Porsche 911 Carrera 4, Targa 4 AWD revealed

Combined with AWD, the 911 Carrera 4 accelerates faster than its rear-wheel-drive counterpart for the first time.

Thanks to the downsized 3.0 litre twin turbo engine the Carrera 4 and Targa 4 produce 272kW of power and 450Nm of torque. The result: a new three-liter, flat six twin-turbo engine that sets new standards in performance, driving pleasure, and efficiency, while offering a 20 hp increase compared to the previous engine generation. As for the new Carrera 4S and Targa 4S models, its engine has been tweaked and pumps out 414 hp and 369 lb-ft of torque.

In addition to Porsche’s standard array of bewildering acronyms, the Carrera 4 and 4S get, for the first time, a mode switch on the steering wheel allowing the driver to toggle the traction control, reponse of the PDK gearshifts, exhaust and more. It gives drivers a mode switch on the steering wheel, to select between Normal, Sport, Sport Plus and Individual driving modes.

Along with the new engines, the PASM (Porsche Active Suspension Management) system will be fitted to every model. The Carrera 4 will start at 103,983 euros ($116,977), the Carrera 4 Cabriolet and Targa 4 will both start at 117,073 euros ($131,703).

The range of 911 Carrera and Targa 4 and 4S models will go on sale in Australia in the second quarter of 2016. Rear-axle steering – as found on GT3 models – also joins the options list, while a hydraulic lift system raises the nose 40mm to cope with speed bumps and steep driveways. Targa and Cabriolet models need just 0.2 seconds longer.

On the outside all wheel drive models gain the revised styling of the new Carrera models, and also pick up a full-width lighting strip between the tail lights, as well as rear guards pushed out by a further 44mm. When this button is pressed, the drivetrain is pre-conditioned for maximum acceleration for 20 seconds, for example in order to carry out overtaking manoeuvres. The new shock absorber generation offers enhanced ride comfort through an even more refined responsiveness, but also reduces body roll during hard cornering.

From big brother 911 Turbo S, the Carrera 4 and Carrera 4S borrow Porsche’s four-wheel steer technology, an option whereby the rear wheels turn slightly in the opposite direction to the fronts at low speeds to improve maneuverability – the turning circle reduced by 40cm – and in the same direction as the fronts at high speed to improve control. It increases the turn-in agility of the 911.

There are new steering wheels with a design based on the 918 Spyder’s. In standard specification it has a 375mm rim, though a 360mm GT sports wheel is optional.

The completely new PCM connectivity and infotainment system included as a standard feature integrates new functions around the multi-touch display in the centre console that now has a seven-inch format. User inputs by handwriting are also possible.

For 2017 Porsche stepped up the tech game a little, featuring optional internet radio, Google StreetView, and Remote retrieval of vehicle information.

The 911 Carrera 4 and Targa 4 should make their North American debuts in Los Angeles next month.