche-pdk-can-turn-off-front-wheel-drive-in-carrera-4/
phooky 3:11PM (11/11/2009)
This car is beautiful, though it looks a little naked without the Porsche shield on front
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Franz 3:11PM (11/11/2009)
I'd pass on the cosmetic stuff and go for the engine upgrades alone. Such a big power jump with mainly breathing mods is impressive.
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hoov23 7:17PM (11/11/2009)
Agreed. The 911 in any form looks best with Porsche's own skin. And that steering wheel is a bit "2 Fast 2 Furious" for me. Amazing pipes. Wonder about the cost...
BoxerFanatic 3:23PM (11/11/2009)
DO WANT.
I would want a cayman for weekend fun, and maybe a track day and such... maybe a Boxster Spyder, if the weather is nice on those days.
BUT THIS, THIS is what I would want every day of the year, to go wherever I need to go.
Boxer 6-cylinder for smooth power - check
AWD for maximum wet or dry traction - check
luxurious and comfortable interior for two, plus some minor parcels - Check.
sleek and aerodynamic - check.
The Carrera 4S, (in aqua blue, please) with non-black wheels would be one of the very few cars I would step up to and leave my SVX behind, but only because those four points above apply to both cars.
I just wish Porsche had made the red reflector strip full height between the tail lights... it looks odd to be thinner than the tail light height at the top edge.
I LOVE the GT-style wing, and I even like the front end, which is just shy of being too busy, which I think the GT3 is too busy on the front.
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dasupersprint91 3:36PM (11/11/2009)
Did you say 'boxer' and 'smooth' in the same sentence?
BoxerFanatic 4:13PM (11/11/2009)
Do you not know that a boxer engine has better balance than most other engine designs, especially a boxer 6 or boxer 12?
YES, I said smooth Boxer 6 power. Because a boxer 6 is butter-smooth, by design.
Opposed pistons cancel each other's vibration characteristics out, and it is kind of the POINT of a flat engine, as well as low Cg, low clearance height, and shorter length and height than a longitudinal inline.
Mitchell Scott 4:32PM (11/11/2009)
You're thinking about Subaru and their lumpy 4-banger boxers. Their boxer 6 is quite smooth though.
BoxerFanatic 5:11PM (11/11/2009)
Even the H4 Subaru engine has smooth running characteristics. It only sounds lumpy due to unequal length exhaust, and is only a sonic pulse issue. Exhaust was most of VW's flat 4 noise issues, too. A flat 6 is that much smoother, as would be a flat 8 and flat 12.
The NVH of a subaru flat 4 engine itself is pretty smooth, and would be even smoother if it had a cross-over firing order. The primary and secondary vibrations are still cancelled out by the opposed design, just as BMW Boxer twins, and other horizontally opposed engine designs.
RowFive 3:46PM (11/11/2009)
Wow, a tasteful tuner package for the 911. No gaudy neon colors, tasteless graphics, or tacky wheels. Nice.
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Josiah 3:49PM (11/11/2009)
...as to be expected as TechArt isn't exactly your average 'tuner'.
RowFive 4:30PM (11/11/2009)
True, they are probably Europe's best, but a tuner nonetheless. I read somewhere they were technically considered an automobile manufacturer, but there's too much Porsche in that car for it to be anything but. So many "tuners" try to slap their own styling onto cars that they ruin what made them elegant to begin with. I'm not a huge fan of Ruf (another "manufacturer"?), and Mansory puts out complete garbage. Techart's product is typically pretty tasteful.
sparrk 4:42PM (11/11/2009)
@ RowFive , you are probably mistaking Tech Art with RUF who is a manufacturer but they also have a tuning division.
flat6fanatic 3:56PM (11/11/2009)
GORGEOUS! O_o
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Mazdamia 4:18PM (11/11/2009)
I wonder what a "TECHART-Manufactory?" Is that where boys become men?
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Mitchell Scott 4:13PM (11/11/2009)
That's a really clean looking package. If they could offer the styling with any 911, that'd be great.
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BoxerFanatic 4:25PM (11/11/2009)
Which ones do you mean, the 997 Carrera 2 and Carrera 4 mostly share their bodywork, TechArt offers their body mods for both.
The GT2, GT3, and Turbo have their own stuff going on, but TechArt offers upgrades for most of them, as well.
Really, the front end is just add-ons to the stock front bumper cover. A lower chin spoiler add-on, a couple of thicker, body-colored strike-through bits in the side intake openings, and an extractor vent at the hood line seam. all either adhered, screwed onto, or cut into the stock bumper cover. The white rings on the headlights fit all the 997s with oval headlights. The side sills are fairly universal, except for perhaps the turbo and GT2 wide-bodies. (which are slightly different than 997 C2 and C4, IIRC)
The GT-style wing probably fits to any 997 style engine cover that doesn't already have a permanently mounted spoiler system, and replaces the factory rising panel.
The rear bumper diffuser detail is added to the stock rear bumper. The red reflector panel is stock Porsche on the Carrera 4S.
Chances are most of this would fit on a Carrera 2 or 2S just as easily as a 4 or 4S. With enough of a base of aftermarket 996->997 conversion parts from Porsche underneath, it would probably fit on a converted 996, or even a 986/987 front end, as well.
Mitchell Scott 4:31PM (11/11/2009)
Oi, that's great. Doesn't the C4 have a wider body or track or something than the C2 though? I could imagine that would interfere with a proper fit. I'm not sure if I remember correctly though.
BoxerFanatic 5:22PM (11/11/2009)
It is possible, but I would bet that TechArt offers the side skirts for both narrow and wide, and the side skirts are probably the only wide-body specific parts on the C4S shown there. The front fenders are not really different, only the rear fenders.
The 996 C4S was basically a turbo without the turbochargers, body-wise the body was almost the same, except not having the rear fender air intakes, or the motorized rear wing.
The 997 C4 and C4S seem to be closer to the Carrera 2 and Carrera 2S, and not as related to the 997 Turbo, but I seem to remember that the C4 was a bit wider than the base C2. I don't recall if the Carrera 2S is wider, but I am pretty sure the GT3 gets the wider rear fenders, as well.
I am not sure if the C4S/GT3 are as wide as the 997 Turbo and GT2, it doesn't really look as drastically flared as the Turbo/GT2 does... but it could be the lack of a fender intake that is throwing the visuals, and white paint doesn't help judge the contours from the pictures.
But TechArt probably offers the side sills for all the body widths of 997, whether there is just two, or if there are three different widths...
Ah, the intricacies of comparing all the different variants of the 997 model line. :D