The Early 991 Carrera 4S

Lately, many people around me have been buying early 991 models. What everyone consistently praises is the NA engine’s sound and rev feel.

While Porsche may still produce NA 911s in the future, this generation represents the last NA engine 911s from an era before stricter noise regulations and without GPFs. That makes many eager to get their hands on one now.

I’m one of them, having purchased an early 991 Carrera 4 GTS myself.

This time, I had the chance to test drive a 991 early Carrera 4S. But this isn’t just any Carrera 4S—it’s a top-tier model loaded with about 5.7 million yen worth of options.

Leather-finished interior mirror trim

Basalt Black Metallic paint

The exterior color is Basalt Black Metallic. While it’s black, it has a strong metallic element with a very subtle reddish tint. If Jet Black Metallic leans toward a bluish black, this is best understood as a reddish black.

The interior features an all-leather Espresso finish costing 820,000 yen. Not only that, but the leather option extends behind the mirrors and even covers the rear seat center tunnel—a level of luxury I’ve never seen before.

On top of that, it includes seat ventilation, a BOSE sound system, carbon interior package, a center console with crest emblem, and 14-way sports seats—truly an all-in setup.

Probably the rarest option in 911 history: rear footwell lighting.

Performance options include the Sport Chrono Package, Sports Exhaust System, sports steering wheel, PDCC—all fully equipped.

It’s almost like a Turbo S spec.

What’s the Difference Between the 4S and 4 GTS?

For this test drive, I want to focus on the differences compared to my own Carrera 4 GTS.

First, the engine sound heard from outside is quite loud. I listened to it climbing a winding road, and it was an elegant yet powerful sound. The PDK’s shift blips are also fantastic. With the sports exhaust, the 4S produces a fairly loud roar.

Sitting in the driver’s seat, I adjusted the position. The 14-way sports seat has a wider cushion compared to the sports seat plus. This is similar to the relationship between the 992 sports seat and sports seat plus.

Once underway, the sound inside the cabin feels somewhat quieter than the GTS. The ride is mild. More precisely, it doesn’t have the firm tire contact feel of the GTS but rather a lighter impression, somewhat like the early 991 Carrera Cabriolet I previously drove.

While the sense of road contact differs, the ride comfort of both GTS and 4S is generally very good.

In normal mode, when cruising on winding roads, PDCC’s effect is subtle, allowing gentle body roll and a relaxed feel through corners. Compared to the GTS in normal mode, the initial steering response feels a bit softer.

To describe this ride, “refined ride quality” might be a more accurate expression than simply “comfortable.” Anyone in the passenger seat wouldn’t say it’s harsh or uncomfortable.

Switching to sport mode, I revved the engine. Enjoying the razor-sharp PDK shifts, I accelerated. The sports exhaust valves opened, and a thrilling sound came from the rear. Compared to the GTS, the interior sound is noticeably different.

The GTS resonates inside with a deep, rumbling “grrr” sound, while the 4S is less aggressively sporty.

Though loud, the sound’s character feels milder. This is likely due to differences in the sound symposer tuning and intake/exhaust components between the two models.

If you were to install the genuine power kit option—essentially making the 4S engine the same as the GTS—I imagine the sound and feel would become very similar.

By the way, do you feel a power difference between the GTS’s 430ps and the 4S’s 400ps? In short, yes. Up to around 4000 rpm, there’s almost no difference, but beyond that, you can sense the torque difference during acceleration.

There are moments when you wish the GTS would accelerate a bit more powerfully. Still, the 4S offers more than enough performance, so power is not a concern.

The Signature “PDCC”

I pressed the PDCC button and switched to sport mode. This is where the car truly shines.

The roll control kicks in clearly, and the 4S transforms into a “magic carpet.” Despite no noticeable stiffening of the suspension, body roll in corners is significantly reduced, shifting from a mild to a sporty feel.

The car feels more planted mid-corner, moving like a true sports car. Being all-wheel drive, traction is excellent, and the car launches forward like a catapult whenever you step on the gas. Despite this, roll remains minimal, so occupants feel only the necessary lateral G-forces.

PDCC achieves the perfect balance of “comfortably fast.”

After the drive, I walked around the car again and admired its beauty and style.

The subtle reddish tint of the Basalt Black exterior and the red hues of the Espresso leather interior create a wonderful balance. The wide body unique to the 4 series, the rear garnish connecting left and right, and the silver model logo stand out beautifully against the black body.

This exquisite model made me strongly wish to one day order a new car with such refined and tasteful specifications myself.