2002 Porsche Carrera 4S

Porsche revamped the 996 Carrera 4 just three years after its release. For 2002, the Carrera 4S that replaced it received more dramatic and muscular styling akin to that of the 996 Turbo. 2.4 inches were added to the width of the rear with Turbo-style flared quarters to house 11-inch wide hollow-spoked wheels and a red band connects the taillights across the entire width of the rear, further accentuating the wider body. At the front, a new headlight design and front fascia were implemented. Aerodynamics were improved by a front lip that was trimmed slightly higher across the center and complemented by a change in the positioning of the self-raising spoiler at the rear, resulting in a drag coefficient of 0.30 and an optimized front-to-rear balance of aerodynamic lift.

The redesign wasn’t exclusively limited to the exterior though. The C4S essentially amounts to be a 911 Turbo without the turbocharging. The wheels and tires, brakes, suspension and all-wheel-drive system are all drawn from the Turbo’s parts bin. Driving torque at the front wheels is variable from 5 to 40 percent, depending on the conditions. The C4S is powered by the 315 horsepower 3.6-liter water-cooled flat-six from the normal 911.

All of this amounts to an incredible driving machine capable of tackling the turns with confidence in nearly every condition. This C4S was specified in the refined color combination of Forest Green Metallic over a Natural Brown Leather interior. The Optional Supple Leather was specified front and rear with matching Natural Brown floor mats. The Advanced Technic Package option added Bi-xenon headlights, headlight washers, an on-board computer, and a Bose digital sound system with 12 speakers and a remote CD changer.

With much of the Turbo’s mechanical and styling and the reliability of the 911’s naturally aspirated engine, the 996 C4S presents a tremendous value in today’s market and a car that can be used comfortably as a daily driver no matter the season.