2006 Porsche Carrera 4 & 4s

Porsche has released photos of its 2006 Porsche 911 Carrera 4 and 4S. Both are wider than the rear-drive 911 and feature what the automaker calls "more muscular" rear bodywork. The Carrera 4, powered by the 325-horse, 3.6-liter flat-six, has 295/35ZR18 rear tires, while the 355-horse, 3.8-liter flat-six-powered 4S has 305/30ZR19s in back. Both cars' rear fenders are 1.75 inches wider to accommodate the rubber. As in previous Carrera 4s, the new ones have all-wheel drive with a multiviscous coupling that transfers between five and 40 percent of power to the front wheels.

Porsche's stability-management system on the 4S prefills the brake system prior to full brake application to eliminate the air gap between the pads and the disc, shortening braking distances. The hydraulic pump builds up extra pressure to bring the brakes into full ABS range if the driver presses the brake pedal quickly, but not with high effort. Porsche Active Suspension Management, a two-setting adjustable suspension (comfort and track-ready), is standard on 4S and optional on 4. The cars are on sale in the U.S. this fall at $77,100 for the Carrera 4 Coupe and $87,100 for the Carrera 4S Coupe.