Subtle but noticeable body alterations marked 1989's new Porsche 911 Carrera 4, the first of the heavily reengineered "964 series" 911s planned for the 1990s. Offered in the usual three body styles, the C4 could hit 60 mph in well under 6 seconds. Handling was the most surefooted in 911 history, while cornering grip, as one magazine enthused, was "incredible."

The C4's new 964-series architecture, all-coil suspension, and upsized 3.6-liter engine transformed the "ordinary" Porsche 911 into 1990's much-improved Carrera 2. The Carrera 2 was stouter of structure and far more forgiving in hard cornering than previous 911s, yet retained the classic 911 looks.