Porsche Introduces New All-Wheel-Drive Versions of the 911 Sports Car

Saudi Arabia : Porsche is adding three new models to its 911 lineup, bringing the number of all-wheel-drive 911s to six.

• The latest Carrera 4S comes as a coupe and cabriolet, joining the Targa 4S.
• The new all-wheel-drive 911s use the 3.0-liter twin-turbo six-cylinder 480 PS engine.
• The new models feature new wheel options, Porsche Torque Vectoring Plus, red calliper brakes and many interior enhancements.

The new Porsche 911 Carrera 4S is now available in six versions with all-wheel drive, including the coupe, cabriolet, and Targa 4S. To mark the 60th anniversary of the 911 Targa, Porsche now offers two options for this body style, which was created for the US market as the 'safety cabriolet.' 

These models expand the range below the more powerful GTS versions. The updated powertrain gives these sports cars a stronger emotional feel compared to older models. They also come with more customization options and an extended list of standard features.

Growing Demand for All-Wheel Drive Variants

Around half of all customers who pick the S models of the 911 choose all-wheel drive. This is mainly because it offers a better grip in bad weather. The all-wheel-drive 911 feels more confident on tricky roads and in changing weather. All these models are rear-biased in their driving style. 

If needed, the Porsche Traction Management (PTM) system shifts more power to the front wheels, increasing grip and stability. Like previous models, the front differential has an electromechanical clutch. It’s water-cooled and only has a slight change in its gear ratio. The Targa body style is available only with all-wheel drive.

Powertrain and Performance

The new all-wheel-drive 911s use the enhanced drive system taken from the Carrera S. Their 3.0-liter twin-turbo six-cylinder engine now delivers 480 PS. That’s 30 PS more than the older model. The extra power comes from an upgraded intercooler borrowed from the 911 Turbo. 

Power is sent to all four wheels through an 8-speed dual-clutch PDK gearbox. The Carrera 4S coupe can dash from 0 to 100 kmph in mere 3.3 seconds. With the Sport Chrono Package, it can attain a top speed of 308 kmph.

Better equipped

The standard features are much improved from earlier models. These include larger, stylish wheels—20 inches in front and 21 inches at the back, along with Porsche Torque Vectoring Plus (PTV+) and a sports exhaust that gives the car a true 911 sound.

The braking system on all-wheel-drive models is taken from the GTS range, featuring red callipers and large discs—408 mm in front and 380 mm in back. The 911 Targa 4S also feature rear-wheel steering as standard. While the Targa and Cabriolet come with rear seats, the coupe is a two-seater. A rear seat can be added at no extra cost if needed.

Inside, the sports car comes with a leather package. It also includes LED headlights that adapt to the light, wireless charging for phones, power-folding mirrors with lighting, a light package, auto-dimming mirrors with rain sensors and lane departure warnings. There are many options for customisation, like different colors, materials, sound systems, safety features and roof styles.

Sixty Years of the 911 Targa: A History of Innovations

For over six decades, the 911 Targa has offered the fun of a convertible with the comfort of a coupe all year round. The first version was Porsche’s way of addressing concerns about safety with traditional convertibles in the US market. It made its debut in September 1965 at the Frankfurt Motor Show and was called the ‘safety cabriolet’.

Many Porsche innovations come from racing, and the sleek, wide roll bar on the Targa is no exception. With a removable roof and a folding rear window, it gave drivers a feeling similar to a full convertible but with extra safety.

Today, the Porsche 911 Targa is a symbol of its own, constantly improving in both design and engineering over the years. When the 993-generation Targa arrived in 1993, drivers no longer had to remove the roof by hand. Since 2006, all Targas come equipped with all-wheel drive.

From 2014 onwards, the roof has become fully automatic. It takes just 19 seconds for the car to change from a coupe to an open-top. The glass rear window folds back while the roof folds into place neatly. The wide roll bar and rear window are clear reminders of the original Targa. The roof is available in four colours: black, blue, red and brown.