Porsche 911 Carrera 4S: return after update

Porsche began updating the 911 family back in the spring of 2024 and is gradually bringing different versions of its icon back into service. For example, in January, the updated Carrera S with rear-wheel drive was introduced. Now, the all-wheel-drive Carrera 4S version has been refreshed. While the regular 'S' can be either a coupe or a convertible, the four-wheel-drive variant is traditionally also offered as a Targa, which celebrates its 60th anniversary this year.

The Targa version is distinguished by a robust safety bar, which first appeared in 1965 as a response to tighter safety regulations for convertibles in the US. Initially, such 'ninety-elevenths' had a removable roof panel over the front seats. Models of the 993, 996, and 997 series used a sliding glass panel with an electric drive. The current design first appeared in 2013 on the 991 series model. The magnesium alloy roof panel above the front passengers' heads retracts under the rear glass "cap," which lifts entirely with the engine cover and slides back. The entire process takes 19 seconds, and the top is offered in black, blue, red, and brown colors.

Convertibles and Targas by default have a rear row of seats, but for the coupe, it's now a free option to reduce the weight of the base version. As for exterior trimmings, Porsche 911 Carrera 4S models do not differ from rear-wheel-drive "S" variants. Interiors in the "base" are already trimmed with genuine leather. LED optics, auto-dimming mirrors, a wireless charging platform, and advanced contour lighting are also installed.

All-wheel-drive vehicles retained the transmission with a multi-plate clutch for engaging the front wheels, which has liquid cooling. The all-wheel drive is almost unchanged from pre-reform models; only the gear ratios of the reducers were revised. The engine and the eight-speed "robot" PDK remain the same as in the Carrera S version. The three-liter twin-turbo engine develops 480 hp instead of 450 hp in the pre-reform vehicles, but the torque remains the same (530 Nm). The coupe accelerates to 100 km/h in 3.3 seconds, with a top speed of 308 km/h.

All Porsche 911 Carrera 4S models are standardly equipped with brakes from the GTS modification with disks 408 mm in diameter at the front and 380 mm at the rear. In addition, the standard package includes a steering chassis and a sports exhaust system. 20-inch wheels are installed in the front, and 21-inch wheels at the rear.

The updated Porsche 911 Carrera 4S sports cars can already be ordered. In Germany, the coupe costs from 163,000 euros, the convertible from 177,000 euros, and the Porsche 911 Targa 4S will cost a minimum of 179,000 euros.