After a brief hiatus, Porsche’s 4S badge returns to the 992.2 generation 911 lineup for 2026, and it arrives exactly when American buyers need it most. With nearly half of all Carrera S customers opting for all-wheel drive, the 4S fills an important gap between the rear-drive S models and the more aggressive GTS variants. After all, modern 911 owners want to drive their cars year-round, through varying weather conditions, without sacrificing the essence of what makes a 911 special.
The Sweet Spot
The 4S designation has always represented Porsche’s ability to combine performance and practicality. Where the base Carrera prioritizes accessibility and the GTS pushes toward track-focused intensity, the 4S occupies that middle ground where daily usability meets serious capability. It’s the 911 for someone who wants the confidence of all-wheel drive, but without the complexity of hybrid systems or the aggression of a full GTS setup.
Power Where It Counts
Under the engine cover sits the same 3.0-liter twin-turbo flat-six found in the Carrera S, now producing 473hp and 390lb.ft of torque. That’s a 30hp bump over the previous 4S generation, thanks largely to improved intercooling borrowed from the 911 Turbo. The power increase might seem modest on paper, but in a car that already excelled at translating power into forward motion, every additional horsepower matters.
Unfortunately, the eight-speed PDK transmission remains the only option, which will disappoint purists but reflects the reality of modern performance expectations. With launch control engaged via the optional Sport Chrono package, Porsche claims a 3.1-second 0-60 spring time, which is two-tenths quicker than the previous generation and impressively close to what we’d expect from much more expensive machinery.
Engineering Intelligence
Still retaining the essential character of the 911, the 4S now comes standard with brakes lifted from the previous-generation GTS, upgraded dampers with improved hydraulics, and a sport exhaust system with silver tailpipes.
The Porsche Traction Management system brings back its rear-biased torque split, sending power forward only when you need it based on your driving conditions. Likewise, the front differential is still water-cooled with an electromechanically controlled clutch. Optional rear-axle steering on the coupe and cabriolet (standard on the Targa) adds another layer of dynamic driving, improving both low-speed maneuverability and high-speed stability.
Interior Refinement
Inside, the 4S benefits from the extended leather treatment that’s become standard across the updated 911 range. This means leather not just on the obvious surfaces (i.e., seats and door panels) but extending to the upper dashboard and rear seats. Matrix LED headlights and wireless smartphone charging round out the standard equipment list.
Targa’s Moment
As we approach the 60th anniversary of the original Targa concept, Porsche has also given the 4S a Targa variant, coming standard with rear-axle steering. The current design boasts an automatic roof mechanism that operates in 19 seconds, while the wide roll bar and wraparound rear window give you that very specific open-air experience that only a Targa can provide.
Spec Sheet
Model: 2026 Porsche 911 4S
Engine: 3.0L twin-turbo flat-six
Power: 473 hp, 390 lb-ft torque
Transmission: 8-speed PDK dual-clutch
0-60: 3.1 seconds (with Sport Chrono)
Top Speed: 191mph
Drive: All-wheel drive with PTM
Standard Features: Sport exhaust, GTS brakes, Matrix LED headlights, wireless charging
Variants: Coupe, Cabriolet, Targa
Pricing & Availability
Porsche hasn’t finalized pricing yet, but early estimates suggest the 911 4S coupe will start around $156,000, with the Cabriolet at $170,000 and the Targa 4S at $171,000. Deliveries are expected to begin in late 2025.
Recap
2026 Porsche 911 4S
Porsche brings back the 4S, and with AWD for all-weather performance. This fits right in the sweet spot between your more aggressive GTS and the standard Carrera.
