What's the news?

Porsche is continuing with its 911 offensive as it unveils the four-wheel drive version of the new 991-generation car. Available in either Coupé or Cabriolet body styles and Carrera 4 or 4S models the new car is set to be unveiled at the upcoming Paris Motor Show with UK sales commencing towards the end of the year.

Exterior

The all-wheel drive 911 is distinguished from the regular car by rear wheel arches that are 22mm wider than those of the two-wheel drive model and house tyres that are ten millimetres wider. The rear lights are linked by an additional red light band that is a signature of 4x4 911s.

Due to the wider rear end and all-wheel drive hardware the Carrera 4 is 25kg heavier than the Carrera 2, but thanks to the new model's lightweight construction it is 65kg lighter than its predecessor.

Interior

Inside, the Carrera 4 and 4S models have a new menu in the instrument cluster to tell the driver how power is being split between the front and rear axles. Also making its debut on the 911 is an Adaptive Cruise Control function that, when combined with the PDK transmission, adds an auto-brake system (or Porsche Active Safe in Porsche-speak).

In addition, Porsche is also offering a new sliding glass sunroof as an option on all 911 Coupés, while Sport Plus mode in the optional Sports Chrono pack automatically double-declutches on downshifts for added responsiveness.

Mechanicals

With its engine slung out over the rear wheels it is no surprise that Porsche says the Carrera 4 and 4S models retain the rear-wheel drive emphasis of a 911, but add increased traction and road-holding ability of all-wheel drive.

In the case of the Carrera 4 that engine is a 3.4-litre flat-six that develops 350hp and can propel the surefooted 911 for 0-62mph in 4.5 seconds - or 4.7 seconds if you opt for the Cabriolet model. If you 'stretch the legs' of the car you will be verging on a 180mph top speed.

Of course if you choose the 4S version you will blitz the 180mph barrier with the Coupé capable of 186mph and the Cabriolet only marginally slower at 184mph. This is thanks to the 4S's 400hp 3.8-litre flat-six engine that also manages to shave four-tenths off the 0-62mph time no matter what the body style.

All variants come equipped with a seven-speed manual gearbox as standard, and the seven-speed Porsche Doppelkupplung (PDK) twin-clutch automatic transmission is available as an option.

Anything else?

The Carrera 4 Coupé is priced from £77,924, and the Carrera 4S Coupé from £87,959. The 911 Carrera 4 Cabriolet costs £86,583, with the Carrera 4S Cabriolet from £96,619. A course at the Porsche Experience Centre in Silverstone is included in the price.