Why the 2024 Carrera 4S Might Just Be the Best 992 Yet

The 2024 Porsche 911 Carrera 4S is, in my view, singlehandedly carrying Porsche's Roadster lineup for 2024. And before you roll your eyes and say, "Another Porsche, Mia, we get it," hear me out.

While my heart will always remain loyal to the rich 911 legacy, I’ve found myself yearning for that special "je ne sais quoi" that many 992 models seem to lack. Aesthetically, the 992 generation is undoubtedly a masterpiece, blending the wide rear end we adored in the 997 with the perfectly rounded, “happy” front end from the early 993s. But something was missing—something raw, something visceral that made earlier 911s so thrilling to drive. That is, until I got behind the wheel of the Carrera 4S.

What’s Inside?

At first glance, the C4S looks much like any other 992. It has the power, the looks, and the pedigree—but that’s not what makes it special. The real magic lies in its manual transmission.

Call me a romantic, but in today's age, a manual, all-wheel-drive Porsche is as rare as a rotary phone. It’s almost unheard of.

Under the hood, the 2024 Carrera 4S boasts a 3.0L twin-turbo flat-six, producing 443 horsepower, paired with a curb weight of 3,487 pounds. It’s a combination that preserves Porsche’s legendary agility while offering a thrill factor that few can match. While the power alone is enough to draw you in, it’s the advanced all-wheel-drive system, paired with the seven-speed manual gearbox, that keeps me coming back for more.

I had the privilege of experiencing this car on the 2.5-mile-long Club Motorsports Circuit, and it completely reshaped my perspective of the 992. For the first time, I felt that raw, on-the-edge joy I’d been longing for in a 911. Prior to this, I was admittedly skeptical about taking a four-wheel-drive 911 on track, but the C4S came alive with the simple push of a button.

The Drive: Sport, Sport Plus, Wet and Individual

The true brilliance of the C4S becomes apparent when you explore its driving modes.

Sport Mode was my choice for a spirited drive through the White Mountain National Forest, just 20 minutes from the track. The stiffer suspension minimized body roll in a way that felt akin to connecting a rear sway bar. The lateral weight transfer was balanced, with both sides of the car in perfect harmony. Without Sport Mode, body roll was far more pronounced, as each suspension system acted independently.

The exhaust note in Sport Mode was equally satisfying. Perhaps it was the acoustics of the mountain backdrop, but the C4S sounded almost straight-piped in this setting. It’s the sort of sound that turns heads as you leave your neighborhood—so it’s best to wait until you're well away from home to engage it.

On the track, Sport Mode delivered a more competitive feel, reducing lap times ever so slightly, but if you’re after ultimate performance, Sport Plus is the mode to choose.

Sport Plus cranks everything up another notch. First and foremost, the rear-biased power delivery allows you to push the C4S toward oversteer, yet the front wheels keep you planted. On track, I tested the limits with braking, steering, and even the rumble strips, and was able to get the car to rotate, something that was surprisingly hard to achieve with most 4 wheel drive coupes. The car also feels sharper, especially in terms of steering response. While the car features drive-by-wire steering, Sport Plus provides a more direct feel that’s reminiscent of hydraulic systems. If you prefer a smoother, more relaxed steering experience, you might prefer to stay in Sport mode.

Wet Mode surprised me. While I usually shy away from electric differential systems, Porsche’s implementation is superb. The car responds to rain or snow with remarkable precision, and I couldn’t induce a drift even when trying. It’s a highly effective system, though it’s best suited for full-on wet or icy conditions. For roads that are simply damp, Wet Mode’s delayed throttle response and aggressive differential lock may feel overly cautious and interfere with the driving dynamics.

Of all the driving modes, I found myself gravitating toward the Individual setting, as it allowed me to tailor the car’s performance to my exact preferences. For track driving, I set it up to emphasize oversteer, giving me the most control possible. Here’s how I configured it:

● Traction Control (TC) off

● Stability Control (ESC) off

● Sport Plus for all performance settings

● Open Exhaust Valves

● Power Steering Plus

This setup proved perfect for dry track conditions, offering the right balance of aggression and feedback. What’s great about the Individual mode is the sheer flexibility—it lets you adjust virtually every aspect of the car’s performance to suit your driving style.

Daily Driver Features

The 2024 Carrera 4S is not just a track-ready beast; it also makes for an excellent daily driver. One of the standout features is the hill assist, which applies braking to all four wheels to prevent rollbacks when starting on an incline. It’s a small touch, but one that alleviates the anxiety of being boxed in on a hill. I also appreciate the auto-restart assist, which automatically restarts the engine if you stall the car. It’s a godsend in stop-and-go traffic, sparing you from the honking of frustrated drivers behind you.

A Gearbox Like No Other

The manual transmission on the C4S isn’t just a novelty; it’s a fundamental part of the driving experience. While the PDK system excels in efficiency, it sometimes feels a bit sterile, offering little room for creative expression. The seven-speed manual, on the other hand, allows the driver to truly connect with the car. Shifting gears yourself gives you a sense of control and engagement that you simply can’t replicate with the PDK. Even more impressive is the fact that the car has two more gears after you hit 160 mph in 5th. On track, the aggressive gearbox setup is perfectly suited for high-performance driving, while on the road, it’s surprisingly comfortable.

Final Thoughts

The 2024 Carrera 4S is a car that defies expectations. It blends the precision and agility that Porsche is known for with a level of engagement that is rare in today’s market. Whether you’re on the track, navigating twisty mountain roads, or simply running errands, this 911 delivers a driving experience that’s both thrilling and practical. With its seamless blend of power, handling, and manual transmission bliss, the 2024 Carrera 4S might just be the best 992 yet—an ode to Porsche’s rich legacy and a glimpse into the future of driving