The 2026 Porsche 911 Carrera 4S is officially back, marking the return of all-wheel-drive (AWD) models to the 992.2 generation. This time, it’s not just the Coupe making a comeback—the Carrera 4S Cabriolet and the iconic Targa 4S are also part of the lineup. With more power, sharper dynamics, and a richer set of standard features, these models continue to strike that quintessential Porsche balance between thrilling performance and everyday usability.
Within the 911 family, the 4S sits comfortably between the rear-wheel-drive Carrera S and the more aggressive GTS. For 2026, all three versions of the Carrera 4S come equipped with the same 3.0-liter twin-turbocharged flat-six engine found in the Carrera S. Output stands at an impressive 473 horsepower and 390 lb-ft of torque—30 more horsepower than the outgoing models. While those numbers might not look outrageous on paper, Porsche’s precision engineering ensures every added pony counts.
All of that power is delivered through Porsche’s excellent eight-speed PDK dual-clutch transmission, now mated to an updated AWD system. According to Porsche, the Carrera 4S Coupe can hit 60 mph in just 3.1 seconds when equipped with the optional Sport Chrono package. But anyone who knows Porsche knows the brand tends to lowball its performance figures. Back in 2020, MotorTrend managed a 0-60 mph time of 3.0 seconds in the outgoing Carrera 4S. Given the upgrades, the 2026 model is likely even quicker in real-world conditions.
The Cabriolet and Targa 4S weren’t given official acceleration numbers, but it’s safe to assume they’ll be just a tick slower due to the added weight from their convertible roof mechanisms. Still, the appeal of these models isn’t just about outright speed. Picture this: a middle-aged art dealer in Malibu driving along the Pacific Coast Highway at sunrise, top down, the roar of the flat-six mixing with the ocean breeze—that’s the kind of magic you get with the Cabriolet or the Targa. Numbers can’t quite measure that.
Handling and ride quality have also seen improvements. Porsche has retuned the dampers and upgraded hydraulic systems for more responsive and refined driving. Standard GTS-level brakes provide confident stopping power, and the silver-tipped Sport Exhaust gives the car a little more bite—both visually and acoustically. Rear-axle steering comes standard on the Targa 4S, enhancing both agility in tight turns and stability at high speeds. Optional features include PASM sport suspension and Porsche Ceramic Composite Brakes, allowing driving purists to take things a step further.
The AWD system itself remains clever and sophisticated. With an electromechanically controlled, water-cooled front differential, Porsche’s Traction Management system keeps a rear-drive bias but sends power to the front wheels as needed. That means classic 911 handling characteristics remain intact—just with more confidence in the rain or snow.
Inside, the cabin gets an upgrade in both luxury and tech. An extended leather package now comes standard, covering the seats, headrests, upper dashboard, door panels, and—where equipped—the rear seats. Coupe buyers will need to specifically opt back in for the rear seats, though Porsche offers them at no additional charge. For a young American couple balancing work and weekend trips, or even a single dad who occasionally needs to pick up his kids in something stylish, this flexibility adds real-world practicality.
Wireless phone charging is now standard across the range, a small but welcome nod to daily convenience—especially for drivers who rely on Apple CarPlay or Android Auto. Porsche hasn’t gone overboard with interior tech, keeping the driver-focused cockpit clean and familiar.
Of course, all of this comes at a price. Nothing about a 911 is ever truly “affordable.” The 2026 Carrera 4S Coupe is expected to start at around $156,000. The Cabriolet version climbs to about $170,000, and the Targa 4S will set you back roughly $171,000. Deliveries are set to begin in the fourth quarter of this year.
And if you’re planning to get one, do yourself a favor and pick the light blue color featured in Porsche’s press photos. It has a refined, almost retro-modern feel to it—understated yet striking. One can easily imagine a retired architect living in the French Riviera, stepping out of his pale blue Targa in linen trousers and suede loafers, ordering a cortado at his favorite seaside café. That’s the lifestyle a Porsche 911 makes possible.
At a time when the automotive world is racing toward electrification, Porsche’s unwavering commitment to evolving the 911 proves there’s still plenty of room for combustion-powered sports cars. The return of the Carrera 4S lineup isn’t just about plugging a gap in the model range—it’s about preserving the soul of the 911 while pushing it forward. With this latest generation, Porsche hasn’t reinvented the wheel—but it has made it sharper, quicker, and more refined than ever. For driving enthusiasts on either side of the Atlantic, the 2026 Carrera 4S is shaping up to be a dream worth chasing.