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10th
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Awakening something within
What can I say after a week behind the wheel of a 2013 Porsche 911 Carrera 4S except: Do want. I could leave it at that. Enough said. You get the point.
But I won't. Even after 50 years, Porsche still has what it takes (and then some), and the latest 991 Carrera 4S is a stunning example of the engineering and design feats that have emerged, and continue to emerge, from Stuttgart.
Truly a phenomenal car to pilot, the 911 touches something visceral deep within anyone who dares step inside. After seven straight days of aural intercourse from the quad tailpipes, caresses from the 18-way adjustable sport seats and playtime with the 7-speed manual transmission (yes, manual) I nearly shed a tear when the affair ended and I had to give back the key.
What is a Porsche 911 Carrera 4S?
Besides being one of the sexiest, most perfectly proportioned vehicles on the road today, the 911 is Porsche's flagship vehicle. Allow me to explain the naming of the Carrera 4S.
The “4” means this pretty little Porker offers all-wheel drive when the conditions demand it (but remains blissfully rear-wheel bias, otherwise). The lovely little “S” means you get a 50 horsepower jump over the base Carrera 4 model.
What is the 911 Carerra 4S? It's history on four wheels; an escape; a track-ready beast that can hit 100 km/hr in 4.5 seconds; it's an auditory orgasm that'll leave you wanting more, and more (and it'll always give); it's functional; it's a Porsche.
Technicalities
The 2013 Porsche 911 Carerra 4S houses an ever-potent 3.8L flat-6 that pushes out an even 400 horsepower. Harmoniously joined to Porsche's 7-speed manual transmission or their uber impressive dual-clutch PDK autobox, the power is fantastic.
Thanks to the fancy “4” on the beefy rear, this Carrera also equipped with Porsche Traction Management (PTM) that monitors all four wheels to determine where power and traction is needed. The sensual “S” means Porsche Torque Vectoring (PTV) to increase dynamic performance is standard. Fantastic.
The 2013 Porsche Carrera 4S is pricey, however, starting at $120,500 (rising to $125,160 for the PDK). With a few extras, my tester was knocking on $140k.
Driving the Porsche 911 Carrera 4S
If I close my eyes, I can still feel the chrome shifter in my eager right hand, still feel my left foot depressing the clutch, my right foot unleashing an angry bark from the rear as I push it to the floor, the revs climb and the power surges throwing me back into the body-contoured Adaptive Sport Seat Plus driver's seat... while my son giggles in the back.
The 2013 Porsche 911 Carrera 4S can be as savage, or as timid, as you want it to be. Balls-out fun on a Friday night? Check. Bringing the kid to day care first thing Monday morning? Yup, it can do that, too. And that's what makes driving it so phenomenal.
Let me touch, on the 7-speed manual transmission. Truthfully, I could go on for pages about it, it's that good. The gates before me beckoned me to shift constantly. Cruising on the highway at 110-115 km/hr sees revs below 3,000. No wonder Porsche claims a combined fuel rating of 9.6L/100km.
Of note, and new for Porsche, is a synchro rev-match system immediately activated with Sport Plus to ensure flawless downshifts every time. While a cool feature indeed, should you wish to prove your heel-toe prowess, simply deactivate the system by pressing (and holding) the Porsche Traction Management button.
Driving the 2013 Porsche 911 Carrera 4S brings about a sense of elation, freedom and joy. Handling is sublime, throttle response intoxicating, and braking superb. Few cars can bring that out on a daily basis, but this one did.
Inside and out of the Porsche 911 Carrera 4S
If any car could be compared to a woman, it should always be a Porsche. Curvaceous in all the right places, the 2013 Porsche 911 Carrera 4S has, quite possibly, the most recognizable silhouette in the automotive industry. Sitting atop 20” Carrera Classic wheels with red calipers nestled within, my Racing Yellow Carrera 4S was a stunner.
The larger footprint (46 mm front and 52mm rear wider tracks than previous) grows an extra 44mm in the rear on the 4. Modern touches, such as LED lights up front and in the taillights, ensure the 911 is as current as can be, while managing to retain an air of the past at all times.
Inside, the 2013 Porsche Carrera 4S is snug, but in a good way. A traditional five-pod gauge greats the driver, and while I much prefer a naked steering wheel, the 4S buttons are at least useful. All important buttons (i.e., Sport Plus, traction control, sport exhaust) are housed below the gear lever.
Perhaps the most interesting fact about the interior of the 2013 Porsche 911 Carrera 4S is that it comes with the LATCH system in the back seats. This means you can attach a non-Porsche Design baby seat back there. As long as it's small enough (as mine was) you can properly, and safely, attach a rear- or forward-facing baby seat. Family car? You betcha.
Comparing the Porsche 911 Carerra 4S
It plays alongside the likes of the Jaguar XKR, Bentley Continental GT and the brand new Chevrolet Corvette Stingray; that's a lot of win to choose from. So, how to pick the best?
It comes down to one thing: Knowing what you are. The 911 is purpose-built, and if you buy one you know why you're dishing out the dollars. No one will question your decision.
What can I say after a week behind the wheel of a 2013 Porsche 911 Carrera 4S except: Do want. I could leave it at that. Enough said. You get the point.
But I won't. Even after 50 years, Porsche still has what it takes (and then some), and the latest 991 Carrera 4S is a stunning example of the engineering and design feats that have emerged, and continue to emerge, from Stuttgart.
Truly a phenomenal car to pilot, the 911 touches something visceral deep within anyone who dares step inside. After seven straight days of aural intercourse from the quad tailpipes, caresses from the 18-way adjustable sport seats and playtime with the 7-speed manual transmission (yes, manual) I nearly shed a tear when the affair ended and I had to give back the key.
 |
What is a Porsche 911 Carrera 4S?
Besides being one of the sexiest, most perfectly proportioned vehicles on the road today, the 911 is Porsche's flagship vehicle. Allow me to explain the naming of the Carrera 4S.
The “4” means this pretty little Porker offers all-wheel drive when the conditions demand it (but remains blissfully rear-wheel bias, otherwise). The lovely little “S” means you get a 50 horsepower jump over the base Carrera 4 model.
What is the 911 Carerra 4S? It's history on four wheels; an escape; a track-ready beast that can hit 100 km/hr in 4.5 seconds; it's an auditory orgasm that'll leave you wanting more, and more (and it'll always give); it's functional; it's a Porsche.
 |
| Besides being one of the sexiest, most perfectly proportioned vehicles on the road today, the 911 is Porsche's flagship vehicle. (Photo: Sébastien D'Amour) |
Technicalities
The 2013 Porsche 911 Carerra 4S houses an ever-potent 3.8L flat-6 that pushes out an even 400 horsepower. Harmoniously joined to Porsche's 7-speed manual transmission or their uber impressive dual-clutch PDK autobox, the power is fantastic.
Thanks to the fancy “4” on the beefy rear, this Carrera also equipped with Porsche Traction Management (PTM) that monitors all four wheels to determine where power and traction is needed. The sensual “S” means Porsche Torque Vectoring (PTV) to increase dynamic performance is standard. Fantastic.
The 2013 Porsche Carrera 4S is pricey, however, starting at $120,500 (rising to $125,160 for the PDK). With a few extras, my tester was knocking on $140k.
 |
| The 2013 Porsche 911 Carerra 4S houses an ever-potent 3.8L flat-6 that pushes out an even 400 horsepower. (Photo: Sébastien D'Amour) |
Driving the Porsche 911 Carrera 4S
If I close my eyes, I can still feel the chrome shifter in my eager right hand, still feel my left foot depressing the clutch, my right foot unleashing an angry bark from the rear as I push it to the floor, the revs climb and the power surges throwing me back into the body-contoured Adaptive Sport Seat Plus driver's seat... while my son giggles in the back.
The 2013 Porsche 911 Carrera 4S can be as savage, or as timid, as you want it to be. Balls-out fun on a Friday night? Check. Bringing the kid to day care first thing Monday morning? Yup, it can do that, too. And that's what makes driving it so phenomenal.
Let me touch, on the 7-speed manual transmission. Truthfully, I could go on for pages about it, it's that good. The gates before me beckoned me to shift constantly. Cruising on the highway at 110-115 km/hr sees revs below 3,000. No wonder Porsche claims a combined fuel rating of 9.6L/100km.
Of note, and new for Porsche, is a synchro rev-match system immediately activated with Sport Plus to ensure flawless downshifts every time. While a cool feature indeed, should you wish to prove your heel-toe prowess, simply deactivate the system by pressing (and holding) the Porsche Traction Management button.
Driving the 2013 Porsche 911 Carrera 4S brings about a sense of elation, freedom and joy. Handling is sublime, throttle response intoxicating, and braking superb. Few cars can bring that out on a daily basis, but this one did.
 |
| Let me touch, on the 7-speed manual transmission. Truthfully, I could go on for pages about it, it's that good. (Photo: Sébastien D'Amour) |
Inside and out of the Porsche 911 Carrera 4S
If any car could be compared to a woman, it should always be a Porsche. Curvaceous in all the right places, the 2013 Porsche 911 Carrera 4S has, quite possibly, the most recognizable silhouette in the automotive industry. Sitting atop 20” Carrera Classic wheels with red calipers nestled within, my Racing Yellow Carrera 4S was a stunner.
The larger footprint (46 mm front and 52mm rear wider tracks than previous) grows an extra 44mm in the rear on the 4. Modern touches, such as LED lights up front and in the taillights, ensure the 911 is as current as can be, while managing to retain an air of the past at all times.
Inside, the 2013 Porsche Carrera 4S is snug, but in a good way. A traditional five-pod gauge greats the driver, and while I much prefer a naked steering wheel, the 4S buttons are at least useful. All important buttons (i.e., Sport Plus, traction control, sport exhaust) are housed below the gear lever.
Perhaps the most interesting fact about the interior of the 2013 Porsche 911 Carrera 4S is that it comes with the LATCH system in the back seats. This means you can attach a non-Porsche Design baby seat back there. As long as it's small enough (as mine was) you can properly, and safely, attach a rear- or forward-facing baby seat. Family car? You betcha.
 |
| A traditional five-pod gauge greats the driver, and while I much prefer a naked steering wheel, the 4S buttons are at least useful. (Photo: Sébastien D'Amour) |
Comparing the Porsche 911 Carerra 4S
It plays alongside the likes of the Jaguar XKR, Bentley Continental GT and the brand new Chevrolet Corvette Stingray; that's a lot of win to choose from. So, how to pick the best?
It comes down to one thing: Knowing what you are. The 911 is purpose-built, and if you buy one you know why you're dishing out the dollars. No one will question your decision.