Porsche's Brilliant 911 Carrera S Gets The All-Weather Upgrade It's Been Needing

The latest to arrive are the Carrera 4S, Carrera 4S Cabriolet, and Targa 4S, which will arrive in the US for the 2026 model year. These models add a more affordable way to get an all-wheel drive 911 and bridge the gap in performance between base Carrera derivatives and the spicier GTS.

The big news for the updated 911 is the addition of a hybrid powertrain for the various GTS models, though the Carrera 4S and Targa 4S stick with the twin-turbocharged 3.0-liter flat-six engine that powered their respective outgoing versions, but with horsepower dialed up. Peak output is 473 hp and 390 lb-ft of torque, which is 30 hp more than before, while the torque is unchanged. In the Carrera 4S coupe, you're looking at 0-60 mph acceleration in just 3.1 seconds (with Launch Control and available Sport Chrono package) and a top speed of 191 mph. An 8-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission is standard.

The rear-wheel-drive Carrera S is already approaching perfection thanks to the recent horsepower bump, but according to Porsche, nearly half of buyers in the US prefer the added traction of the all-wheel-drive Carrera 4S. The AWD system is rear-biased and sends torque to the front wheels when needed. As for the Targa models, Porsche offers them exclusively with all-wheel drive, so the new model simply upgrades the power over the base Targa 4.

Beyond more power, the updated Carrera 4S and Targa 4S gain a few extra updates:   

Like other refreshed 911s, the Carrera 4S and Targa 4S are distinguished by updated headlights featuring matrix LED tech with integrated daytime running lights. The front and rear fascias have also been subtly reshaped for improved aerodynamics. Inside, the dash is now fully digital - replacing the last analog tachometer - and for the first time in a 911, there's an engine start button, positioned to the left of the steering wheel in classic Porsche fashion. A wireless phone charger is standard. The Carrera 4S comes with two seats as standard, but rear seats can be added. Cabriolet and Targa models include rear seats as standard.

Pricing is yet to be finalized, but Porsche has provided ballpark pricing:

Those prices are up significantly compared to the pre-updated versions of the car. The 2024 Carrera 4S, for example, started at around $138,000. Porsche has previously indicated that it needs to raise prices to maintain its margins in the face of tariffs as well as increased investments in previously unplanned gas models.

For fans of the 911, there's more to look forward to with the updated range. Still out testing in updated form are the 911 Turbo, which will be coming with a hybrid powertrain, the track-focused 911 GT3 RS, which is rumored to introduce turbocharging, and the new 911 GT2 RS, which will take the 911 close to hypercar levels of performance.