Sheer power and control with Porsche 911 PMB—

Sheer power and control with Porsche 911 PMB—

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1)1
Sheer power and control with Porsche 911
By Rob Beintema
SPECIAL TO THE BEAVER
"So, what are you gonna say?" my co-driver
asked.
"Huh?" I grunted.
This is the extent of my brilliant conversational
repartee when I'm piloting a Porsche through the
twists, turns and dippity-doo-dahs of a gnarly Niagara
County road, sweating through the unsettling hiss of
a slight touch of shoulder gravel, steady, hold it, hold
it, carving smoothly through the comer now, straight­
ening and bursting into another long, empty stretch at
a, um m ,. . . somewhat illegal rate of speed.
Speeding? Moi? Well, let's put it this way. If we
had happened upon a cop on that deserted ribbon of
asphalt, he probably would have just shot me out of
hand rather than stick me with a ticket big enough for
him to retire his quota for the rest of the year.
"So, what are you gonna write about it?" my driv­
ing partner persisted as I backed off the accelerator
and almost physically shook off the effects of that
sweet blend of sheer power and control.
I quickly searched my memory for any stored
hints of noticed imperfections, any 911 nit-picks or
gripes forgotten or filed away, any deep insights into
the character, heart and soul of this car that maybe no
one else on the test drive had noticed. And gave up.
"What do you think I'm gonna say?" I shrugged.
"It's a Porsche. It's a great car."
Well, two great cars, actually.
Porsche's travelling road show, practically the
entire North American test fleet, was giving Canadian
journalists a taste of two of the latest evolutions of
911, two new cars that went on sale a few months ago
- the 2002 Porsche 911 Carrera 4S and the 2002
Porsche 911 Targa.
Porsche's 911 lineup offers two basic configura­
tions - coupe or convertible (cabriolet) in either rear
wheel drive or all-wheel drive. That's not counting the
two high end screamers - the 911 Turbo and the
recently unveiled 911 GT2, a stripped-down, spoilered, hopped-up supercar version of the Turbo that, at
a quarter million price tag, most of us will only see at
auto shows. From a safely roped-off distance.
The morning portion of my test drive was in a
decidedly more approachable, revamped all-wheel
drive version of 911 - the 2002 Porsche 911 Carrera
4S.
Put very simply, the Carrera 4S is the Porsche 911
Turbo without the turbo. Same body. Same brakes.
Same all-wheel drive chassis. Same feature content.
And a price tag about $50K lower than the 911 Turbo.
Sure, there are some slight detail differences in the
front spoiler, eliminated unnecessary turbo intercool­
er ducts and the Carrera auto-deploying wing instead
of the Turbo's fixed two-piece wing.
f
1999 CADILLAC STS
The latest evolutions of 911 - the 2002 Porsche 911 Carrera 4S (above) and the 2002 Porsche 911 Targa.
And, like I said, no turbo. The Carrera 4S - like all
other naturally aspirated 91 Is - harnesses a new ver­
sion of the traditional flat-six boxer engine. A longer
piston stroke has increased engine displacement from
3.4 L to 3.6 L and power is now rated at a heady 320
hp @ 6800 rpm and peak torque of 272 lb-ft @ 4250
rpm.
Acceleration is steady and strong, granted, without
the hair-trigger, maniac muscle immediacy of the
Turbo. But hey, 0-100 km/h in 5.1 seconds, is that
anything to complain about?
The Carrera 4S all-wheel drive system, coupled to
a viscous multi-plate clutch mounted behind the front
differential, can send anywhere from 5 to 40 percent
of the power to the front wheels, taking Porsche's
/S002 FORD T-BIRD CONV
A 2001 FORD MUSTANG CONV.
V
v 2 3 , 9 0 0
Loaded, 73 kms. Stk#9-30426
V
$3
1 , 9 0 0
5 8 , 9 0 0
. 9
0
0
Am FORD MUSTANG 0
V
V * 1 9 , 9 0 0
2 4 . 9 0 0
COM PACT CARS
1999 HYUNDAI TIBERON SE
Stk#9-46446 .............................
$10,900 Fin $127 Pmt.
1998 MAZDA PROTEGE
Stk#8-18360
...........................
$9,900 Fin $117 Pmt.
1996 MERCURY MYSTIQUE GS
Stk#6-11005
...........................
..$7,900 Fin. $98pmt.
2000 SATURN SC2
$13,900 Fin $161 Pmt.
Stk#0-75835 51,000 k m ...........
1998 HYUNDAI ACCENT SPORT
Stk#8-75094A 44,000 km . . . .
. $7,900 Fin. $98Pmt.
1999 CHEV CAVALIER CONV
Stk#9-02028 75,000 k m ...........
$15,900 Fin. $184Pmt.
1999 BUICK CENTURY LT0
Stk#9-85970 .............................
$15,900 Fin. $184Pmt.
2000 FORD FOCUS SE
Stk#0-09799 .............................
$12,900 Fin. $149Pmt.
1999 FORD CONTOUR SE
Stk#9-75483 60,000 k m ...........
$11,900 Fin $139 Pmt.
1998 HYUNDAI TIBUR0N SE
Stk#8-01625 82,000 k m ...........
$12,900 Fin $149 Pmt.
1999 CHEV CAVALIER Z24 CONV.
Stk#9-05050 57,000 k m ...........
$15,900 Fin $184 Pmt.
1999 SATURN SL2
Stk#9-76205 65,455 Km....,
$11,900 Fin $139 Pmt.
1999CHEVMALIBU
...
....
Stk#9-39228 34,000 k m ....................$13,900 Fin. $161 Pmt.
1998 MAZDA PROTEGE SE
...
Stk#8-74960 82,000 k m ....................$11,900 Fin. $139 Pmt.
IM P O R T S & E U R O P E A N
1997 NISSAN MAXIMA
Stk#7-16655 88,000 km . . .
$15,900 Fin. $184pmt.
2000 NISSAN MAXIMA
Stk#0-02549 .......................
.$25,900 Fin. $297Pmt.
2000 JAGUAR S-TYPE 4.0L
Stk#0-12430 62,000 k m ................... $39,900 Fin.Inquire Pmt.
1997INFINITY 130
. ..
Stk#7-14761
..................................... $16,900 Fin. $195Pmt.
2001 VOLVO S60 2.4L
Stk#1-62719 32,000 k m ................... $34,900 Fin. $ 39 9 Pmt.
1999 SAAB 9-3
Stk#9-69967 64,000 k m ................... $19,900 Fin. $228 Pmt.
1999 ACURATL 3.2
Stk#9-06775 50,000 k m ................... $26,900 Fin. $309 Pmt.
1994 VW JETTA RL9
60,000 k m ................... $21,900 Fin.
$252 Pmt.
FIN. * 2 8 5 PMT.
/5()00 CHEV CAVALIER CO
Loaded, 69 kms. Stk#0-03537
INQUIRE
v 3 5 , 9 0 0
7 , 9 0 0
Am FORD MUSTANG CO
Loaded, 35 kms. Stk#9-11421
F I N . * 2 7 4 PMT.
PMB—
Stk#9-90203
2001 LINCOLN LS
Loaded, 55 kms. Stk#1-01747
FIN. * 2 7 4 PMT.
A 1999 CADILLAC STS
Loaded. Stk#9-80215
2 3
A
Loaded, 18 kms. Stk#1 -85062
FIN. * 3 6 9 PMT.
A 999 CADILLAC DEVILLE"
V
normally balanced surefootedness on big 18-inch
wheels to an even higher plane of performance.
A six-speed manual transmission is standard. I had
snagged the only optional Tiptronic car in the fleet,
just to try it out, but, admirable as this option might be
for the stop-and-go commuter crowd, neither of us,
stick-and-clutch traditionalists ever really got com­
fortable with the steering wheel-mounted rocker
switch system style of shifting.
There was an audible sigh of relief as we settled
into our second test ride of the day - a 2002 911 Targa
with the welcome standard shifter.
The Targa offers a new but familiar alternative to
the coupe or convertible models. Since its introduc­
tion in 1967, the Targa (often imitated and referred to
as a "T-roof" in other cars because Porsche copy­
righted the "Targa" name) has gone through several
incarnations.
This latest version offers a new, larger slidingglass roof with adjustable cloth sunscreen and, for the
first time in a Porsche 911, a rear hatchback.
"But the biggest difference," as Bob Carlson,
media relations manager told m e," is that the Targa is
now built on the coupe platform, not the cabriolet's."
That means, in theory, a more rigid platform, surer
handling and performance and better overall ride
quality.
Even so, my driving partner and I noticed occa­
sional roof creaks a little too reminiscent of my old
Datsun 280ZX's T-roof peeps and groans. Cute idea.
But that did it for me. Why diddle in the middle?
Get the coupe or go whole hog with the cabriolet
for the open-air experience, as far as I'm concerned.
Despite any differences between the two models,
both share a definite uptick in refinement, interior
comfort and just everyday livability.
Porsches used to be what I called "So what cars".
Make a critique - suspension a little stiff for all day
comfort, the Spartan dashboard, useless rear seats, a
sound system that seemed almost an afterthought and the smiling driver would shrug and say, "So
what?"
Porsches were about performance. Every other
concern was pushed into that crappy back seat.
But like all other modem 911 models the Carrera
4S and Targa now share interior refinements to the
cabin, a new 3-spoke sport steering wheel, improved
HVAC venting, matte-surface switches, even, good
gosh, a cupholder. More importantly, supportive seats
that cradle you firmly but comfortably - even in the
stiffer Turbo platform-based Carrera 4S - and add a
sense of long haul GT touring ability and comfort to
these serious sports machines.
"And we think we've completed the package by
finally tackling the sound system problem," Carlson
added, referring to the new BOSE audio system
which, along with Bi-Xenon headlights, has turned
out to be one of the more popular options.
Personally, I'm just as happy listening to those
wonderful engine tones but with the new audio sys­
tem, added interior refinement, boosted engine per­
formance and new model options, what's left to com­
plain about. Well, the price?
But then, my co-driver, who lives in a far higher
income bracket than I do but admits to owning a
Porsche he really can't afford, takes his turn at the
wheel, gooses the gas and gets the grin and glazed
look that any satisfied sports car enthusiast would
instantly recognize.
"Expensive?" I can almost hear him saying. "So
what?"
/T997 CADILLAC CATERA'
Loaded. Stk#9-48808
FIN. * 2 2 8 PMT.
v y
9 , 9 0 0
FIN. * 2 0 6 PMT.
Loaded. 64 kms. Stk#7-18059
FIN. * 2 2 8 PMT.
V
1
7 , 9 0 0
FIN. * 2 0 6
pm t.
RECEIVE BACK T H E SELLING PRICE OF YOUR VEHICLE!*
II YO U P U R C H A S E A VEH ICLE AT A U T O P A R K S U P E R S T O R E , RETW EEN N U W A N U S E P T E M B E R
2 R T H , 2 0 0 2 , Y O O R N A M E W ILL RE ENTERED IN A R A N D O M D R A W . IF Y O O R N A M E IS
C H O S E N YOD W ILL RECEIVE R A C K THE SELLIN G P R IC E OF Y O O R V E H IC LE.
1999 MAZDA MILLENIA S
Stk#9-10659 48,000 km
1998 VW GOLF
Stk#8-23800 99,000 km
1999 SAAB 9-3 SE
Stk#9-04676 75,000 km
1997 VOLVO 850 SE
Stk#7-99817 99,000 km
1999 VW JETTA TDI
Stk#9-63673 55,000 km
1997 INFINITIQ45
Stk#7-06720 ................
2000 VW JETTA GLS TDI
Stk#0-66314 42.000 km
$22,900
Fin
$263 Pmt.
$11,900
Fin.
$139 Pmt.
$19,900
Fin
$228 Pmt.
$16,900
Fin
$195 Pmt.
$19,000
Fin
$228 Pmt.
$16,900
Fin.
$195 Pmt.
. .$21,900
Fin.
$252 Pmt.
Fin.
$195 Pmt.
Fin.
$172 Pmt.
2000 PONTIAC GRAND PRIX SE
Stk#0-30082 .........................
$16,900
2000 INTREPID ES
Stk#0-44151
; ...
$14,900
1999 CHEV LUMINA
Stk#9-28962 11,000 k m . . . .
$15,900
1999 MERCURY SABLE LS
$14,900
Stk#9-27302 72,000 km . . .
1999 NISSAN ALTIMA GXE
Stk#9-11390 5 6 , 0 0 0 k m . . . .
$13,900
1998 MERCURY SABLE GS
Stk#8-28736 86,000 k m .............. $10,900
2001 LINCOLN LS
nnn
Stk#1-01747 55,000 k m ....................$ 3 5 , 9 0 0
1999 BUICK PARK AVE.
M l ...
Stk#9-32452 59,000 k m ................. $ 2 4 , 9 0 0
1999 JAGUAR XJ8
Stk#9-62972 61,000 km ...................$ 3 9 , 9 0 0
1999 CADILLAC STS
s m 37989
$ 2 6 ,9 0 0
1999 OLDS AURORA
nnn
Stk#9-11464 92,000k m ................... $ 1 9 , 9 0 0
1999 PONTIAC BONNEVILLE SE
_ „
Stk#9-23818 ..............
,...$ 1 7 ,9 0 0
1999 CADILLAC DEVILLE
nnn
stk#q-47R7n ss nnn km
.
.
Fin. Inquire Pmt.
Fin. $ 2 8 5 Pmt.
Fin. Inquire Pmt.
$184 Pmt.
Fin.
$172 Pmt.
Fin
$161
Fin.
$127 Pmt.
Pmt.
--------------
1999 CHEVROLET CORVETTE COUPE
nnn ,
■
Stk#9-17441 28,000 k m .................... $44,900 Fin. Inquire Pmt.
1999 MAZDA MIATAMX-S
to o nnn
to c o
Stk#9-18434 44,000 k m .................... $22,900 Fin. $263 Pmt.
2001 FORD MUSTANG CONV
M l ...
. nnr
Stk#1-85062 18,000 k m .................... $24,900 Fin. $285 Pmt.
2001 FORD MUSTANG CONV
, nnr
Stk#1-94658 20,000 k m .................... $24,900 Fin. $285 Pmt.
1999 CHEV CAVALIER CONV
nnn
Stk#9-05050 57,000 k m ............... $15,900 Fin.$184 Pmt.
1999 PONTIAC GRAND PRIX GT
Stk#9-94930 88,000 k m
$18,900 Fin. $21 7 Pmt.
1998 MERCEDES SL500
Stk#8-60285 43,000 km . . . ............. $63,900 Fin. Inquire pmt.
I —
I Ml
—
1999 CADILLAC CATERA
Stk#7-18059 64,000 km................$17,900 Fin. $206pmt.
$21,900
Fin
$252 Pmt.
P IC K U P S
1999 GMC SIERRA K1500 EXT CAB . ________
Stk#9-14194 .................................... $22,900 Fin.
$263pmt.
Fin. $ 3 0 9 Pmt
, noo
Fin. $ 2 2 8 p m t.
1999 FORD F250 XLT EXT CAB
$27,900 Fin $319pmt
Stk#9-56632 .........................
1999 FORD RANGER XLT
.„_
w ni
Stk#9-69245 .................................... $15,900 Fin. $184pmt.
Fin. $ 2 0 6 Pmt.
1999 FORD F150 XL
Stk#9-36647 5 9 ,0 0 0 k m ....
S27.900 Fin S319 1
S P O R T UTILITY 4 X 4 ’S
Fin.
1999 NISSAN PATHFINDER
Stk#9-03604 50,000 km .
2001 FORD EXPLORER SPORT
.$21,900 Fin. $252pmt.
Stk#1-73971 .........................
1999 FORD EXPLORER SPORT
.$19,900 Fin. $228pmt.
Stk#9-84949 ........................
1999 GMC JIMMY SLE
.$19,900- Fm. $228Pmt.
Stk#9-61297 7 5 ,0 0 0 k m ...
1999ISUZU RODEO
.$18,900 Fin. $217pmt.
Stk#9-00987 72,000 km. ..
1999LINCOLN NAVIGATOR
...
•
Stk#9-32145 70,000 km.................... $39,900 Fin. Inquire Pmt.
1999 NISSAN PATHFINDER
...
Stk#9-81118 78,000 km...............$22,900 Fin. $263pmt.
1999 FORD EXPLORER XLT
Stk#8-50394 ..................................... $18,900 Fin. $217pmt.
1998 SUZUKI SIDEKICK JX
Stk#8-05224 99,000 km ................. $9,900 Fin. $117 Pmt.
2002 FORD ESCAPE XLT
. . . . nnn
Stk#2-24734 14,000 k m .............. $31,900 Fin. $365 Pmt.
1999 JEEP CHEROKEE LTD
Stk#9-56371 72,000 k m ...................$19 , 900 Fin. $228 Pmt.
2000 CHEV BLAZER LS
. . . . . .
Stk#0-86857 60,000 k m .................. $19,900 Fin. $228pmt.
1999 GMC YUKON
.„
Stk#9-73364 62,000 k m .................. $28,900 Fin. $331 Pmt.
1996 GRAND CHEROKEE
. ...
.. .
Stk#6-81979 114,000 k m ................ $13,900 Fin. $161 Pmt.
1999 chev b lazer l t
' Stk#9-07129 56,000km . . . .
$19,900 Fin. $228 Pmt.
1999 NISSAN PATHFINDER CHILK
Stk#9-08701 79,000 km...............$20,900 Fin. $243Pmt.
$16,900
Fin. $195 Pmt.
W O RK CARGO V ANS
2000 FORD E350 CUBE TRUCK
Stk#0-61272 .........................
1998 FORD CUBE 16FT
Stk#8-66117 100,000 k m . . .
$26,900
Fin.
$309pmt.
.$21,900
Fin.
$252pmt.
1998 FORD CUBE 16FT
Stk#8-54957 .................................... $19,900 Fin.
$228 Pmt.
PA SSEN G ER VANS
1999 FORD WINDSTAR LX
Stk#9-52120 ....................
1999 FORD WINDSTAR
Stk#9-32978 89 ,0 0 0 km ..
1999 CHEV ASTRO LS
Stk#9-86025 61 ,0 00km ..
1999 PONTIAC TRANSPORT
Stk#9-14840 73,000 km ..
2000 CHEV ASTRO
Stk#0-46099 ....................
1999 CHEV VENTURE
Stk#9-14115 .....................
1999 CHEV VENTURE
Stk#9-15972 75 ,0 00km ..
1999 CHEV VENTURE
Stk#9-28590 85 ,0 00km ..
1999 CHEV VENTURE
Stk#9-13371 72,000 k m . .
1999 FORD WINDSTAR LX
Stk#9-52144 63 ,0 00km ..
1999 FORD WINDSTAR LX
Stk#9-73939 61 ,0 00km ..
$14,900
Fin.
$172pmt.
$14,900
Fin.
$172 Pmt.
$18,900
Fin.
$217Pmt.
$16,900
Fin.
$195Pmt.
$16,900
Fin
$195 Pmt.
$15,900
Fin.
$184Pmt.
$14,900
Fin.
$172 Pmt.
$16,900
Fin.
$195 Pmt.
$13,900
Fin
$161 Pmt.
$17,900
Fin.
$206pmt.
$18,900
Fin.
$217Pmt.
*AII payments are quoted, bi-weekly payments including taxes & interest and $0 Down. Licence extra. Call dealer for details. "Anyone who purchases a retail vehicle from Autopark Superstore between now and September 28th, 2002 draw time, will be eligible to participate in a draw. The draw will be held at the premises of
Autopark^Superstore 4315 North Service Rd^ Burtinjton, Ontario, on^aturda^ September 28th at MO pm The winning individual will be required to answer a skill testing question. Odds in winnin^are approx. 1 in 400. Call dealer for details.
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