Autoblog

Porsche recalls new 911 models over exhaust pipe issues

Jeffrey N. Ross — Thu, 28 Feb 2013 16:33:00 EST

Filed under: Convertible, Coupe, Performance, Government/Legal, Recalls, Safety, Porsche

Porsche, though the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, announced a voluntary recall on about 2,200 911 Carrera and Carrera 4 models built during the 2012 and 2013 model years. On cars equipped with the standard exhaust system it was found that the tailpipes could separate from the mufflers and become dangerous road debris; models that added the optional sport exhaust system are not included in this recall.

Affected vehicles were built between March and November of last year, but there have been no reports of the problem on any customer-owned vehicles. Porsche first noticed a cracked tailpipe weld on a test vehicle back in May, and since then has found similar problems on other internally owned vehicles, all with more than 25,000 miles on the clock. To fix the problem, dealers will be replacing the mufflers. Scroll down to read the official notice.

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Porsche recalls new 911 models over exhaust pipe issues originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 28 Feb 2013 16:33:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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2013 Porsche 911 Carrera 4 is a bolt of all-wheel-drive blue

Jonathon Ramsey — Fri, 28 Sep 2012 08:02:00 EST

Filed under: Convertible, Coupe, Performance, Paris Motor Show, Porsche, Luxury

The Porsche 911 Carrera 4 and Carrera 4S, noted by the wider rear end and illuminated crossbar element between the taillamps, bring Porsche Traction Management to the 911 line in coupe and convertible forms. Haunches spread 22 millimeters further across tires that are ten millimeters wider than the ones found on two-wheel-drive 911s.

A manual shifter offering access to seven forward gears sits between the seats as standard, and the new 4/4S models are up to 143 pounds lighter than the previous ones, helping you get to 60 miles per hour in 4.3 seconds in the Carrera 4S model. (You can take 0.2 seconds off that if you opt for the seven-speed PDK.) Stick with the manual, though, add the Sport Chrono pack and switch to Sport Plus mode and get automatic double-declutching downshifts.

Inside, an addition to the instrument cluster is a gauge informing the driver of how the PTM is spreading its grip around, and the model introduces adaptive cruise control and a sliding glass roof to the 911 lineup. When they arrive in U.S. showrooms they'll start at $91,030 for the Carrera 4, plus $950 for destination, and run up to $117,530 for the 4S Cabriolet. High-res galleries from the Paris Motor Show, on the other hand, cost just a single click.

Continue reading 2013 Porsche 911 Carrera 4 is a bolt of all-wheel-drive blue

2013 Porsche 911 Carrera 4 is a bolt of all-wheel-drive blue originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 28 Sep 2012 08:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Porsche 911 prototype caught sporting real Targa roof

Jeff Sabatini — Wed, 06 Jun 2012 14:15:00 EST

Filed under: Spy Photos, Coupe, Performance, Porsche, Design/Style

No, that's not a Type 991 Porsche 911 Cabriolet - look closely and you'll see the first true Targa since the model variant disappeared from the Porsche 911 line in 1995. Oh yes, we know Porsche has been selling one in the interim, but to purists, the giant sunroof models of the past 17 years have been Targas in name only.

While we don't exactly know how Porsche plans to package this blast from the past, it's pretty clear from the spy photos that this car has a top with a removable center section that leaves the B-pillar intact. While the convertible disguise doesn't allow us to discern much more, could it be too much to hope that the rear window is also removable?

The other big question is whether this new true Targa will be available in both rear- and all-wheel-drive, or continue the recent Porsche practice of being offered only in the latter configuration.

Speaking of which, our spy shooters have also captured the soon-to-be-introduced 2013 911 Carrera 4 and 4S. You can see from the widebody rear haunches that these are the all-wheel drive 911 models, and the reflective strip that connects the rear taillights of the 4 and 4S is merely covered with tape. While Porsche has yet to officially announce these cars that everyone knows are coming, fuel economy numbers are already posted on the U.S. government's website.

The automatic 2013 Porsche 911 Carrera 4 is EPA-rated at 20 mpg city, 28 highway, and 23 combined. Opting for the heavier Cabriolet model will reduce your fuel economy to 20/27 and 22 mpg combined. Seven-speed manual versions lose a single digit from each number in both coupe and convertible trims. The Carrera 4S automatic is rated at 19/26, and 22 mpg combined, while the manual is at 18/26 and 21 combined. The convertible 4S with an automatic is still at 19/26, but drops to 21 mpg combined, while the manual convertible fuel economy is unchanged from the coupe.

Expect to see more official news on the Carrera 4 and 4S very soon, and we'd expect Porsche to make a big stink about the Targa model at one of next season's big auto shows.

Check out all the high-res spy shots of the Targa prototype in this gallery, and the 2013 Carrera 4 in this one.

Porsche 911 prototype caught sporting real Targa roof originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 06 Jun 2012 14:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Porsche gives us another with the 911 Carrera 4 GTS

Noah Joseph — Thu, 12 May 2011 10:27:00 EST

Filed under: Convertible, Coupe, Performance, Porsche

Porsche 911 Carrera 4 GTS - Click above for high-res image gallery

We're not exactly sure what's in the water over in Stuttgart, but something apparently makes the folks over at Porsche wake up most mornings and think, "There aren't enough versions of the 911. We should make another." It's the same time-to-make-the-donuts spirit that has already given us more than twenty versions of the iconic rear-engined sportscar, and has now given us two more in the form of the 911 Carrera 4 GTS coupe and cabriolet.

When the rear-drive Carrera GTS debuted last September, it included the wider bodywork typically reserved for all-wheel-drive models. Now Porsche has backed it up with the Carrera 4's traction, packing the same 408-horsepower 3.8-liter flat-six as its rear-drive counterpart for an identical 4.6-second sprint to 62 mph - that's in coupe form with the six-speed manual, to which you can add or subtract 0.2 seconds for the cabrio and PDK dual-clutch transmission, respectively.

A restyled front bumper with lip spoiler, side skirts, black 19-inch RS Spyder wheels and sport buckets trimmed in Alcantara round out the package, which now stands as the flagship of the Carrera range - those being the naturally-aspirated, non-Motorsport models in the 911 family. Prices start at $110,200 and spiral upwards from there. Details in the press release after the jump and high-res photos in the gallery.

Continue reading Porsche gives us another with the 911 Carrera 4 GTS

Porsche gives us another with the 911 Carrera 4 GTS originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 12 May 2011 10:27:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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TechArt's 997 Carrera 4 and 4S

Alex Nunez — Fri, 01 Dec 2006 15:32:00 EST

Filed under: Aftermarket, Tuners, Convertible, Coupe, Europe, Porsche

We're so accustomed to seeing gonzo performance machinery from the speed merchants at TechArt, that more "restrained" products like their customized Porsche 911 Carrera 4 and 4S practically fly under the radar. TechArt has produced a power kit for the cars that adds 15 horsepower and increased throttle response regardless of whether you're driving a 3.6L Carrera 4 or the 3.8L C4S.

Naturally, they encourage you to also take the opportunity to complememt the power kit with one of their stainless exhaust systems and suspension upgrades. And since you're going through the trouble to dial in the handling and give your C4 a little extra punch, you may as well take it the rest of the way and add the visual juice you only get with TechArt's aero mods. Those include a choice of front end treatments, side skirts, fixed rear spoiler, a restyled rear bumper, and their signature Formula wheels. Inside, they'll trim out your car however you like.

No matter how you cut it, it's going to be nasty, and your neighbor's stock Carrera is going to look totally pedestrian next to it.

(Gallery, press release after the jump)

[Source: TechArt]

Continue reading TechArt's 997 Carrera 4 and 4S

TechArt's 997 Carrera 4 and 4S originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 01 Dec 2006 15:32:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Zurich-a! Rinspeed Indy 4S

Alex Nunez — Wed, 27 Sep 2006 18:31:00 EST

Filed under: Tuners, Convertible, Coupe, Performance, Porsche

Click to enlarge

Subtle.

Subtle always works. At Rinspeed, sometimes subtle simply isn't in the vocabulary. Other times, however, you'd think it's the only language spoken. This schizophrenic nature is what makes the company what it is. They're at home no matter what they're doing, whether it's creating a gonzo Cayenne-based pickup truck concept or putting together accessories for regular existing road cars.

The Indy 4S falls squarely in the latter category. As its name suggests, the Indy 4S program is based on the 997 Carrera 4 and 4S. Convertible? Hardtop? No matter. All the pieces work regardless of which body style you choose and which animal resides under the engine cover. Like the Cayman-based Imola we discussed earlier in the week, the Indy 4S gets improved downforce via a new front skirt, and continues the look all the way around with new side and rear treatments. The updated rear fascia is visually enhanced by a diffuser and Rinspeed's exhaust kit, which can be as simple as new tips or as comprehensive as a new system from the headers back.

The company's excellent-looking 20" five-spoke wheels return, and a choice of handling upgrades is available for both the standard suspension and the trick PASM setup. And finally, the interior can be customized with new leather, a range of steering wheels, and a full line of aluminum accessories.

Best of all, the checkered-flag theme is nowhere to be found. Like we said: subtle.

(Photo, press release after the jump)

[Source: Rinspeed]

Continue reading Zurich-a! Rinspeed Indy 4S

Zurich-a! Rinspeed Indy 4S originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 27 Sep 2006 18:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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