The Porsche 911 Carrera 4S 3.8, produced from 2008 to 2011, represents a significant mid-cycle refresh of the 997 generation of Porsche’s iconic sports car. This facelift, often referred to as the 997.2, brought with it a host of improvements including a revised engine, updated styling, and enhanced technology. The Carrera 4S 3.8 occupied a premium position within the 997 lineup, offering all-wheel drive capability and a more potent engine than the base Carrera models, but remaining below the more focused and track-oriented Carrera S models. It was designed to provide a blend of everyday usability and exhilarating performance, appealing to drivers seeking a high-performance sports car capable of all-weather driving.
Technical Specifications
| Brand | Porsche |
| Model | 911 |
| Generation | 911 (997, facelift 2008) |
| Type (Engine) | Carrera 4S 3.8 (385 Hp) |
| Start of production | 2008 |
| End of production | 2011 |
| Powertrain Architecture | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type | Coupe |
| Seats | 4 |
| Doors | 2 |
| Fuel consumption (urban) | 16.5 l/100 km (14.3 US mpg, 17.1 UK mpg, 6.1 km/l) |
| Fuel consumption (extra urban) | 7.9 l/100 km (29.8 US mpg, 35.8 UK mpg, 12.7 km/l) |
| Fuel consumption (combined) | 11 l/100 km (21.4 US mpg, 25.7 UK mpg, 9.1 km/l) |
| Fuel Type | Petrol (Gasoline) |
| Acceleration 0 – 100 km/h | 4.7 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 62 mph | 4.7 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 60 mph | 4.5 sec |
| Maximum speed | 297 km/h (184.55 mph) |
| Emission standard | Euro 5 |
| Weight-to-power ratio | 3.9 kg/Hp, 255 Hp/tonne |
| Weight-to-torque ratio | 3.6 kg/Nm, 278.1 Nm/tonne |
| Power | 385 Hp @ 6500 rpm |
| Power per litre | 100.7 Hp/l |
| Torque | 420 Nm @ 4400 rpm (309.78 lb.-ft. @ 4400 rpm) |
| Engine layout | Rear, Longitudinal |
| Engine Model/Code | MA1.01 |
| Engine displacement | 3824 cm3 (233.35 cu. in.) |
| Number of cylinders | 6 |
| Engine configuration | Boxer |
| Compression ratio | 12.5:1 |
| Number of valves per cylinder | 4 |
| Fuel injection system | Multi-port manifold injection |
| Engine aspiration | Naturally aspirated engine |
| Valvetrain | DOHC |
| Engine oil capacity | 7.5 l (7.93 US qt | 6.6 UK qt) |
| Coolant | 29 l (30.64 US qt | 25.52 UK qt) |
| Kerb Weight | 1510 kg (3328.98 lbs.) |
| Max. weight | 1890 kg (4166.74 lbs.) |
| Max load | 380 kg (837.76 lbs.) |
| Trunk (boot) space – minimum | 135 l (4.77 cu. ft.) |
| Fuel tank capacity | 64 l (16.91 US gal | 14.08 UK gal) |
| Length | 4435 mm (174.61 in.) |
| Width | 1808 mm (71.18 in.) |
| Height | 1300 mm (51.18 in.) |
| Wheelbase | 2350 mm (92.52 in.) |
| Drag coefficient (Cd) | 0.30 |
| Minimum turning circle | 10.9 m (35.76 ft.) |
| Drive wheel | All wheel drive (4×4) |
| Number of gears | 6 |
| Gearbox type | Manual transmission |
| Front suspension | Independent type McPherson |
| Rear suspension | Independent multi-link suspension |
| Front brakes | Ventilated discs, 330 mm |
| Rear brakes | Ventilated discs, 330 mm |
| Assisting systems | ABS (Anti-lock braking system) |
| Steering type | Steering rack and pinion |
| Power steering | Hydraulic Steering |
| Tires size | 235/35 R19ZR; 305/30 R19ZR |
| Wheel rims size | 8J x 19 / 11J x 19 |
Powertrain & Engine Architecture
The heart of the 997.2 Carrera 4S is the 3.8-liter naturally aspirated flat-six engine, designated as the MA1.01. This engine represented a significant upgrade over the 3.6-liter unit found in the earlier 997.1 models. Key improvements included direct fuel injection (DFI), a revised valve train, and an increased compression ratio of 12.5:1. The DFI system allowed for more precise fuel delivery, resulting in improved efficiency and increased power output. The engine produced 385 horsepower at 6,500 rpm and 420 Nm (309.78 lb-ft) of torque at 4,400 rpm. The engine’s boxer configuration, with its horizontally opposed cylinders, contributes to a low center of gravity, enhancing handling and stability. The six-speed manual transmission was standard, providing precise and engaging gear changes.
Driving Characteristics
The Carrera 4S 3.8 with a manual transmission delivers a truly engaging driving experience. The increased displacement and direct fuel injection provide a noticeable boost in performance compared to earlier 997 models. Acceleration from 0 to 60 mph takes approximately 4.5 seconds, and the car can reach a top speed of 184.55 mph. The all-wheel-drive system provides excellent traction, particularly in adverse weather conditions, making the Carrera 4S a more usable sports car than its rear-wheel-drive counterparts. The manual gearbox offers a direct connection to the engine, allowing for precise control and a rewarding driving experience. The steering is precise and communicative, providing ample feedback to the driver.
Equipment & Trim Levels
The Carrera 4S 3.8 came standard with a comprehensive list of features, including leather upholstery, automatic climate control, a Bose sound system, and bi-xenon headlights. Optional extras were plentiful, allowing buyers to customize their cars to their specific preferences. Popular options included sport seats, a sport steering wheel, Porsche Dynamic Chassis Control (PDCC), and various interior trim packages. The Carrera 4S also benefited from Porsche’s advanced stability control system (PSM), which helped to maintain control in challenging driving situations.
Chassis & Braking
The 997.2 Carrera 4S features a fully independent suspension system, with McPherson struts at the front and a multi-link setup at the rear. This suspension provides a comfortable ride while maintaining excellent handling characteristics. The car is equipped with ventilated disc brakes on all four wheels, providing ample stopping power. The all-wheel-drive system distributes power between the front and rear axles, optimizing traction and stability.
Market Reception & Comparison
The 997.2 Carrera 4S was widely praised by automotive critics for its improved performance, refined handling, and enhanced technology. It was considered a significant step forward from the 997.1 generation. Compared to the base Carrera, the 4S offered the added benefit of all-wheel drive, providing greater confidence in all weather conditions. Compared to the Carrera S, the 4S offered a slightly more compliant ride and a more accessible power delivery. Fuel economy, while not a primary concern for 911 buyers, was respectable for a high-performance sports car, averaging around 21.4 US mpg in combined driving.
Legacy
The 997.2 Carrera 4S has proven to be a reliable and durable sports car. The 3.8-liter engine is known for its longevity, and the all-wheel-drive system is generally trouble-free. On the used car market, the 997.2 Carrera 4S remains a highly sought-after model, commanding a premium price compared to earlier 997 variants. Its blend of performance, practicality, and timeless design ensures its continued appeal to Porsche enthusiasts for years to come. Regular maintenance, including oil changes and inspections, is crucial to maintaining the car’s performance and reliability.
