Porsche 911 (992) Carrera 4S – Reviews, Pricing, Specs & Buyers Guide
Like the rest of Carrera S models, the Carrera 4S is powered by the same 3.0-liter twin-turbo flat-six that makes 443 horsepower and 390 lb-ft of torque. It also comes standard with the same eight-speed twin-clutch automatic transmission with the same gear ratios, except the 4S with an added clutch and differential up front.
Porsche has developed an all-new Wet Mode, which is included as standard. The 4S detects water on the road, preconditions the stability control and anti-lock brake systems accordingly, and warns the driver. A camera-based warning and brake assist system detects the risk of collision with moving objects and initiates emergency braking if necessary.
The 4S all wheel drive system was further developed from the last generation 991.2 Carrera 4S. 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.
Performance-wise, all-wheel drive doesn’t make a big difference to the straight line numbers. 0 – 60 mph in the Carrera S is 3.3 seconds while the Carrera 4S does it in 3.2 seconds (both with Sport Chrono Package that gives you launch control). Over the quarter-mile, the Carrera 4S is 0.1 second slower than the Carrera S, with a crazy-fast time of 11.6 seconds. Top speed is more than enough at 190 mph.
Motortrend: The only car that I literally had to intervene with myself to stop lapping,” he said. “It’s so controllable, so right, that you keep on wanting to experience it. It’s so balanced and then re-balance-able while cornering that you can position it just where you want it.
While the numbers say you would not lose any measured performance if you opt for a 992 Carrera 4S versus the Carrera S, you certainly would gain on-throttle traction in wet or snowy conditions with AWD. What you would surrender is the intimacy a driver feels through the steering wheel if you seek the squiggly red lines on the map instead of the straight green ones. It’s a tiny difference, but it’s a difference a Porsche driver, or test driver, would notice. The benefit of the 4S is the all-weather traction in the cold and for a lot of drivers who live in colder climates, that worth the trade-off.
The current Porsche 911 Carrera 4S utilizes the same engine as the previous generation: a 3.0-liter, twin-turbocharged flat-six. However, thanks to a raft of changes that includes new turbochargers, electric wastegates, new injectors and other fresh bits and baubles, output rises 13 horsepower to 443 and 22 pound-feet of torque to 390.
Updates and Pricing for 2022
Prices for the 2022 Porsche 911 Carrera 4S start at $125,750 (including mandatory destination charges of $1,350). To the Carrera, the Carrera S adds the 3.0L engine version producing 443 hp. It also gains 20-inch alloy wheels (front), 21-inch alloy wheels (rear), torque vectoring, and enhanced stability control. In terms of options, the sky is the limit. Options we like include the Sport package ($5,460); adaptive sport seats ($3,470); front axle lift system ($2,770); rear axle steering ($2,090) and ($2,950) for the sport exhaust.
Porsche upgraded the infotainment system on the 2022 911 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
November 27, 2018
The new 2020 Porsche 911 Carrera S and 4S – more powerful, more dynamic, unmistakably a 911
The eighth generation of an icon: Spectacular world premiere in Los Angeles
Atlanta. Faster, more emotional, and more connected – the eighth generation of the Porsche 911 is here. On the eve of the Los Angeles Auto Show, the new 911 celebrated its world premiere at the Porsche Experience Center Los Angeles. With an exterior that unmistakably reflects the Porsche design DNA, a more muscular look, and a completely new interior layout, the new 911 is both timeless and modern. The next generation of flatsix turbocharged engines has been further developed to be more powerful than ever before, delivering 443 horsepower in the S models. Using an improved injection process, as well as a new layout for the turbochargers and intercoolers, the efficiency of the engine has been further optimized. Power is delivered by a new eight-speed, dual-clutch transmission. New assistance systems such as the standard Porsche Wet Mode for increased driver awareness on wet roads, and the optional Night Vision Assist with a thermal imaging camera, are part of the broadened array of available active driver assistance features. The new Porsche Communication Management (PCM) with a larger 10.9-inch touchscreen display (up from 7.0 inches in the previous car) and comprehensive connectivity, optional Adaptive 18-way Sport Seats Plus with improved lateral support, re-tuned PASM dampers, and extended digital features all ensure greater comfort and everyday usability.
911 Carrera S models with 443 horsepower
The turbocharged flat-six engine of the 911 Carrera S and 911 Carrera 4S now produces 443 horsepower. This corresponds to an increase of 23 horsepower compared with the previous model. Equipped with the 8-speed PDK dual clutch transmission as standard, the rear-wheel-drive 911 Carrera S Coupe needs just 3.5 seconds to reach 60 miles per hour from standstill, and the 911 Carrera 4S Coupe with all-wheel drive takes only 3.4 seconds. This makes both cars 0.4 seconds faster than the previous model in each case. This advantage is increased by a further 0.2 seconds with the optional Sport Chrono Package, to 3.3 seconds for the Carrera S and 3.2 seconds for the Carrera 4S. The top track speeds are now 191 miles per hour (911 Carrera S) and 190 miles per hour for the all-wheel-drive version. A manual transmission will be offered at a later date.
Clear design language, unmistakable identity
The exterior design has been revamped and underlines the leap in performance of the new Porsche 911. Significantly wider wheel housings arch over large 20-inch front wheels and 21-inch rear wheels. At the front, the body width has increased by 45 millimeters (1.77 inches), making room for a wider front track. Correspondingly, the rear body width on both 911 Carrera S and 911 Carrera 4S has increased to 1,852 mm (72.91 in), the width of the previous 911 Carrera 4 and 911 GTS models. Flush integration of the electric door handles that extend outward when needed emphasizes the tapered and smooth side contour. Between the new LED headlights, the front luggage compartment lid with pronounced contours evokes the design of the first 911 generations. The rear is dominated by the significantly wider, variable-position rear spoiler and the seamless, elegant light bar which is now a feature on both two- and four-wheel drive variants. With the exception of the front and rear fasciae, the entire outer skin is now made of aluminum.
The completely new interior is characterized by the clear and straight lines of the dashboard with recessed instruments. Porsche 911 models from the 1970s provided the inspiration here. Left and right of the centrally positioned tachometer, which is characteristic for Porsche, two thin, frameless, free-form displays provide the driver with information. The PCM can be operated quickly and intuitively thanks to the new architecture. Located underneath the screen, a compact switch panel with five buttons provides direct access to key vehicle functions. In terms of digitalization, the 911 is more connected than ever before thanks to new functions and services. The standard PCM system features Porsche Connect Plus including online traffic information based on swarm data. (A subscription is required after an initial 12-month trial period.)
*The availability of Porsche Connect services is dependent on the availability of wireless network coverage which may not be available in all areas, and may be subject to eventual technology sun-set or deactivation, thus nullifying services. The vehicle equipment necessary to use Porsche Connect is only available factory-installed, and cannot be retrofitted. Likewise, the vehicle equipment may not work with future mobile networks yet to be deployed. Some functions may require separate subscriptions, or data charges may apply.
New assistance systems increase safety and comfort
As a world first, Porsche has developed the Wet Mode, which is included as standard equipment on the new Porsche 911. This function detects water on the road, preconditions the stability control and anti-lock brake systems accordingly, and warns the driver. A camera-based warning and brake assist system, also fitted as standard, detects the risk of collision with moving objects and initiates emergency braking if necessary. Night Vision Assist with a thermal imaging camera is optionally available for the 911 for the first time. The Adaptive Cruise Control option includes automatic distance control, stop-and-go functionality, and an innovative Emergency Assist function.
The 2020 911 Carrera S has a base MSRP of $113,200, while the 2020 911 Carrera 4S will be offered starting at $120,600, each not including the $1,350 delivery, processing and handling fee. The models can be ordered now and are expected to reach U.S. dealers in summer 2019. *Updated on June 28, 2019 to reflect current pricing for delivery, processing and handling.
