Porsche 911 Carrera 4S is Even More Awesome on Ice
On the other hand, it only takes one good (or bad) run through a slalom turn in the 911 Carrera 4S, to get a feel for how well the Porsche’s AWD system compensates for ones mistakes.
For example, in a situation where you find yourself experiencing oversteer on the ice, you can really feel the 911’s AWD system directing more torque to the front axle, helping the car to pull itself out of the slide. The second the AWD system senses that the vehicle is going into understeer, you can sense it sending power to the rear axle to reduce slippage.
In combination with Porsche Stability Management (PSM), the system’s sensors monitor the speed of all four wheels individually to detect slippage and distribute power in the best way possible, analyzing factors like speed and steering angle to decide how to react, explains Porsche. Even when engaging in a performance maneuver like a Scandinavian flick on the ice, the 4S’ all-wheel-drive system is pretty tough to shake off balance.
Carrera S or Carrera 4S?
Of course, some might argue that the extra tech kills some of the thrill factor of the 911 Carrera. But when the PSM system’s is turned off, it unleashes more of the Porsche’s inner beast, requiring the driver to use the steering input, throttle and brakes to control how the car behaves.
That said, I’m inclined to think that not even a five-day winter excursion at Circuit Mecaglisse would pry the most diehard rear-wheel drive fans away from the Carrera S. For a lot of Porsche purists, there’s still something very alluring about a rear-wheel drive Porsche. But for other fans, the 911 Carrera 4S’ AWD system is a welcomed friend when wanting to cash in on all the thrills that come with owning a Porsche.
Photos for Rennlist by Marcus Amick