The 3,131-pound 2004 Porsche 911 Carrera S gets a similarly configured 3.8-liter flat six engine making 355 horsepower at 6,600 rpm and 295 lb.-ft. of torque at 4,600 rpm. Not only is the displacement greater, but also the intake manifold and intake camshaft lift pattern have been modified. The Carrera S also gets a higher performance cooling pump and an oil/water heat exchanger with two additional cooling layers. Porsche says that acceleration from 0-60 mph takes 4.6 seconds. A new six-speed manual transmission is standard on both models. Steel synchronizing rings (carbon-coated in first, second and third gears) help manage the engine power increases and ensure top performance, making the first two forward gears triple rather than double synchronized. From the driver’s seat, the result is reduced shifting force and shorter travel between gears. Standard 911 Carrera models have a single-disc dry clutch while the 911 Carrera S gets a new self-adjusting clutch. Optional is a manually interactive, five-speed automatic Tiptronic transmission. The driver can change gears using switches on the steering wheel or the shift lever between the seats. Software updates help Tiptronic to better mimic the way enthusiast drivers use the accelerator, brake and clutch in cars with a manual gearshift. Additionally, when the standard Porsche Stability Management (PSM) system is shut off and the transmission selector is in manual shift mode, Tiptronic no longer upshifts at redline like before. The transmission has also been upgraded to hold gears longer, shift smoother, improve cooling, and require less maintenance.
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