The Porsche 911 Cabriolet (991) Carrera 4S 3.8, equipped with the 400 horsepower engine and Porsche Doppelkupplung (PDK) S transmission, represents a significant iteration in the long and storied history of Porsche’s iconic sports car. Produced from 2012 to 2015, this variant occupied a premium position within the 991 generation, offering all-wheel drive capability and enhanced performance compared to the base Carrera models. It built upon the foundation of the 991 platform – a comprehensive redesign of the 911 – focusing on improved driving dynamics, technology, and everyday usability while retaining the core characteristics that define the 911 experience.
Technical Specifications
| Brand | Porsche |
| Model | 911 |
| Generation | 911 Cabriolet (991) |
| Type (Engine) | Carrera 4S 3.8 (400 Hp) PDK S |
| Start of production | 2012 |
| End of production | 2015 |
| Powertrain Architecture | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type | Cabriolet |
| Seats | 4 |
| Doors | 2 |
| Fuel consumption (economy) – urban | 12.5 l/100 km (18.8 US mpg, 22.6 UK mpg, 8 km/l) |
| Fuel consumption (economy) – extra urban | 7.1 l/100 km (33.1 US mpg, 39.8 UK mpg, 14.1 km/l) |
| Fuel consumption (economy) – combined | 9.2 l/100 km (25.6 US mpg, 30.7 UK mpg, 10.9 km/l) |
| CO2 emissions | 214 g/km |
| Fuel Type | Petrol (Gasoline) |
| Acceleration 0 – 100 km/h | 4.3 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 62 mph | 4.3 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 60 mph | 4.1 sec |
| Maximum speed | 294 km/h (182.68 mph) |
| Emission standard | Euro 6 |
| Weight-to-power ratio | 3.9 kg/Hp, 257.2 Hp/tonne |
| Weight-to-torque ratio | 3.5 kg/Nm, 283 Nm/tonne |
| Power | 400 Hp @ 7400 rpm |
| Power per litre | 105.3 Hp/l |
| Torque | 440 Nm @ 5600 rpm (324.53 lb.-ft. @ 5600 rpm) |
| Engine layout | Rear, Longitudinal |
| Engine Model/Code | MA1.03 |
| Engine displacement | 3800 cm3 (231.89 cu. in.) |
| Number of cylinders | 6 |
| Engine configuration | Boxer |
| Cylinder Bore | 102 mm (4.02 in.) |
| Piston Stroke | 77.5 mm (3.05 in.) |
| Compression ratio | 12.5:1 |
| Number of valves per cylinder | 4 |
| Fuel injection system | Direct injection |
| Engine aspiration | Naturally aspirated engine |
| Engine oil capacity | 7.5 l (7.93 US qt | 6.6 UK qt) |
| Coolant | 29 l (30.64 US qt | 25.52 UK qt) |
| Kerb Weight | 1555 kg (3428.19 lbs.) |
| Max. weight | 1955 kg (4310.04 lbs.) |
| Max load | 400 kg (881.85 lbs.) |
| Trunk (boot) space – minimum | 285 l (10.06 cu. ft.) |
| Fuel tank capacity | 68 l (17.96 US gal | 14.96 UK gal) |
| Length | 4491 mm (176.81 in.) |
| Width | 1852 mm (72.91 in.) |
| Height | 1293 mm (50.91 in.) |
| Wheelbase | 2450 mm (96.46 in.) |
| Front track | 1538 mm (60.55 in.) |
| Rear (Back) track | 1552 mm (61.1 in.) |
| Drag coefficient (Cd) | 0.31 |
| Minimum turning circle (turning diameter) | 10.9 m (35.76 ft.) |
| Drive wheel | All wheel drive (4×4) |
| Number of gears and type of gearbox | 7 gears, automatic transmission PDK |
| Front suspension | Independent type McPherson |
| Rear suspension | Independent multi-link suspension |
| Front brakes | Ventilated discs, 340 mm |
| Rear brakes | Ventilated discs, 330 mm |
| Assisting systems | ABS (Anti-lock braking system) |
| Steering type | Steering rack and pinion |
| Power steering | Electric Steering |
| Tires size | 245/35 ZR20; 305/30 ZR20 |
| Wheel rims size | 8.5J x 20; 11J x 20 |
Powertrain & Engine Architecture
At the heart of the 991 Carrera 4S lies the MA1.03 engine, a 3.8-liter naturally aspirated flat-six (boxer) engine. This engine benefits from direct fuel injection, optimizing combustion efficiency and power delivery. The engine produces 400 horsepower at 7400 rpm and 324.53 lb-ft of torque at 5600 rpm. The ‘S’ designation indicates a higher output version of the 3.8L engine, featuring revised intake and exhaust systems. The engine’s flat-six configuration contributes to a low center of gravity, enhancing handling and stability. Paired with this engine is Porsche’s seven-speed PDK (Porsche Doppelkupplung) transmission. This dual-clutch transmission offers incredibly fast and smooth gear changes, contributing to the car’s impressive acceleration. The PDK S variant includes additional features like paddle shifters and a sportier shift program.
Driving Characteristics
The Carrera 4S 3.8 PDK S delivers a thrilling driving experience. The all-wheel-drive system provides exceptional traction, particularly in adverse weather conditions, and enhances cornering stability. The PDK transmission allows for both relaxed cruising and aggressive, sporty driving. Compared to the base Carrera, the 4S offers noticeably quicker acceleration and a more planted feel. While the manual transmission offered a more engaging experience for purists, the PDK provided superior speed and convenience. The gear ratios are tuned for a balance of acceleration and fuel efficiency, with the lower gears providing strong off-the-line performance and the higher gears optimized for highway cruising.
Equipment & Trim Levels
The Carrera 4S typically came standard with a generous array of features, including leather upholstery, a high-quality audio system, automatic climate control, and bi-xenon headlights. Optional extras were plentiful, allowing buyers to personalize their vehicles. Popular options included sport seats, a sunroof, the Porsche Dynamic Chassis Control (PDCC) system, and various interior trim packages. The Cabriolet version, of course, featured a fully automatic retractable soft top, adding open-air driving enjoyment. The interior design was focused on driver ergonomics, with a modern dashboard layout and intuitive controls.
Chassis & Braking
The 991 generation 911 benefited from a significantly stiffer chassis compared to its predecessor, improving handling precision and ride comfort. The Carrera 4S featured an independent suspension system with McPherson struts at the front and a multi-link setup at the rear. Braking duties were handled by ventilated disc brakes on all four wheels, providing ample stopping power. The Carrera 4S typically included larger brake rotors than the base Carrera. Porsche’s ABS (Anti-lock Braking System) and stability control systems further enhanced safety and control.
Market Reception & Comparison
The 991 Carrera 4S was widely praised by automotive critics for its performance, handling, and refinement. It was considered a benchmark in the sports car segment. Compared to the base Carrera, the 4S offered a more capable and engaging driving experience, justifying its higher price tag. The 4S also compared favorably to competitors like the Audi R8 and Mercedes-Benz 911, offering a unique blend of performance and everyday usability. Fuel economy was respectable for a high-performance sports car, but not a primary focus. Reliability was generally good, although maintenance costs could be substantial.
Legacy
The 991 Carrera 4S 3.8 PDK S remains a highly desirable sports car in the used market. Its combination of performance, luxury, and all-wheel-drive capability makes it a versatile and rewarding vehicle to own. The MA1.03 engine is known for its durability and relatively straightforward maintenance, although regular servicing is essential. The 991 generation 911 is widely regarded as one of the best iterations of Porsche’s iconic sports car, and the Carrera 4S 3.8 PDK S represents a sweet spot in the lineup, offering a compelling balance of performance, comfort, and technology.
