Turbocharged 911s Now Feature All-Wheel Drive

While brands like Ferrari and Lamborghini opted out, Porsche stood out among sports car manufacturers at the Tokyo Motor Show. Displaying nine sports cars and SUVs, they attracted a large crowd, reaffirming their enduring brand appeal. Porsche's characteristic approach is to update its market relevance by considering fuel efficiency and environmental compatibility, even as a sports car maker. Thus, the show should ideally serve as a vital communication platform for Porsche.

The most prominent displays at the Porsche booth were the two new models making their world premiere. One is the “911 Carrera 4S”. The 911 Carrera carries significant news. As previously reported at the Frankfurt Motor Show, the six-cylinder engines across the 911 family have been turbocharged and downsized to 3 liters for improved efficiency. At the Tokyo Motor Show, Porsche announced the 272kW model and the even more powerful 309kW Carrera 4S. Both models, despite their smaller displacement compared to previous versions, offer an increase in output of approximately 15kW.

Porsche 911 Carrera 4

The downsizing of the 911 engine lineup, the adoption of turbochargers in models other than the 911 Turbo, and Porsche's increased focus on reducing CO2 emissions are all significant developments.

However, these details were not heavily emphasized at Porsche's Tokyo Motor Show booth. Perhaps they felt that highlighting efforts to reduce CO2 emissions was not fitting for a top sports car topic. Porsche's consistent concept of letting 'the car speak for itself' remained unchanged at the Tokyo Motor Show, with a characteristically understated display.

“Japan is Porsche's second-largest market in Asia and ranks sixth globally. Last season, sales exceeded 5,000 units, achieving 19 percent growth. Of these, sports cars accounted for 3,169 units, with the 911 making up 1,537. Therefore, the debut of the Carrera 4 (with its new engine) in Japan is not surprising.”

said Toshimitsu Shichijyo, President and Representative Director of Porsche Japan, at the press conference.

The 911 Carrera 4 series boasts enhanced performance. The acceleration time from 0 to 100 km/h has improved from 4.5 seconds to 4.1 seconds for the Carrera 4, and from 4.1 seconds to 3.8 seconds for the Carrera 4S. The all-wheel-drive system, which electronically distributes driving force between the front and rear wheels, is claimed to have a shorter response time. The improved synergy with the electronic damper control system, known as Porsche Active Suspension Management, is also a noteworthy point.

Another world premiere was prepared for the Tokyo Motor Show.

Macan GTS Also Makes World Debut

“The Macan is an extremely popular model in Japan. Within six months of its launch, 1,246 units found owners, making it the best-selling model in our lineup. ” Porsche Japan President Shichijyo commented on the strong performance of the SUV with its relatively compact body. Building on this popularity, the "Macan GTS," making its world debut, was unveiled at the Tokyo Motor Show.

The Macan GTS is equipped with a 3-liter V6 engine that produces a maximum output of 265kW and a maximum torque of 500Nm. Within the Macan lineup, it is positioned as a high-performance version between the existing "Macan S" (250kW) and "Macan Turbo" (294kW).

Externally, it features the "Sport Design Package" and a stylish finish with glossy black on the upper half of the body and matte black on the lower half. Additionally, 20-inch wheels and LED headlights enhance its imposing presence. The seats are also exclusive to the GTS. As Porsche describes it, "a sports car within the compact SUV segment," the Macan GTS is proof that this series occupies a unique position.

Porsche Macan GTS

It is still fresh in memory that at the Frankfurt Motor Show, they unveiled the "Mission E" concept model, a four-door vehicle with four wheels driven by electric motors. Porsche's CEO Matthias Müller (at the time) had announced a policy that "Porsche will be responsible for developing the most advanced electric vehicles within the Volkswagen Group." While Porsche's display at the Tokyo Motor Show focused on immediate practical benefits (which would surely delight fans), there are, as mentioned, significant underlying developments such as engine downsizing that warrant attention.

Incidentally, the 911 Carrera 4 is priced at ¥14,371,000, and the Carrera 4S at ¥17,121,000. The Cabriolet versions are ¥15,100,000 and ¥18,130,000, respectively. Furthermore, the Targa 4 is ¥16,100,000, and the Targa 4S is ¥19,130,000. All these models feature the same powertrain as the Carrera 4 and Carrera 4S coupes. The Macan GTS, on the other hand, is priced at ¥9,390,000.