AUTO SPIES EXCLUSIVE: What's wrong with the new Carrera 4 and C4S?

Dealers are reporting to the Spies that the launch of the Carrera 4 and C4S is not going as well as thought.

One large west coast dealer who requested anonymity said the reaction by customers has been lukewarm at best.

All Porsche dealers received one 4 and one 4S for the launch (Silver/Black 4, Black/Tan 4S).

Based on a survey of over thirty dealers around the country this week, most retailers have yet to sell either unit.

If you go to Porsche.com and search dealers inventories, you’ll also notice they still have the launch units for sale.

So what’s the problem?

Are they bad cars?

Not in the least.

The new C4S is spectacular in our opinion.

We think the problem is that most people who bought the previous generation C4S bought it because of the wide aggressive looking body compared to the 996 C2 and not the AWD capabilities.

You could really tell the difference between the two models.

C2

C4S-Front

C4S-Rear

That’s not the case with the current 997’s.

Only one with a discerning eye can tell the difference between the 997 C2 and C4S.

Yes, the car is an inch wider but the front and rear bumper treatments are identical to the C2 997.

In our opinion, Porsche should have put a more aggressive ground effects kit on the C4S (both front, side and rear) and they should have run the taillights across the back like previous generation cars.

Plus, it doesn't help that the the 997S is SO damn good and gorgeous to boot!

The good news?

If you’re a customer, most dealers will get aggressive with pricing to move these launch C4's and C4S’s.

We’d love to hear your opinion of the new Porsche’s in our blogs…

IanJames - 12/4/2005 8:41:36 PM

+1 Boost

I mentioned in another post that I was one of those guys who was on the pre-order list months ago. I currently onw a 2002 C4S as well and assumed that the new one would be a similar package. When I first saw the spy-pics I was less than impressed, not to mention that the included package of options isn't anything like they were in '02. I cancelled and now am considering the regular carrera. I've driven noth the carerra and the S and frankly the difference is negligable. I'd rather sink some $ into the aero-kit. The GT3 look is really nice this time around. I should also state that the prices on these things have crept up as well. In canada the C4S with a few options and a "special" paint (geez) is within spitting range of $150k. YIKE. I never went into the 02 because of the 4WD, so I can definitly live without it. In fact I'm looking forward to some old fashioned "tail out"ing if I go for the regular model.

While I'm typing... (or is it ranting?)
I've owned these crates new for 0ver 10 years (5 models) and used for 6 or 7 before that, and I just wish one of the premiere manufacters would build a REAL competitor to the 911. I'm one for those porr buggers Mr. Porsche had in mind when he said (paraphrased) "That a porsche should be able to be driven to work and in the city, be dependible, and on the weekend taken out with your wife and two small kids for a drive OR driven like a banshee out on the track..." Welcome to my world. This car is unbelievably target at ME.
I would WELCOME a change. but please don't suggest DB8's, Corvettes, or even M3's. None of these are either a 2+2 (even a make-believe one) or real sports cars.
Shucks.