The 1998 Porsche
911Carrera S

Introduced to the North American market at the New York International Auto Widebody Show in 1997, the Porsche 911 Carrera S Coupe is a design derived from the styling conventional Carrera Coupe that includes the aggressively styled widebody front and rear fender configuration of the famed Porsche 911 Turbo. The Carrera S has a number of unique design details, including a split rear spoiler grille, special "Cup Design" 17-inch alloy wheels incorporating colored Porsche crest wheel caps, textured black leather dashboard center and door panels, and steel grey door sill panels, instrument rings, shift lever knob, hand brake lever and push knob. It also carries a Carrera S logo on the rear engine cover. The Carrera S becomes the entry-level 911 for 1998, with all of these additional Carrera 4 and Turbo design features at no increase in price over the previous Carrera. The Carrera S is available with all of the normal 911 optional equipment offered for 1998 models.

FEATURES - Buy The Porsche 911 Carrera S Here

The Carrera S retains the familiar 911 silhouette, and incorporates all the aerodynamic and safety refinements made to the 91 l. Key features include the 3.6 liter flat-six 282-horsepower engine, six-speed manual transmission, high-performance all-disc brakes with ABS, high-performance tires on alloy wheels, welded unitized body of double-sided galvanized steel, aluminum suspension components, speed-dependent extendible rear spoiler, second-generation side-impact protection, heated windshield washer nozzles, fog lamps incorporated into the front spoiler, and modular polyellipsoid headlamps with a headlamp washer system. Litronic gas-discharge headlamps, which are twice as powerful as halogen headlamps while using 30 percent less electrical current, are optional. The 1998 Carrera S will be available with optional child seats which can Optional automatically deactivate the passenger air bags. Created to address the child seats concerns of child air bag safety in two-seat and 2+2 vehicles, the new Porsche child seats will both mechanically and electronically deactivate the passenger air bags when properly installed on the front passenger seat. The new Porsche child seat line features three different seats designed for three occupant sizes based on body weight: up to 22 lbs. (10 kg), 20 to 40 lbs. (9 to 18 kg) and 37 to 100 lbs. (17 to 45 kg). Each seat is equipped with its own safety belt system including the adapter which inserts into the cross bar buckle common to all three.

VARIOCAM™ INDUCTION SYSTEM - Buy The Porsche 911 Carrera S Here

Like all 1998 911 models, the 911 Carrera S uses Porsche's traditional Boxer engine 3.6 liter, air-cooled, horizontally opposed, six-cylinder, 282 horsepower (210 kW) engine. The engine redesign in 1995 resulted in a nine percent increase in power without any fuel economy penalty while meeting stringent emission standards. The additional increase in horsepower, with a substantial boost in the engine's mid-range torque curve, has been achieved by the incorporation of Porsche's patented Varioram™ induction system. Varioram optimizes the engine's volumetric efficiency for high torque output, Varioram™ resulting in quick throttle response and strong acceleration. The system uses induction variable-length intake pipes and separate, differently tuned air intake systems system for medium and high engine speeds, to optimize torque and power output characteristics across the usable engine rpm range. The improved engine uses inlet valves that are larger, 50 mm compared to 49 mm, and exhaust valves that are 43.5 mm instead of 42.5 mm. The camshafts have modified valve timing, and an optimized ignition system has been adopted. The Varioram system's intake manifold operates with long intake pipes at moderate engine speeds. Cylinder filling is improved by resonance in the individual intake pipes. A significant increase in torque at moderate engine speeds across a relatively wide rpm range results.

A set of sliding sleeves which form part of the long intake pipes uncover apertures, located approximately at their centers, at engine speeds over 5000 rpm. This reduces the effective length of the intake pipes and establishes a connection with the resonance compartments. The alternating intake cycles in the left-hand and right-hand cylinder banks force the air column in the intake manifold to oscillate. These oscillations or resonances are used to achieve optimum torque at the top end of the engine speed range. Resonance charging achieves optimum effect over a narrow rpm range. The Varioram resonance system is designed to change over quickly between two engine speed ranges. From 5800 rpm up, a resonance flap opens, exposing another resonance cross-section between the resonance compartments of the two cylinder banks. The intake manifold's resonant frequency is then optimized for very high engine speeds. Combining ram effect charging and resonance charging, a combination unique to the Varioram intake manifold, high torque is produced across the entire engine speed range. Torque is improved by 18 percent at mid-range engine speeds between 2500 and 4500 rpm. A peak output of 229 ft. Ibs. (310 Nm) of torque is achieved at 3500 rpm, compared with 193 ft. lbs. (262 Nm) on the earlier engine design. The torque gain is reflected in the acceleration time from 50 mph (80 kph) to 75 mph (120 kph) in fifth gear, which has been reduced by about 18 percent. With Varioram in place, it is possible to drive in a highergear and with lower engine speeds with no loss in engine flexibility. Engine output with Varioram has increased from 270 hp (200 kW) to 282 hp (210 kW), and maximum torque from 243 ft. lbs. (330 Nm) to 250 ft. lbs. (340 Nm). The high specific output and exceptional pulling power of the increased 3.5 liter Varioram engine make the best of everyday driving, with the added benefit of lower fuel consumption.

EMISSIONS SYSTEM - Buy The Porsche 911 Carrera S Here

A monitoring system for all components with exhaust emission control relevance is a feature of all 1998 Porsche 911 engines. Any time the car is driven, the OBD II (on-board diagnostics, second generation) system measures the efficiency of the catalytic converter, identifies misfiring, and monitors the fuel system, fuel tank venting, secondary-air injection, oxygen sensors and other components and systems which affect exhaust emissions.

TRANSMISSIONS - Buy The Porsche 911 Carrera S Here

The 1998 Porsche 911 Carrera S can be ordered with either a six-speed manual or the four-speed Tiptronic S automatic transmission. Dual-cone synchronizers for first and second gears, along with ball-bearing sleeves which reduce friction and enhance shift precision, are features of the manual gearbox that make shifting action more precise and driving a 911 even more pleasant. The optional four-speed Tiptronic S on the 911 Carrera S allows manual upshift and downshift control, but uses an electronic system to shift gears and controls the mechanical lockup clutch in the torque converter. The Tiptronic S control unit features five different adaptive shift programs, which are applied according to the needs of the driver, with a range extending from economy to performance. The Tiptronic S electronic transmission makes decisions in choosing the right gear based on vehicle and driver behavior. If the driver suddenly takes his or her foot off the accelerator, the Tiptronic S system senses the car is no longer under power, and it will prevent the transmission from shifting up, keeping the current gear engaged. Brake application will likewise make the transmission shift down at an appropriate road speed. Built-in grade detection prevents the transmission from upshifting too soon on uphill and downhill grades. If the wheels should spin on a low-traction surface, the Tiptronic S will upshift earlier, providing engine torque management and enhanced driving stability. Tiptronic S allows a driver to participate in shifting decisions, choosing the four gears as appropriate. Transmission control on the 911 Carrera S includes the choice of manual or automatic mode depending on the position of the selector lever. Once selection of the manual mode is made, shifting can be done either by using the upshift and downshift buttons on the steering wheel hub, as on Formula One racing cars, or by using the floor shifter, pushing forward for a higher gear, or pulling back for a lower gear. A six-function computerized driver information center is included on Carrera S models equipped with the optional Tiptronic S transmission.

SUSPENSION - Buy The Porsche 911 Carrera S Here

The Porsche 911 Carrera S front suspension is an evolution of the MacPherson-type strut, coil spring and stabilizer bar unit from past 911 models that provides increased stability, excellent handling and ride comfort. Due to design changes made to most suspension components, the suspension system weighs some 6.6 pounds (3 kg) less than its predecessor, thus improving driving characteristics by reducing unsprung weight. Porsche's Lightweight-Stable-Agile (LSA) multi-link, subframe-mounted rear suspension system has replaced the semi-trailing arms and struts of previous suspension 911 models. Four lateral links in two horizontal planes, which appear like upper and lower A-arms, provide precise wheel control. A refined version of the "Weissach" suspension pioneered on the Porsche 928 helps improve stability by using the outside rear wheel toe-in during cornering. Stability, regardless of side forces, and precise tracking are the system's virtues. The LSA package, in addition to the four links, includes dual gas shock absorbers, coil springs and a rear-mounted forged aluminum subframe.

BRAKES, WHEELS AND TIRES - Buy The Porsche 911 Carrera S Here

Porsche cars have made their reputation on their braking as well as their acceleration and cornering, and the 1998 Carrera S carries on that tradition. The Carrera S and all other 911 variants use large-diameter, internally vented and cross-drilled rotors, four-piston calipers and asbestos-free brake pads, augmented by the Bosch ABS 5 anti-lock braking system. The 1998 Porsche 911 Carrera S comes equipped with special "Cup Design" 17-inch pressure-cast alloy wheels incorporating colored Porsche crest wheel caps (7J by 17 inches in the front and 9J by 17 inches in the rear) fitted with steel-belted radial 205/50 ZR-17 tires up front and 255/40 ZR-17 rear tires. Targa-style 17-inch pressure-cast alloy wheels and hollow-spoke 18-inch pressure-cast alloy wheels, both with wheel locks, are optional on the Carrera S for 1998.

INTERIOR - Buy The Porsche 911 Carrera S Here

The 1998 Porsche 911 Carrera S interior features Porsche's 2+2 leather seating package with power height adjustment (optional full electrical equipment adjustment), and a white-on-black instrument panel including five round analog gauges, with the ignition switch to the left of the steering wheel. Special Carrera S interior equipment includes black leather and steel grey interior trim, steel grey door sill panels, instrument rings, shift lever knob, hand brake lever and push knob, a textured black leather dashboard center and door panels, along with dual front airbags, three-point restraints for driver and passengers, automatic temperature control air conditioning, power windows, electronic sunroof, central locking and alarm system with immobilizer and remote entry system, heated external rearview mirrors, individually folding rear seat backs, leather-covered steering wheel, interior lights with delayed shut off, cruise control, cassette/coin holder and door trim panels with covered armrest bins and open map pockets. A six-speaker AM/FM/cassette audio system manufactured by Becker is standard on the Carrera S. System features include a head unit with removable system control panel (for security), electronic tuning and digital display. Available options include an in-dash compact disc player, a remote CD changer, a 10-speaker 150-watt audio system and digital signal processing.

OPTIONS - Buy The Porsche 911 Carrera S Here

Other significant options available for the Porsche 911 Carrera S are the Tiptronic S automatic transmission, full-power leather sport seats, Litronic high intensity discharge headlamps, sport chassis (with larger front and rear stabilizer bars, stiffer springs, specially tuned front and rear shock absorbers), a rear-seat delete package, infrared security system and limited-slip differential with automatic brake differential (ABD).

WARRANTY - Buy The Porsche 911 Carrera S Here

Every new Porsche sports car is covered by a two-year bumper-to-bumper limited warranty with unlimited mileage, which includes Porsche's roadside assistance program. The galvanized body and 26-step paint and anti-corrosion process enable Porsche to warrant each car against rust perforation for 10 years and unlimited mileage. In addition, the paint has a three-year limited warranty.

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