The Porsche 911 Carrera 4S 3.6, produced from 2001 to 2004, represents a significant evolution within the 996 generation of Porsche’s iconic sports car. This facelifted model, often referred to as the 996.2, addressed many of the criticisms leveled at the earlier 996 models, particularly concerning the headlight design and engine reliability. The Carrera 4S 3.6 occupied a premium position in the 911 lineup, offering all-wheel drive capability and a more powerful engine than the base Carrera models, but stopping short of the more track-focused Turbo or GT3 variants. It was designed to provide a blend of performance, usability, and all-weather confidence for the discerning sports car enthusiast.
Technical Specifications
| Brand | Porsche |
| Model | 911 |
| Generation | 911 (996, facelift 2001) |
| Type (Engine) | Carrera 4S 3.6 (320 Hp) |
| Start of production | 2001 year |
| End of production | 2004 year |
| Powertrain Architecture | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type | Coupe |
| Seats | 4 |
| Doors | 2 |
| Fuel consumption (economy) – urban | 16.3 l/100 km (14.4 US mpg, 17.3 UK mpg, 6.1 km/l) |
| Fuel consumption (economy) – extra urban | 8.5 l/100 km (27.7 US mpg, 33.2 UK mpg, 11.8 km/l) |
| Fuel consumption (economy) – combined | 11.4 l/100 km (20.6 US mpg, 24.8 UK mpg, 8.8 km/l) |
| Fuel Type | Petrol (Gasoline) |
| Acceleration 0 – 100 km/h | 5.1 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 62 mph | 5.1 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 60 mph | 4.8 sec |
| Maximum speed | 280 km/h (173.98 mph) |
| Weight-to-power ratio | 4.7 kg/Hp, 214 Hp/tonne |
| Weight-to-torque ratio | 4 kg/Nm, 247.5 Nm/tonne |
| Power | 320 Hp @ 6800 rpm |
| Power per litre | 89 Hp/l |
| Torque | 370 Nm @ 4250 rpm (272.9 lb.-ft. @ 4250 rpm) |
| Engine layout | Rear, Longitudinal |
| Engine Model/Code | M96.05 |
| Engine displacement | 3596 cm3 (219.44 cu. in.) |
| Number of cylinders | 6 |
| Engine configuration | Boxer |
| Cylinder Bore | 96 mm (3.78 in.) |
| Piston Stroke | 82.8 mm (3.26 in.) |
| Compression ratio | 11.3:1 |
| Number of valves per cylinder | 4 |
| Fuel injection system | Multi-port manifold injection |
| Engine aspiration | Naturally aspirated engine |
| Valvetrain | DOHC |
| Engine oil capacity | 8.8 l (9.3 US qt | 7.74 UK qt) |
| Coolant | 31 l (32.76 US qt | 27.28 UK qt) |
| Kerb Weight | 1495 kg (3295.91 lbs.) |
| Max. weight | 1870 kg (4122.64 lbs.) |
| Max load | 375 kg (826.73 lbs.) |
| Trunk (boot) space – maximum | 100 l (3.53 cu. ft.) |
| Fuel tank capacity | 64 l (16.91 US gal | 14.08 UK gal) |
| Length | 4435 mm (174.61 in.) |
| Width | 1830 mm (72.05 in.) |
| Height | 1295 mm (50.98 in.) |
| Wheelbase | 2350 mm (92.52 in.) |
| Front track | 1475 mm (58.07 in.) |
| Rear (Back) track | 1528 mm (60.16 in.) |
| Drive wheel | All wheel drive (4×4) |
| Number of gears and type of gearbox | 6 gears, manual transmission |
| Front suspension | Independent type McPherson |
| Rear suspension | Independent multi-link suspension |
| Front brakes | Ventilated discs |
| Rear brakes | Ventilated discs |
| Assisting systems | ABS (Anti-lock braking system) |
| Steering type | Steering rack and pinion |
| Power steering | Hydraulic Steering |
| Tires size | 225/40 R18; 295/30 R18 |
| Wheel rims size | 8J x 18; 11J x 18 |
Powertrain & Engine Architecture
The heart of the 996.2 Carrera 4S is the 3.6-liter M96.05 flat-six engine. This engine represented a significant improvement over the earlier M96.01 and M96.02 engines found in the first generation 996s, addressing concerns about intermediate shaft (IMS) bearing failure. The M96.05 featured a revised IMS bearing design, making it considerably more reliable. The engine utilizes a dry-sump lubrication system, a hallmark of Porsche engineering, which ensures consistent oil supply even under extreme cornering forces. Fuel delivery is managed by a multi-port fuel injection system, and the engine boasts dual overhead camshafts (DOHC) with four valves per cylinder. The 320 horsepower and 370 Nm (272.9 lb-ft) of torque are delivered to all four wheels through a standard six-speed manual transmission. While a Tiptronic S automatic transmission was also available, the manual was favored by enthusiasts for its more engaging driving experience.
Driving Characteristics
The Carrera 4S 3.6 offers a distinctly balanced driving experience. The all-wheel-drive system provides exceptional traction, particularly in inclement weather, making it a more usable sports car than its rear-wheel-drive Carrera counterparts. The 3.6-liter engine delivers a smooth and linear power delivery, with peak torque arriving at 4250 rpm. While not as brutally fast as the Turbo models, the Carrera 4S offers ample power for spirited driving on both the road and the track. The six-speed manual transmission features well-defined gate changes, and the gear ratios are optimized for both acceleration and cruising. Compared to the base Carrera, the 4S benefits from a wider rear track and a more sophisticated suspension setup, resulting in improved stability and handling. The steering is precise and communicative, providing the driver with a strong sense of connection to the road.
Equipment & Trim Levels
The Carrera 4S came standard with a generous array of features, including leather upholstery, automatic climate control, a CD stereo system, and power-adjustable seats. Optional extras were plentiful, allowing buyers to customize their cars to their specific preferences. Popular options included sport seats, a sunroof, navigation system, and Porsche Stability Management (PSM). Interior trim options ranged from standard leather to more luxurious materials like carbon fiber and aluminum. The exterior was typically finished in one of several solid or metallic paint colors, and a variety of wheel designs were available.
Chassis & Braking
The 996.2 Carrera 4S utilizes a fully independent suspension system, with McPherson struts at the front and a multi-link setup at the rear. The suspension is tuned to provide a comfortable ride without sacrificing handling performance. Ventilated disc brakes are fitted to all four wheels, providing ample stopping power. The ABS (Anti-lock braking system) is standard, enhancing safety and control. The all-wheel-drive system utilizes a viscous coupling to distribute torque between the front and rear axles, providing optimal traction in a variety of conditions.
Market Reception & Comparison
The 996.2 Carrera 4S was generally well-received by automotive critics. It was praised for its improved engine reliability, refined handling, and all-weather capability. Compared to the base Carrera, the 4S offered a more engaging and confident driving experience, albeit at a higher price point. Compared to the Turbo, the 4S provided a more balanced and accessible performance profile, making it a more practical choice for everyday driving. Fuel economy was reasonable for a sports car of its caliber, averaging around 20.6 US mpg in combined driving.
Legacy
The 996.2 Carrera 4S has established itself as a desirable and relatively affordable entry point into the world of Porsche ownership. The improved engine reliability of the 996.2 models has made them a more attractive option than the earlier 996s. While maintenance costs can be higher than those of more mainstream sports cars, the Carrera 4S offers a unique blend of performance, luxury, and driving enjoyment that continues to appeal to enthusiasts today. Well-maintained examples are holding their value, and the car is increasingly recognized as a modern classic.
