Alongside the outgoing G series, the new generation of the 911 arrived on the market in the 1989 model year. The 911 Carrera 4, model number 964, featured 85% new parts, but largely retained the classic lines of its predecessor. It was available in Coupé, Targa, and Cabriolet body styles.
Despite numerous similarities in design, the 964 had significantly improved aerodynamics than the G model. This was particularly due to the new round front and rear sections, as well as a automatically extending rear spoiler.
The 911 Carrera 4 was the first 911 to feature an all-wheel drive system. Under normal conditions, the electronically controlled permanent all-wheel drive system sent 31% of the drive torque to the front axle and 69% to the rear axle. The distribution could be varied depending on the driving situation. A switch for the all-wheel drive was located on the C4’s center console. Its 3.6-liter engine delivered 250 hp.
From the 1990 model year, an identical rear-wheel drive version (the first model with Tiptronic) called the 911 Carrera 2 was available, and from the 1991 model year, another Turbo version was available.
