As reliably as the sun rises and sets, Porsche continues to expand its iconic 911 lineup. Following a significant facelift last year, Porsche has unveiled the new all-wheel drive “S” variants: the Carrera 4S coupe, Cabriolet, and Targa 4S. The standout features? Increased power, enhanced standard equipment, and a notable price hike.
Like their rear-wheel drive counterparts, the new all-wheel drive models are equipped with a 3.0-liter twin-turbo flat-six engine, delivering 473 horsepower and 390 pound-feet of torque. This power boost is largely attributed to intercoolers borrowed from the 911 Turbo, according to Porsche. The horsepower now matches the previous Carrera GTS, although torque is slightly reduced. Consistent with its rear-drive siblings, the only transmission option available is an eight-speed PDK dual-clutch. Notably, Porsche is currently restricting manual transmissions to the purist-focused Carrera T and GT3 models.
Enhanced Features and Options
The new 4S models come standard with a Sports Exhaust and larger brakes from the previous Carrera GTS model. Adaptive dampers, a rear limited-slip differential, and 20/21-inch wheels remain standard, while options such as sport suspension, rear-wheel steering, the Sport Chrono package, and carbon-ceramic brakes are available. However, the Targa 4S includes rear-wheel steering as a standard feature.
Inside, Porsche has increased the standard leather trim, alongside other upgrades seen across the 911 range, including a somewhat controversial digital gauge cluster. The coupe now comes standard as a two-seater, with a 2+2 seating configuration available at no extra cost, and standard on the Cabriolet and Targa models.
Market Position and Pricing
Porsche reports that in the United States, approximately half of all 911 “S” models are all-wheel drive, underscoring their importance in the lineup. Prior to this release, the entry-level all-wheel drive 911 for the facelifted model was the hybrid Carrera 4 GTS, making these new models a more accessible option.
However, accessibility comes at a cost. Preliminary pricing for the 2026 Carrera 4S coupe starts at $156,450—an increase of over $16,000 compared to the 2024 model. Porsche emphasizes that this pricing is subject to change. Despite the increase, the additional standard equipment and performance enhancements are evident. The Carrera 4S Cabriolet is priced at $169,650, while the Targa 4S is set at $171,350. Yet, it appears Porsche customers are unlikely to be deterred by these prices, as demand for new 911s continues to exceed supply.
Looking Ahead
The introduction of these new models reflects Porsche’s commitment to evolving its 911 lineup while maintaining the brand’s hallmark performance and luxury. As the automotive industry continues to innovate, Porsche’s strategic enhancements and pricing adjustments are likely to influence competitors and market dynamics.
As consumers eagerly await the arrival of these models, the automotive world will be watching closely to see how these changes impact Porsche’s market position and customer satisfaction. The 2026 Porsche 911 Carrera 4S models are set to hit the roads, promising a thrilling blend of power, luxury, and technological advancement.
