Porsche continues its tradition of expanding the iconic 911 lineup with precision and predictability, much like the consistency of sunrise and sunset. Following the recent facelift introduced last year, the company has now unveiled the all-wheel-drive “S” variants for the 911 series, including the Carrera 4S Coupe, Cabriolet, and Targa 4S. These updated models bring more power, enhanced standard features, and, unsurprisingly, a notable price hike compared to their predecessors.
All three new models come equipped with the 3.0-liter twin-turbocharged flat-six engine, now producing 473 horsepower and 390 lb-ft of torque. This bump in power is largely attributed to the integration of intercoolers borrowed from the high-performance 911 Turbo, according to Porsche. While the new output aligns with the previous Carrera GTS in terms of horsepower, the torque figure is slightly less. Just like their rear-wheel-drive counterparts, the all-wheel-drive versions are only available with Porsche’s quick-shifting eight-speed PDK dual-clutch transmission. So far, Porsche is keeping the manual gearbox exclusive to enthusiast-focused models such as the Carrera T and GT3.
In addition to more power, the 2026 Carrera 4S models also receive performance upgrades, including the Sport Exhaust System and larger brakes that were previously offered on the GTS. Standard equipment now includes adaptive suspension dampers, a rear limited-slip differential, and staggered 20/21-inch wheels. Optional upgrades remain available for those seeking more dynamic driving characteristics, including sport suspension, rear-wheel steering, the Sport Chrono Package, and carbon-ceramic brakes. However, the Targa 4S comes with rear-wheel steering as a standard feature, setting it slightly apart from the others.
The cabin also sees enhancements, with more leather trim as standard and the addition of a new digital gauge cluster, which has sparked some debate among purists. The coupe version now comes with two seats by default, while the traditional 2+2 seating configuration is offered at no extra cost and is standard on both the Cabriolet and Targa.
In the U.S., about half of all 911 "S" models sold are all-wheel drive, making these versions a crucial part of Porsche's portfolio. Prior to this update, the only all-wheel-drive option for the facelifted 911 was the hybrid Carrera 4 GTS, so these new models serve to reduce the entry point for those seeking AWD performance in a gas-powered 911.
However, that entry still comes at a steep price. Preliminary pricing for the 2026 Carrera 4S Coupe starts at $156,450, which represents a jump of over $16,000 compared to the 2024 model. The Cabriolet is listed at $169,650, and the Targa 4S starts at $171,350. Porsche justifies the increase by pointing to the enhanced performance and additional standard features, although the company notes that prices are subject to change. Nevertheless, given the strong demand for 911 models, these higher price tags are unlikely to deter Porsche's loyal customer base.