Porsche Carrera 911 4S
Alain Li takes the new Porsche Carrera 911 4S for a spin around Hong Kong. If the amateur racing driver were able to put his foot down, this car would not disappoint.
Enthusiasts claim that Porsche’s iconic 911 series pulls off an impossible trick by producing supercar performance in
a practical package. Part-time racing driver Alain Li is more familiar with track versions of the marque, but casting a
critical eye over the latest road-going Carrera 4S he likes what he sees. “The basic 911 shape doesn’t change, but I like
the improvements they have made over the 995 series, like the return to round headlights,” he says. “The neatly designed
rear lights also look good.” However, the dapper regional chief executive of Richemont is not so keen on the paint job
on our test model. “This [aquablue metallic] wouldn’t be my choice. I prefer gunmetal grey or black.”
After adjusting the driving seat and the position of the steering wheel, Li familiarizes himself with the controls and
pulls out of the dealer’s Causeway Bay car park for a quick sprint around the island. Even before it hits the road, the
wider profile and classic styling of this top-of-the-range Porsche draws approving glances from passers-by.
Ride & Performance
The car’s rear-mounted engine produces enough power to propel an ocean liner, so rapid movement through the traffic poses
no problem. “The engine has lots of torque even in fourth gear,” notes Li. “Throttle pickup is very smooth and the engine
noise doesn’t have that raspiness of Italian cars, but you know it’s got muscle.”
In sports mode, the suspension appears harsh on local roads but on the softest setting it provides a firm, stable ride. “It
feels very taut and sorted,” agrees our test driver, as he expertly throws the Carrera downhill round a series of bends. “The
car changes direction beautifully and hugs the road very well. There is no sign of under-steer even when it’s pushed into
a corner.”
An innovative seven-speed double-clutch automatic gearbox is operated by either of the paddles positioned each side of
the steering wheel. “You can have a lot of fun changing hands and I got used to the buttons quite quickly even though the
direction [of change] is counter intuitive. Changes are very smooth without that jerkiness you sometimes get on other gearboxes
even when kicking down to a lower gear.” Given his racing pedigree, Li prefers the manual option. “I still love the idea
of going through the gears myself; it’s a lot more engaging.”
