1986 Porsche 944 Base Coupe 2-door 2.5l on 2040-cars

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2017 Porsche 911 gains AWD traction for its turbos [w/video]

The new 2017 Porsche 911 Carrera 4 (in all its numerous iterations) joins its downsized, turbocharged, rear-drive brethren, but adds the benefit of an electro-hydraulically controlled all-wheel-drive system. These latest additions to the 911 family feature all updates applied to the new Carrera, both cosmetic and functional. The rear-end bodywork is also widened by 1.7 inches, with a light strip running across the tail. There are two engine choices, but either way you're getting a 3.0-liter twin-turbo flat-six. The base version produces 370 horsepower and 331 pound-feet of torque, while the S model cranks up to 420 hp and 368 lb-ft. Then you'll need to choose your transmission: seven-speed manual or dual-clutch. Porsche Active Suspension Management (PASM) suspension comes standard, but the Sport Chrono package (which adds a 918-inspired drive mode selector switch on the steering wheel) is an option. Four-wheel steering is available on 4S models as well. And of course you'll need to choose between body-styles. There are three in all: coupe, convertible, or Targa – each available in either engine tune. Those are largely the same choices you'd have to have made for the previous models, but now they're faster and more powerful, while delivering up to 12-percent higher efficiency. Zero-to-60 times are down 0.3 seconds over the preceding, naturally aspirated models: the Carrera 4 is quoted at 3.9 seconds, and the 4S at just 3.6. Convertible and Targa models add 0.2 seconds to those times, with top speeds ranging from 178 to 189 miles per hour. Pricing for the US starts at $97,295 (with delivery) for the new 911 Carrera 4, and stretches all the way up to $123,595 for the Targa 4S. Don't feel the need to rush your decision though, as the all-wheel-drive 911s won't start hitting dealers Stateside until April of next year. Related Video: This content is hosted by a third party. To view it, please update your privacy preferences. Manage Settings. THE PORSCHE 911 CARRERA 4 AND 911 TARGA 4 MODELS WITH NEW TURBOCHARGED ENGINES AND ENHANCED ALL-WHEEL DRIVE SYSTEMS ATLANTA, Oct. 6, 2015 -- With the new 2017 911 Carrera 4 and 911 Targa 4 models, the traction advantage courtesy of an enhanced all-wheel drive system is paired with innovative turbocharged engines that are more powerful and consume less fuel than their predecessors.

Autoblog Unplugged: 2015 Porsche 911 Targa 4S

The day began cold and clear. It felt like a perfect late autumn afternoon to flog the 2015 Porsche 911 Targa 4S on the backroads west of Detroit. So it seemed, anyway. An impromptu snow squall came out of nowhere, dampening the roads and our spirits, though the latter quickly were lifted as we began putting our German sports car through its paces. Quite simply, the 911 Targa 4S is up for almost everything. The all-wheel-drive system kept us poised and secure – it takes a bit to unsettle this 911 when all four wheels are clawing at the pavement. We still had 400 horsepower on tap, which is a riot to channel via the seamless PDK gearbox in any condition. Yes, this is a Targa, so even in the snow we dropped the top, cranked the seat heaters and had a heck of a good time. It's hard not to when you're motoring in something that starts at more than $120,000. Still, weather in Michigan can throw anyone a curve. We dealt with it, and luckily, you don't have to. In this Autoblog Unplugged you get all the good stuff. The purr and whine of the engine. Up-close shots of the Targa as it tackles the road – and best of all – no talking. Unplugs are all about driving. Thus, we'll shut up. Please enjoy.

Porsche revisits the 911's dirty side with rally history film

It might not be a coincidence that there are rumors of Porsche revealing a safari version of the 911 at April's Beijing Motor Show, just as the Dakar Rally is about to begin. Adding fuel to the dusty desert fire is a just-released official video of Jeff Zwart driving the Porsche 953 that Jacky Ickx drove to victory in the 1984 edition of the race.
In the video, the seven-time Pikes Peak International Hill Climb winner talks about how he grew up with the 911; it wasn't only the car he learned to drive in, it was his choice of racecar no matter whether the course was tarmac or the dirty stuff.
You can decide for yourself if these recent events are mere coincidence while you enjoy the 953's exhaust note in the video below. If you've got the time to see the 953 during its race-conquering drive and find out what the ersatz Paris-Dakar Rally used to be, we've also included a broadcast of that 1984 race below as well. Fast-forward to 19:44 to see the Porsches cross the open dessert and 29:09 to watch one of them tackle the dunes.