The Porsche 911 Carrera 4S is the all-wheel-drive version of the Carrera S. It uses Porsche Traction Management and a wider rear body. It also gives you everyday grip for rain and sunshine.
In this article, we’ll explain the Porsche 911 Carrera 4S, the fast all-wheel-drive Carrera. We’ll cover the current car, older generations, and what to check before buying.
Contents
Quick Summary
- What it is: the all-wheel-drive version of the 911 Carrera S.
- Current engine: a 3.0-liter twin-turbo flat-six with 473 hp and 390 lb-ft.
- Transmission: an eight-speed PDK in the 2026 Carrera 4S.
- Body styles: Coupe and Cabriolet are Carrera 4S models. The Targa 4S is all-wheel drive too.
- Performance: Porsche quotes 0 to 60 mph in 3.1 seconds with Sport Chrono and Launch Control.
- Buying tip: confirm the year, VIN, options, and service records before falling for the badge.
What the Carrera 4S Is
The Carrera 4S takes the regular 911 Carrera S formula and sends its power to all four wheels. The 4 in the name means all-wheel drive. On the current 911, the S identifies the higher-output Carrera model.
It is not a Turbo and it is not a GTS. Think of it as the fast, broad-shouldered road 911 for someone who wants serious pace without moving into the more extreme models. For the full family tree, see our Porsche 911 Carrera guide.
The Current 992.2 Carrera 4S
Porsche brought the Carrera 4S back for the 2026 model year as a Coupe and Cabriolet. The US launch announcement lists a 3.0-liter twin-turbo boxer engine with 473 hp and 390 lb-ft of torque.
An eight-speed PDK sends that power to all four wheels. Porsche quotes 3.1 seconds from 0 to 60 mph with Sport Chrono and Launch Control. It lists a 191 mph top track speed for the Coupe.
There is no manual 4S today. The 992.1 Carrera 4S offered a seven-speed manual at no extra charge. For three pedals now, Porsche sells the 911 Carrera S with MT Package in North America, and it is rear-wheel drive only.
The current car also gets brakes from the previous Carrera GTS, plus a standard sport exhaust and revised dampers. Porsche positions it between the rear-wheel-drive Carrera and the much stronger Turbo models. If you want the hybrid GTS powertrain, look at the Carrera GTS T-Hybrid instead.
Carrera 4S Generations
996: the first Carrera 4S
The 996 Carrera 4S is a very different ownership proposition from a modern 911. It is an older water-cooled car, so maintenance history decides far more than the odometer or a shiny paint job. Start with our Porsche 996 guide, then get a specialist inspection.
997: a more classic look
The 997 is a popular middle ground for buyers who want an older 911 without stepping all the way back to a 996. Model-year detail is crucial here. Read our Porsche 997 guide before comparing listings.
991: more comfort for long drives
The 991 feels more modern inside than the earlier cars and suits long road trips well. Its early and later versions are not the same car, so confirm the exact year, engine, and gearbox before comparing prices or specifications.
992: the current shape
The 992 is the modern 911 shape you see most often today. Porsche changes equipment regularly, so use a VIN and the original window sticker to confirm a used car’s specification. Our Porsche 992 guide explains the broader generation.
How It Drives
All-wheel drive gives the 4S a calmer launch on wet or dirty pavement. It does not turn the 911 into a numb all-weather appliance. The engine still sits behind the rear axle, and the car still needs smooth steering and throttle inputs when you push it.
On a dry road, the rear-wheel-drive Carrera S is the cleaner choice for drivers who want the simplest layout. The 4S earns its extra hardware when conditions change or when you want the security to use the car year-round. Neither choice is wrong. It comes down to where and how you drive.
Choosing Carrera S or Carrera 4S
Choose the Carrera S if you want rear-wheel drive, lower weight, and the most direct version of the regular Carrera experience. It is the pick for a fair-weather weekend car.
Choose the Carrera 4S if you drive in rain, deal with cold roads, or just want more traction from a hard launch. The wider rear body is a bonus if you prefer that look.
Do not buy either one without a pre-purchase inspection. The badge does not tell you how a specific car was driven, serviced, or repaired. A well-documented Carrera S is a better buy than a neglected 4S every time.
Buying a Used Carrera 4S
Start with history
Ask for service invoices, not just a seller’s summary. Confirm the VIN, model year, transmission, and options. A Porsche specialist can also scan the car’s control units and spot fault codes that a short test drive will not reveal.
Check the expensive basics
Look at tire age and matching tread, brake wear, suspension leaks, cooling-system condition, and every panel gap. Test the PDK through gentle and hard shifts. On a Cabriolet, run the roof and inspect its seals. On older cars, budget for age-related rubber, fluids, and electronics even when the mileage is low.
Buy the right generation for you
A 996 or 997 gives you an older, more mechanical feel. A 991 is a strong middle ground for buyers who want a modern cabin without the newest price. A 992 brings the latest shape and technology. The right answer is the cleanest car with the best records in your budget.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does 4S mean on a Porsche 911?
4S on a Porsche 911 means all-wheel drive plus the higher-output Carrera S engine. The 4 stands for all-wheel drive, and the S marks the more powerful Carrera. The exact mechanical difference changes with the generation, so check the specific year.
How much power does the 2026 Porsche 911 Carrera 4S have?
The 2026 Porsche 911 Carrera 4S has 473 hp and 390 lb-ft of torque. It comes from a 3.0-liter twin-turbo flat-six, and an eight-speed PDK sends that power to all four wheels.
Is the Porsche 911 Carrera 4S available with a manual?
No, the 2026 Carrera 4S is not available with a manual. It comes only with an eight-speed PDK. If you want a manual, the rear-wheel-drive 911 Carrera S with MT Package has a six-speed in North America. Earlier 992 Carrera 4S cars could be ordered with a seven-speed manual.
Is a 911 Carrera 4S better than a Carrera S?
Yes, the 911 Carrera 4S is better than a Carrera S if you drive in rain or year-round. The 4S adds all-wheel-drive traction and a wider rear stance. The Carrera S is the better pick if you want a lighter rear-wheel-drive car.
What should I check on a used 911 Carrera 4S?
The first thing to check on a used 911 Carrera 4S is a complete service history. Then have a Porsche specialist inspect the car, scan its control units, check tires and brakes, and confirm the exact model and options with the VIN.
Images: 991 Carrera 4S by David Villarreal Fernández, CC BY-SA 2.0. 992 Carrera 4S Coupe by MrWalkr, CC BY-SA 4.0. 992 Carrera 4S Cabriolet by Damian B Oh, CC BY-SA 4.0. Via Wikimedia Commons.
