Porsche updates 911 range with a new lineup of all-wheel drive models

One of the beauties of leasing your car is the ability to choose from a wide range of cars that would possibly be out of budget if you had to stump up the full list price. Which may well be all the reason you need to treat yourself to something special. And if you are feeling the need to indulge, you can’t really go wrong with the new Porsche 911 Carrera 4S.

What’s even better is that you now have three of them to choose from thanks to Porsche’s expanded 911 lineup.

The latest edition of the 911 Carrera 4S is being simultaneously launched as both a coupe and cabriolet alongside the iconic Targa 4S. Together, the new models expand the line-up and offer another option between the standard Carrera and the more powerful GTS models in the range.

It turns out that around half of all customers who choose an S variant of the 911 Carrera end up specifying the all-wheel drive option. Due to its dynamic capabilities and maximised traction in poor weather, particularly in regions with changeable climates or demanding road conditions, Porsche’s all-wheel drive models offer you an additional boost of confidence behind the wheel.

In fact, the Targa versions have been exclusively all-wheel drive since 2006, so all Porsche has really done is bring the rest of the S range in line.

Like every 911 with all-wheel-drive, the new S variants are designed with rear-biased driving dynamics to maintain the traditional feel of the car. The Porsche Traction Management system only provides more drive to the front axle, thereby increasing traction and driving stability, as needed.

There’s more power, too, for the revised Porsche 911 lineup

As well as the all-wheel drive system, a revised powertrain gives the new 911 Carrera 4S a boost in power.

Generous standard equipment levels with a wide selection of personalisation options complete the overall package.

The new all-wheel drive variants of the 911 adopt the upgraded drive system of the Carrera S, with its rear-mounted 3.0-litre, twin-turbocharged six-cylinder boxer engine producing almost 480bhp, an increase of around 30bhp over its predecessor. It also borrows the intercooler from the 911 Turbo to help with the boost in power, before sending it to all four wheels via an eight-speed PDK transmission.

To put that into perspective, the coupe version of the new 911 Carrera 4S accelerates from standstill to 62mph in a little over 3 seconds and boasts a top speed of 191mph.

To complement the improved traction and improved performance, standard equipment levels have also been improved compared to the previous models.

Updates include 20/21-inch staggered-fitment Carrera S wheels with an updated design, and a sports exhaust system that emphasises the distinctive soundtrack of a 911. The braking system is also carried over from the GTS models, featuring the distinctive red brake callipers. The 911 Targa 4S also features rear-wheel steering as standard. The interior of the new Carrera 4S is swathed in the finest leather upholstery and also packed with the latest technology.

Matrix LED headlights and wireless smartphone charging are also standard features, along with electrically folding exterior mirrors with mirror surround lighting, the Light Design Package, automatically dimming interior and exterior mirrors with integrated rain sensor, and lane departure warning.

A word of warning though. The only thing you might need to be aware of is that if you opt for the coupe version, Porsche has left the rear seats off the list of standard equipment.

Don’t worry, it’s not a mistake. The Coupe is configured as a two-seater because it’s more likely to be chosen by purists looking for a track day car, and under those criteria back seats just add unnecessary weight. Cabriolet and Targa models both have back seats fitted regardless, and Porsche is quite happy to put the rear seats back in the Coupe as a no-cost option if you really want them.

As well as seats in the back, Porsche is also offering a wide range of other options for individualisation, including a wide variety of colour and material combinations as well as sound, assistance and roof systems.

And if you do fancy treating yourself, the new 911 Carrera 4S range – Coupe, Cabriolet, and Targa – is available to order right now. So, like the car itself, there’s no need to hang around...