Porsche 911 Carrera 4 (992) – Reviews, Pricing, Specs & Buyers Guide
The Carrera 4 is the base model 911, equipped with all-wheel drive. It starts at $109,850 for 2022, which is about $7,000 more than the standard rear-drive Carrera. Other than the additional all-wheel-drive system and the 150 odd pound increase in curb weight, the Carrera 4 is identical to its rear-drive sibling. It gets the same 379-hp, twin-turbo 3.0-liter flat-six engine. Same eight-speed PDK dual-clutch automatic (the only gearbox available in base models).
Features like Porsche’s active suspension and the new-for-992 “wet mode” are standard on the Carrera 4 variants, but the electronically controlled limited slip rear differential (standard on the 4S), as well as ceramic composite brakes (cast iron rotors are standard). The current 911 Carrera 4 is equipped with PASM (Porsche Active Suspension Management).
Like on the other 992 911 Carrera models, the electronically variable damping system comes standard and offers two selectable modes, “Normal” and “Sport”, emphasizing ride quality and handling. A fully variable, electronically controlled limited slip rear differential with Porsche Torque Vectoring (PTV), which is standard on the 911 Carrera S and 4S models, can be ordered as an option. The wheels on the 911 Carrera 4 and 911 Carrera 4 Cabriolet feature a staggered diameter, measuring 19 inches at the front and 20 inches at the rear.
The twin-turbocharged 3.0-liter flat-six has 379 hp at 6,500 rpm and 331 ft lbs of torque from 1,900 to 5,000 rpm. The Carrera 4 manages 0-60 in 4.0 seconds flat. Add the Sport Chrono Package (which gets you launch control functionality, and those times drop to 0.2 seconds, to 3.8 seconds. Top speed is 180 mph and the quarter mile takes just 12.3 seconds.
The acceleration is effortless from a standstill on up to freeway speed, with the quick-revving flat-six seemingly always on maximum attack. If that isn’t enough, though, simply tap the button in the middle of the drive selector dial for Sport Response, which makes the Sport Chrono-equipped Carrera 4 feel even snappier.
The current Porsche 911 Carrera 4 is a great “real-world” 911. It is fast, but never overwhelming, and the great torque from the engine means you can really enjoy it in daily driving without doing stupid speeds. You can have fun in this car every day without worrying that it is going to hurt you if something goes wrong or you push too hard when you shouldn’t. The base all-wheel drive car offers impressive cornering behavior, with a neutral character and ample grip from the standard rubber. There’s a limited amount of body roll and the steering is excellent, with predictable weighting and a tight on-center character, while feedback both through the chassis and the steering is high. You’ll have higher dynamic limits in an Carrera 4S, but the base Carrera 4 is still a great sports car when you want it to be.
Like on the 911 Carrera 4S, the all wheel drive system was further developed from the last generation. The increased performance is thanks to further development of the front axle drive. The clutch and differential unit are now water-cooled and have reinforced clutches to increase durability and load capacity. The increased actuating torques of the clutches improve the latter’s adjustment accuracy and thus the capability of the driven front axle. The enhanced front axle drive in combination with Porsche Traction Management (PTM) promote a further enhancement to the already impressive traction on snow, as well as in wet and dry conditions.
It is important to note that the 911s current generation all-wheel-drive system is pretty amazing. It is not noticeable until it’s really needed. In most situations, the Carrera 4 sends virtually all of its power to the rear wheels, although it can transfer up to 50 percent forward should it detect rear-wheel slip. The driving experience is for all intents like that of a rear-drive 911.
We appreciate that behavior in an occasionally snowy place like New York, so if you are in a place that gets cold, it is a great model to think about getting. Like on the other 992 911 variants, Wet Mode is included as standard equipment. This function automatically detects water on the road, preconditions the stability control and anti-lock brake systems accordingly, and warns the driver. The driver can then call up vehicle settings particularly suited for wet roads at push of a button, or by means of the mode switch on the steering wheel (when fitted with the optional Sport Chrono Package).
Updates and Pricing for 2022
Prices for the 2022 Porsche 911 Carrera 4 coupe starts at $109,850 (including mandatory destination charges of $1,350). Options add up too. The important pieces include the Sport Chrono package ($2,720); 20-inch front and 21-inch rear Carrera Classic wheels ($2,450); sport exhaust system ($2,950); 18-way adaptive sport seats ($3,830); and the full leather interior ($4,530).
Porsche upgraded the infotainment system on the 2022 911 range to include a new 10.9-inch touchscreen interface that the company calls both simplified and flexible in its personalization. It comes with wireless Apple CarPlay, and for the first time, the 911 gets Android Auto compatibility. Porsche also extended its connected services from one year to three years before reverting to a subscription model. Those services include natural voice commands activated by “Hey Porsche,” online map updates, and navigation with real-time traffic info. Satellite radio also gets a three-month trial.
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Press Release
Surefooted: The 2020 Porsche 911 Carrera 4 and 911 Carrera 4 Cabriolet
379 hp 911 Carrera models now available with all-wheel drive
Atlanta, Georgia. Following the introduction of the standard 911 Carrera and 911 Carrera Cabriolet, Porsche is now expanding the line-up further with the all-wheel drive 911 Carrera 4 and 911 Carrera 4 Cabriolet models.
Like the 2020 911 Carrera models, the new 911 Carrera 4 and 911 Carrera 4 Cabriolet are powered by a twin-turbo 3.0-liter flat six engine fitted with model-specific turbochargers, developing 379 hp at 6,500 rpm (nine horsepower more than the previous 911 Carrera 4 models) and 331 lb.-ft. of torque from 1,950 to 5,000 rpm. Fitted with the standard 8-speed PDK (Porsche Doppelkupplung) transmission, the 2020 911 Carrera 4 accelerates from 0 to 60 mph in 4.0 seconds. When equipped with the optional Sport Chrono Package, this time drops to 3.8 seconds. Both times represent an improvement of 0.1 seconds compared to the previous 911 Carrera 4 Coupe with PDK. The 2020 911 Carrera 4 Cabriolet accelerates to 60 mph from standstill in just 4.2 seconds, and in 4.0 seconds flat when equipped with the optional Sport Chrono Package. Top track speed is 180 mph for the 911 Carrera 4 and 179 mph for the 911 Carrera 4 Cabriolet.
Like on the 911 Carrera 4S models, the increased performance of the 911 Carrera 4 models led to a further development of the front axle drive. The clutch and differential unit are now water-cooled and have reinforced clutches to increase durability and load capacity. The increased actuating torques of the clutches improve the latter’s adjustment accuracy and thus the capability of the driven front axle. The enhanced front axle drive in combination with Porsche Traction Management (PTM) promote a further enhancement to the already impressive traction on snow, as well as in wet and dry conditions.
The new 911 Carrera 4 and 911 Carrera 4 Cabriolet are equipped with PASM (Porsche Active Suspension Management). Like on the other 2020 911 Carrera models, the electronically variable damping system comes standard and offers two selectable modes, “Normal” and “Sport”, emphasizing ride quality and handling. A fully variable, electronically controlled limited slip rear differential with Porsche Torque Vectoring (PTV), which is standard on the 911 Carrera S and 4S models, can be ordered as an option. The wheels on the 911 Carrera 4 and 911 Carrera 4 Cabriolet feature a staggered diameter, measuring 19 inches at the front and 20 inches at the rear. They are fitted with 235/40 ZR 19 and 295/35 ZR 20 tires, respectively. Larger wheels with a staggered 20/21- inch diameter (standard on 911 Carrera 4S models) are optionally available. The standard internally ventilated and perforated grey cast-iron brake rotors on the 2020 911 Carrera 4 models measure 13.0 inches front and rear and feature black four-piston calipers. Porsche Ceramic Composite Brake (PCCB) can be ordered as an extra. Like on the other 2020 911 variants, Wet Mode is included as standard equipment. This function automatically detects water on the road, preconditions the stability control and anti-lock brake systems accordingly, and warns the driver. The driver can then call up vehicle settings particularly suited for wet roads at push of a button, or by means of the mode switch on the steering wheel (when fitted with the optional Sport Chrono Package).
Visually, the 911 Carrera 4 models are characterized by the same striking design cues as the rest of the model range, such as the clearly defined fender arches and front luggage compartment lid with a recess reminiscent of classic 911 models, as well as the full-width LED light strip stretching across the rear. The only visual distinction between the standard 911 Carrera 4 and the 911 Carrera 4S derivatives are the exhaust openings in the rear fascia. To differentiate between the engine variants, the standard 911 Carrera 4 models feature one rectangular, single-tube tailpipe on each side, while the 4S models are fitted with a set of round twin-tailpipes on each side. The optional Sport Exhaust system distinguished by two oval tailpipes can be ordered for all models. Inside, the new 911 Carrera 4 shares the interior with the previously introduced standard 911 Carrera and 911 Carrera S models, including re-designed seats, the traditional centrally positioned tachometer, and the new Porsche Communication Management (PCM) system with a 10.9 inch touch screen and improved connectivity. A control panel of five buttons with the look of classic toggle switches creates the transition to the center console controls.
The 2020 911 Carrera 4 and 911 Carrera 4 Cabriolet are available to order now and are expected to reach U.S. dealers in early 2020. The MSRP for the 911 Carrera 4 is $104,700, while the 911 Carrera 4 Cabriolet retails for $117,500 – both not including the $1,350 delivery, processing and handling fee.
