If you prefer your Porsche 911s will the added traction benefits of all-wheel-drive, here’s some good news: Porsche has just announced the introduction of four new Carrera 4 models, including the Coupe and Cabriolet Carrera 4 and the Coupe and Cabriolet Carrera 4 S.
As with previous Carrera 4 models, torque is biased to the rear wheels to provide more of the traditional Porsche 911 handling balance. The Carrera 4 models continue to sport a wider stance, with the rear track extended by 22 mm (0.87 inches) to accommodate rear tires that are 10 mm wider than on rear-drive 911 Carrera models.
2013 Porsche 911 Carrera 4 Cabriolet – Image: Porsche AG
Carrera 4 Coupe and Cabriolet models get a 3.4-liter flat-six engine rated at 350 horsepower and 287 pound-feet of torque. Available with either a seven-speed manual transmission or Porsche’s dual-clutch PDK automatic, Carrera 4 Coupes can run from 0-60 mph in as little as 4.5 seconds, with the Cabriolet taking 4.7 seconds to hit the same speed.
2013 Porsche 911 Carrera 4 S Coupe and Carrera 4 Cabriolet – Image: Porsche AG
If that’s not fast enough for you, stepping up to the Carrera 4 S gets you a 3.8-liter flat-six, rated at 400 horsepower and 325 pound-feet of torque. The same gearboxes are available, and Carrera S Coupes can do the 0-60 mph run in as little as 4.1 seconds (or 4.3 seconds, if you prefer the Cabriolet).
2013 Porsche 911 Carrera 4 S interior – Image: Porsche AG
The previous generation of the Carrera 4 accounted for 34-percent of Porsche’s 911 sales, and the German automaker expects similar results with this new generation. Look for the cars to officially debut at the upcoming Paris Auto Show, with inventory hitting European dealers by year-end. Pricing for the United States will be announced closer to launch.
Kurt Ernst has been passionate about automobiles and driving nearly his entire life. His early years were shaped working in the family service station, though his real passion was auto racing. After graduating from the University of Colorado, Kurt spent a year club racing with the Sports Car Club of America, before focusing on a business career in marketing and project management. Later, his passion for writing and the automotive hobby found him freelancing for a variety of automotive news sites, including Automotive Addicts and Motor Authority, where his work was syndicated and appeared in several national publications. Recognized as an expert in the automotive field, Kurt joined Hemmings Motor News as an Associate Editor in 2013, and in the years since has progressed to Editor, Hemmings Daily; Managing Editor for Hemmings Motor News, Hemmings Classic Car, Hemmings Muscle Machines, and the Hemmings Daily; and now, Managing Editor, Hemmings Auctions. Kurt was instrumental in organizing the Hemmings Motor News Concours d’Elegance from 2013-2019, and has served as a judge at this event and The Vintage Racing Stable Concours d’Elegance. A Skip Barber Racing School graduate and prolific writer, Ernst is also skilled in copyediting, project management, brand development, and public relations.
