The new Porsche 911 Carrera 4 and 4S models unite the excellent performance and efficiency of the new generation 911 with the dynamic benefits of the latest version of the active all-wheel drive Porsche Traction Management (PTM) system.

While retaining the traditional rear-wheel drive emphasis of the 911, the all-wheel drive chassis of the Carrera 4 and 4S delivers increased traction, road-holding and dynamic performance over a wide variety of road surfaces and in all weather conditions.

A distinctive identifying feature of the 911 Carrera 4 and 4S remains the wider rear wheel arches: compared to the two-wheel drive 911 Carrera models, the rear wheel arches each extend further outwards by 22mm, and house rear tyres that are ten millimetres wider. The signature red light band that connects the two taillights has also taken on a new form.

The new all-wheel drive 911 is available in four versions: the 911 Carrera 4 and 911 Carrera 4S, and as a Coupé and Cabriolet. Each model shares identical characteristics to the rear-wheel drive versions, including lightweight body design, suspension, engine choices and gearbox options; the only exceptions are modifications related to the all-wheel drive. The innovative aluminium-steel composite body construction of the 911 helps deliver a weight saving of up to 65kg versus the prior model; consequently, despite the higher level of performance, the new 911 Carrera 4 models also offer up to 16 per cent lower fuel consumption.

All models have a seven-speed manual gearbox as standard, and the seven-speed PDK twin-clutch automatic transmission is available as an option. The 911 Carrera 4 features a rear-mounted 3.4-litre flat-six engine developing 257kW, and can sprint from 0-100km/h in 4.5 seconds (Cabriolet 4.7 seconds). The 911 Carrera 4 S is powered by a 3.8-litre flat-six engine that produces 294kW and delivers acceleration from 0-100km/h in 4.1 seconds (Cabriolet 4.3 seconds).

In the 911 Carrera 4 and 4S, a new menu in the instrument cluster informs the driver how the PTM all-wheel drive is currently distributing engine torque between the front and rear axles. In addition, coincident with the launch of the 911 Carrera 4 models, Porsche is introducing the option of Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) - which controls distance to traffic ahead and vehicle speed - across the 911 model range. When ordered with PDK, the ACC system adds the safety function Porsche Active Safe (PAS), which can help prevent front-end collisions.

The new Porsche 911 Carrera with all-wheel drive will make its first public appearance at the 2012 Paris International Motor Show in September.