Porsche continues to evolve its iconic 911 lineup with the launch of the all-wheel drive ‘S’ variants, notably the Carrera 4S coupe, Cabriolet, and Targa 4S. Following a facelift last year, these new models boast increased power and added standard features, accompanied by a significant rise in price.
Both the Carrera 4S coupe and Cabriolet, similar to the rear-wheel drive Carrera S, are powered by a 3.0-liter twin-turbo flat-six engine that produces 473 horsepower and 390 pound-feet of torque. The increase in power can be attributed to the incorporation of intercoolers originally designed for the 911 Turbo. While the horsepower output matches that of the previous Carrera GTS, the new models present a slight decrease in torque. As with their rear-drive counterparts, the only transmission option is the eight-speed PDK dual-clutch; manual transmission is currently reserved for the Carrera T and GT3 models, appealing to purists.
The Carrera 4S models come equipped with standard features such as a Sports Exhaust system and larger brakes inherited from the previous Carrera GTS. Standard equipment also includes adaptive dampers, a rear limited-slip differential, and 20/21-inch wheels, while features like sport suspension, rear-wheel steering, the Sport Chrono package, and carbon-ceramic brakes are available as optional upgrades. Notably, the Targa 4S includes rear-steer as a standard feature.
Inside the vehicles, buyers will find an increase in standard leather trim and a suite of enhancements, including a somewhat divisive digital gauge cluster. The coupe is now configured as a two-seater by default, with an optional 2+2 seating arrangement available at no additional cost; this configuration is standard for both the Cabriolet and Targa.
Porsche reports that around 50% of all 911 ‘S’ models sold in the U.S. are all-wheel drive, underscoring the significance of these new additions to their product line. Prior to this update, the entry-level all-wheel drive option was the hybrid Carrera 4 GTS, making the 4S models more accessible for buyers looking to experience Porsche’s all-wheel drive sports cars.
However, affordability remains a concern. Initial pricing for the 2026 Carrera 4S coupe starts at $156,450, which is more than $16,000 above the cost of the 2024 model, though Porsche indicates that this pricing is not final. The Carrera 4S Cabriolet is set at $169,650, while the Targa 4S is priced at $171,350. Despite the increased costs, interest in the new 911s appears to far exceed supply.
