Porsche 911 Type 991 Carrera 4S - 2014

Porsche 911 (991.1) Carrera 4S – 2013 to 2016

When Porsche unveiled the all-wheel-drive 991-generation Carrera 4S in late 2012 for the 2013 model year, it distilled everything the 911 stood for into a broader-shouldered, more technological package. The 4S paired the naturally aspirated 3.8‑litre flat-six (400 hp) from the Carrera S with Porsche Traction Management (PTM) all‑wheel drive and the hallmark lichtleiste—the full-width rear light strip that, on 991, became an instant visual signature of the AWD cars. Under the skin, the 991 platform brought a longer 2,450 mm wheelbase and a mixed aluminium/steel body-in-white that helped stiffness and trimmed mass versus the 997, despite a fuller equipment set.

The 4S arrived as a confidence-in-all-seasons 911: traction for wet climates, but still very much rear-engined in feel. PTM’s quick-reacting multi-plate clutch could shuffle torque forward pre‑emptively, and with options like Sport Chrono (dynamic engine mounts), PASM, PTV/PTV Plus and PDCC active roll control, the car could be honed from all‑round GT to B‑road assassin. Two character-defining gearboxes were offered: the world’s first 7‑speed manual in a production car, or the brilliantly calibrated 7‑speed PDK dual‑clutch with launch control. With PDK and Sport Chrono, 0–100 km/h dipped to the low fours; top speed hovered just shy of 300 km/h.

Contemporary testers lauded its bandwidth: everyday civility, long‑legged touring ability and repeatable performance. Some purists noted the new electric power steering shaved off a hint of tactile magic versus hydraulic racks, yet most agreed the chassis poise, traction and usability were a leap forward. Against rivals—Audi R8, Nissan GT‑R, later Mercedes‑AMG GT, and Jaguar’s emerging F‑Type—the 4S traded bombast for precision and polish, and often won comparison tests on its all‑round ability.

The 991.1 era also ushered in efficiency tech—start/stop, thermal management and PDK coasting—without dulling the naturally aspirated howl, especially with the optional Sport Exhaust. Media appearances were plentiful: 991‑generation Carreras starred across YouTube and print group tests; Top Gear and Evo praised the S/4S balance, and Chris Harris famously showcased how friendly yet ferociously effective the chassis could be. A fun detail: that glowing rear red bar wasn’t just theatre—it visually underlined the extra 44 mm of rear track and body width over two‑wheel‑drive cars.

By 2016, Porsche transitioned to the 991.2 with turbocharged Carreras, making the 991.1 Carrera 4S one of the last naturally aspirated, everyday‑usable AWD 911s. For many enthusiasts, that combination—NA response, PDK brilliance or the unique 7‑speed manual, plus year‑round traction—cemented the 4S as a modern sweet spot in the 911 lineage.