The Porsche 911 Carrera 4S 3.8, equipped with the dual-clutch Porsche Doppelkupplung (PDK) transmission, represented a significant evolution in the iconic 911 lineage. Produced from 2012 to 2015 as part of the 991 generation, this variant blended the classic 911 formula with enhanced performance, all-wheel drive capability, and modern technology. It occupied a sweet spot in the 991 lineup, offering a substantial step up in power and refinement from the base Carrera models while remaining more accessible than the higher-performance Carrera S and track-focused GT3 variants.
Technical Specifications
| Brand | Porsche |
| Model | 911 |
| Generation | 911 (991) |
| Type (Engine) | Carrera 4S 3.8 (400 Hp) PDK |
| Start of production | 2012 |
| End of production | 2015 |
| Powertrain Architecture | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type | Coupe |
| Seats | 4 |
| Doors | 2 |
| Fuel consumption (economy) – urban | 12.4 l/100 km (19 US mpg, 22.8 UK mpg, 8.1 km/l) |
| Fuel consumption (economy) – extra urban | 7 l/100 km (33.6 US mpg, 40.4 UK mpg, 14.3 km/l) |
| Fuel consumption (economy) – combined | 9.1 l/100 km (25.8 US mpg, 31 UK mpg, 11 km/l) |
| CO2 emissions | 212 g/km |
| Fuel Type | Petrol (Gasoline) |
| Acceleration 0 – 100 km/h | 4.1 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 62 mph | 4.1 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 60 mph | 3.9 sec |
| Maximum speed | 297 km/h (184.55 mph) |
| Emission standard | Euro 6 |
| Weight-to-power ratio | 3.7 kg/Hp, 269.4 Hp/tonne |
| Weight-to-torque ratio | 3.4 kg/Nm, 296.3 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 | 1485 kg (3273.86 lbs.) |
| Max. weight | 1895 kg (4177.76 lbs.) |
| Max load | 410 kg (903.9 lbs.) |
| Trunk (boot) space – minimum | 385 l (13.6 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 | 1295 mm (50.98 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) | 0.30 |
| 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 |
| Rear brakes | Ventilated discs |
| Assisting systems | ABS (Anti-lock braking system) |
| Steering type | Steering rack and pinion |
| 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 911 Carrera 4S 3.8 lay the MA1.03 engine, a 3.8-liter naturally aspirated flat-six. This engine was a direct evolution of the previous 3.6-liter unit, benefitting from an increased bore size to achieve the larger displacement. The engine featured direct fuel injection (DFI), a technology that improved both power and fuel efficiency by injecting fuel directly into the combustion chamber. The valvetrain employed four valves per cylinder, contributing to the engine’s high-revving nature and broad powerband. The engine produced 400 horsepower at 7,400 rpm and 324.5 lb-ft of torque at 5,600 rpm.
The PDK transmission was a crucial component of this variant. Unlike a traditional automatic, the PDK is a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission. It essentially combines two separate manual gearboxes within one unit, allowing for incredibly fast and smooth gear changes. This resulted in quicker acceleration and a more engaging driving experience compared to a conventional automatic. The all-wheel-drive system, a defining characteristic of the “4S” model, utilized a multi-plate clutch to distribute power between the rear and front axles, enhancing traction and stability, particularly in adverse weather conditions.
Driving Characteristics
The 911 Carrera 4S 3.8 PDK delivered a compelling blend of performance and usability. Acceleration from 0 to 60 mph took approximately 3.9 seconds, making it a genuinely quick car by any standard. The PDK transmission contributed significantly to this performance, providing near-instantaneous shifts. While not as raw or visceral as the manual transmission options, the PDK offered a level of convenience and speed that appealed to a wider range of drivers. The all-wheel-drive system provided exceptional grip, inspiring confidence in corners and allowing the driver to exploit the engine’s power more effectively. Compared to the base Carrera, the 4S offered noticeably stronger acceleration and a more planted feel. Compared to the Carrera S, the 4S traded a small amount of ultimate performance for increased stability and all-weather capability.
Equipment & Trim Levels
The Carrera 4S 3.8 typically came well-equipped as standard. Interior features included leather upholstery, power-adjustable seats, a touchscreen infotainment system, and a premium sound system. Optional extras were plentiful, allowing buyers to personalize their 911. Popular options included sport seats, a sunroof, adaptive cruise control, and various interior trim packages. The 4S trim generally offered a more luxurious and refined interior experience compared to the base Carrera, with higher-quality materials and more standard features.
Chassis & Braking
The 991 generation 911 featured an aluminum-intensive chassis, contributing to its relatively low weight. The Carrera 4S utilized an independent suspension system with McPherson struts at the front and a multi-link setup at the rear. The suspension was tuned to provide a balance between comfort and handling. Braking duties were handled by ventilated discs at all four corners, providing ample stopping power. The 4S models typically featured larger brake rotors than the base Carrera, further enhancing braking performance. Porsche’s Porsche Stability Management (PSM) system was standard, providing electronic stability control to help maintain control in challenging situations.
Market Reception & Comparison
The 911 Carrera 4S 3.8 PDK was widely praised by automotive critics for its performance, handling, and refinement. It was considered a well-rounded sports car that excelled in a variety of driving situations. Fuel economy was respectable for a high-performance vehicle, averaging around 25.8 US mpg in combined driving. Reliability was generally good, although maintenance costs could be high due to the car’s complex engineering and the cost of Porsche parts. Compared to the base Carrera, the 4S offered a significant performance upgrade and all-wheel-drive capability for a relatively modest price increase. Compared to the Carrera S, the 4S provided a more accessible entry point into the higher-performance 911 world.
Legacy
The 991 Carrera 4S 3.8 PDK remains a highly desirable sports car in the used car market. Its combination of performance, luxury, and all-weather capability makes it a compelling choice for enthusiasts. The MA1.03 engine is known for its durability, although regular maintenance is essential to ensure its longevity. The PDK transmission has also proven to be reliable, provided it is serviced according to Porsche’s recommendations. As a representative of the 991 generation, the Carrera 4S 3.8 embodies Porsche’s commitment to engineering excellence and driving pleasure, solidifying its place as a modern classic.
