2020 – 2024 Porsche 911 Carrera 4 Cabriolet (992.1) – Reviews, Pricing, Specs & Buyers Guide
The 992.1 Porsche 911 Carrera 4 Cabriolet is the “use-it-every-day” open-top 911—quiet when the roof’s up, drama-free when the weather turns, and properly quick whenever the road opens. Sitting just above the rear-drive Carrera Cab, the Carrera 4 adds Porsche Traction Management (PTM) all-wheel drive to the base 992 powertrain, delivering year-round confidence without the price and power jump to the 4S or GTS. This guide covers the story and positioning, key specs and tech, how it drives, model-year updates, press reception, options worth having, ownership notes, and a focused buyer’s checklist.
Origins & Positioning
Porsche launched the 992 generation with the S/4S, then rounded out the range with the Carrera 4 Coupe and Cabriolet for the 2020 model year. The C4 Cab paired the base tune of the 3.0-liter twin-turbo flat-six with all-wheel drive and the 8-speed PDK. Factory figures set the tone: 0–60 mph in 4.2 seconds (4.0 with Sport Chrono) and 179 mph top track speed for the Cabriolet (the C4 Coupe is 180 mph). Porsche also detailed a revised front-axle drive unit—water-cooled clutch housing and reinforced clutches—to sharpen durability and torque control versus the previous generation.
A defining 992 feature, Porsche Wet Mode, arrived across the lineup. It uses acoustic sensors in the front wheel housings to detect spray at the tires (not just rain on the windshield), then preconditions stability, throttle mapping, torque distribution, and aero for slippery roads and prompts the driver to select Wet mode. On an AWD Cabriolet meant to be driven year-round, it’s a genuine advantage.
The 992 Cabriolet top is a small engineering flex. Thanks to a lighter hydraulic drive and magnesium “panel bows”, the soft top opens or closes in ~12 seconds at up to 31 mph, and when shut it maintains a coupe-like curvature with impressive refinement. An integrated electric wind deflector calms buffeting for roof-down highway driving. The big point: you actually use the top in traffic as weather changes—no need to pull over.
Powertrain, Chassis & Hard Numbers
Engine
- 3.0-liter, twin-turbo, DOHC flat-six
- 379 hp @ 6,500 rpm; 331 lb-ft from ~1,950–5,000 rpm
- 7,500 rpm maximum engine speed (redline)
Transmission & AWD
- 8-speed PDK dual-clutch (only gearbox on the base Carrera/Carrera 4 for 992.1)
- Porsche Traction Management (PTM) all-wheel drive with an upgraded front drive unit for the 992 C4; rear-biased feel in the dry, rapid torque transfer when grip drops.
Chassis, brakes, and tires
- MacPherson-strut front / multi-link rear, PASM adaptive dampers
- Internally ventilated iron rotors with fixed calipers (PCCB ceramics optional on many markets); staggered fitment standard
- Typical base fitment: 19-inch fronts (235/40 ZR19), 20-inch rears (295/35 ZR20), with optional 20/21-inch sets depending on packages. (Dimensions and wheel/tire specs follow 992 technical literature; exact brake and tire sizes vary by market/options.)
Dimensions & performance (factory, C4 Cab)
- 0–60 mph: 4.2 s (PDK) | 4.0 s with Sport Chrono
- Top track speed: 179 mph
- Cd: ~0.31 (family figure)
- Frunk plus rear shelf (with backrests folded) for surprisingly usable luggage space.
For context, Car and Driver has shown how conservative Porsche’s figures can be for 992 cabriolets: a same-output Carrera Cabriolet (RWD) ripped 0–60 in 2.9 s and 11.2 @ 125 mph in testing—identical to the S coupe they’d clocked. That doesn’t turn the C4 Cab into a 2.9-second car automatically, but it illustrates how PDK launches and 992 traction make the base 379-hp cars far quicker than you might assume.
Tech & infotainment
Two tech callouts matter most day-to-day:
- Wet Mode (standard): uses acoustic sensors to detect spray and proactively stabilizes the car in slippery conditions—different from simple rain-sensing wipers, and particularly reassuring in an AWD Cabriolet that will see shoulder-season driving.
- PCM 6.0 update (MY2022-on): in January 2022, Porsche rolled out a significant infotainment update for 911s running PCM 6.0, adding a refreshed interface and Android Auto alongside CarPlay. If phone integration matters to you, 2022+ cars are desirable—or verify software/hardware on earlier examples.
How it Drives
Confident, calm, and still a 911. The C4 Cabriolet’s character is all about traction and polish. The small, quick-spooling turbos deliver an eager mid-range; PDK shifts feel almost pre-cognitive; and PTM hooks up without corrupting the steering. Roof up, the 992 cab is impressively quiet and rigid; roof down, the wind management and chassis tuning keep the car composed over broken surfaces. Independent tests of closely related models support the experience. Car and Driver’s S Cabriolet numbers (2.9/11.2) show how little the 992 cabrio gives up to the coupe at the track; MotorTrend’s first drive of the S Cab praised the lack of harshness even in aggressive modes—lessons that trickle down to the base C4 Cab thanks to shared structure and roof hardware. On cold, greasy roads, the C4 Cab can be the quickest real-world base 911 variant thanks to AWD launches and Wet Mode’s preconditioning. Porsche’s own Wet Mode deep dives make clear the benefit: it reacts to spray at the tires, not just raindrops on glass.
Model-Year Updates
- 2020 (launch for C4 Cab): 379 hp/331 lb-ft, PDK, PTM AWD (revised front axle hardware), 0–60 in 4.2 s / 4.0 s w/ Sport Chrono, 179 mph top speed. Wet Mode standard; fast-acting roof (~12 s @ 31 mph).
- 2021: Running tweaks (packages and minor option reshuffles). No core mechanical changes specific to C4 Cab reported.
- 2022: PCM 6.0 infotainment update adds Android Auto and UI improvements for applicable 911s. If you care about Android, target MY2022+.
- 2023–2024: Late-cycle refinements; the base C4 Cab’s core recipe holds through the end of 992.1 before the 992.2 refresh arrives for 2025-on cars.
Reception & Reviews: What the Press Said
Although many instrumented tests focused on S or 4S trims, the themes were consistent for the 992 Cabriolet family and apply directly to the C4 Cab:
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“As quick as the coupe.” Car and Driver’s Carrera S Cabriolet ran 2.9 seconds to 60 and 11.2 @ 125 mph, matching the hardtop S—a marker of how little the 992 Cabriolet compromises performance. Their base Carrera Cabriolet piece also noted that Porsche’s 4.2-second claim for the base cab felt conservative, estimating 3.3–3.5 seconds in ideal conditions.
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“Ideal open-air 911.” MotorTrend called the S Cab a spectacular open-top GT, praising ride/handling balance and the absence of harshness—feedback that echoes in the base car given the shared platform and roof tech.
Overall verdict in the press: the 992 Cabriolet is almost irritatingly complete—and the C4 overlay of AWD simply makes it easier to deploy that performance on real roads, in real weather.
Options & Packages That Matter
- Sport Chrono Package. Adds the steering-wheel mode switch, performance timers, and Launch Control (PDK)—and it’s the key to the factory 4.0-second 0–60 claim. Highly recommended.
- PASM / PASM Sport (-10 mm). Standard PASM is beautifully judged for mixed roads; the lowered Sport tune suits smoother pavement or frequent track time.
- Rear-Axle Steering. Shrinks the car in tight bends and adds high-speed stability—particularly nice on narrow, technical routes.
- PCCB (ceramic brakes). Lower unsprung mass and superb fade resistance; fantastic if you drive hard in the mountains, unnecessary (and costly to repair) for most street use.
- Front-Axle Lift. A sanity saver for steep driveways and city ramps.
- Cab-specific comfort. Ensure the electric wind deflector is present and functioning; consider ventilated seats for hot-weather top-down use. (Both are regularly referenced in 992 cab launch materials and road tests.)
Buying Guide: What to Look For (Used)
- Roof system health. Cycle the top multiple times. It should operate smoothly and quietly and at up to 31 mph; check for even latching/sealing and verify the wind deflector deploys/stows properly. Repairs are expensive—perfect operation is table stakes.
- PDK & Sport Chrono. All base C4 Cabs are PDK in the 992.1 era; Sport Chrono is the must-have option for sharper mapping and launch control. Confirm presence on the build sheet and test the mode switch and launch procedure.
- Wheels/tires & alignment. Base fitment is 19/20-inch stagger, with many cars optioned to 20/21-inch. Inspect inner shoulders (especially the 295-section rears) and inner barrel lips for curb rash; ask for alignment records—rear-steer and aggressive camber accelerate inner wear.
- Brakes. The iron setup is stout for street use; check for lip ridges and pedal pulsation. If the car wears PCCB, inspect rotor faces carefully—damage is pricey. (Ceramics last a very long time on the road.)
- Wet Mode & sensors. On a rainy test drive or through standing water, the cluster should suggest Wet Mode as the acoustic sensors detect spray. No prompt—or warnings—warrants a scan.
- Infotainment. If Android Auto matters, target MY2022+ or verify the car runs PCM 6.0. Porsche’s Jan-2022 update added the functionality on compatible cars.
- Provenance & options. Pull the window sticker/build sheet. Value-relevant boxes include Sport Chrono, rear-axle steering, PASM Sport, PCCB, front-axle lift, and comfort/assist tech.
Ownership Experience
Driven gently, the C4 Cab is a refined GT: the roof is quiet, the ride (PASM) is supple, and with the wind deflector up you can hold a conversation at highway speeds. Driven hard, it’s still a 911—precise steering, flat cornering, and huge mid-range torque that PDK serves up instantly. Consumables are reasonable for the pace on tap: rear tires will go first; iron brakes last a long time in normal use. The frunk plus rear shelf (fold the backrests) makes weekender packing easy. If you live where the weather swings, AWD + Wet Mode make this the 911 you’ll drive more of the year—and that is the whole point.
Specifications (Quick Reference)
- Engine: 3.0-L twin-turbo flat-six — 379 hp / 331 lb-ft
- Transmission: 8-speed PDK (base C4 had no manual in 992.1)
- Drivetrain: AWD (PTM) with revised front axle hardware (992)
- 0–60 mph: 4.2 s (PDK) | 4.0 s with Sport Chrono
- Top speed: 179 mph
- Roof: ~12 s operation at up to 31 mph; electric wind deflector
- Wheels/Tires: 19/20-in standard (235/40 & 295/35); 20/21-in optional
- Notable tech: Wet Mode standard; PCM 6.0 adds Android Auto (MY2022+)
Verdict
The 2020–2024 911 Carrera 4 Cabriolet is the open-air 992 that disappears into your life. It’s quick enough to humble old 911 Turbos, quiet and comfortable enough to commute, and thanks to AWD plus Wet Mode, the 911 you’ll reach for when the sky looks iffy. Spec Sport Chrono, choose the PASM tune that fits your roads, make sure the roof and wind deflector work perfectly, and (if it matters) verify PCM 6.0/Android Auto—and you’ll have a convertible that does sunrise commutes and mountain-pass blasts with equal joy.
What We Said At Launch
The Carrera 4 Cabriolet is the base model 911, equipped with all-wheel drive and a drop top bodystyle. It starts at $122,650 for 2022. Other than the additional all-wheel-drive system and more weight, the Carrera 4 Cabriolet is identical to its rear-drive Cabriolet sibling. It gets the same 379-hp, twin-turbo 3.0-liter flat-six engine.
Features like Porsche’s active suspension and the new-for-992 “wet mode” are standard on the Carrera 4 variants, but the electronically controlled limited slip rear differential (standard on the 4S), as well as ceramic composite brakes (cast iron rotors are standard). The current 911 Carrera 4 Cabriolet is equipped with PASM (Porsche Active Suspension Management).
Like on the other 992 911 Carrera models, the electronically variable damping system comes standard and offers two selectable modes, “Normal” and “Sport”, emphasizing ride quality and handling. A fully variable, electronically controlled limited slip rear differential with Porsche Torque Vectoring (PTV), which is standard on the 911 Carrera S and 4S models, can be ordered as an option. The wheels on the Carrera 4 Cabriolet feature a staggered diameter, measuring 19 inches at the front and 20 inches at the rear.
The twin-turbocharged 3.0-liter flat-six has 379 hp at 6,500 rpm and 331 ft lbs of torque from 1,900 to 5,000 rpm. The Carrera 4 manages 0-60 in 4.0 seconds flat when optioned with the Sport Chrono Package (which gets you launch control functionality. Top speed is 179 mph and the quarter mile takes just 12.5 seconds. This isn’t the fastest 911, but remember that this is an open top 911 that you can enjoy all year round thanks to its all-wheel drive system and you realize it is damn impressive.
The current Porsche 911 Carrera 4 Cabriolet is a great all rounder. You enjoy it in daily driving without doing stupid speeds and when you open the top (especially if you add the optional the Sports Exhaust system), it sounds amazing and aggressive. The all-wheel drive car offers impressive cornering behavior, with a neutral character and ample grip from the standard rubber. Like on the 911 Carrera 4S, the all wheel drive system was further developed from the last generation. The increased performance is thanks to further development of the front axle drive. The clutch and differential unit are now water-cooled and have reinforced clutches to increase durability and load capacity. The increased actuating torques of the clutches improve the latter’s adjustment accuracy and thus the capability of the driven front axle.
In most situations, the Carrera 4 Cabriolet sends virtually all of its power to the rear wheels, although it can transfer up to 50 percent forward should it detect rear-wheel slip. The driving experience is for all intents like that of a rear-drive 911 until you absolutely need it.
The Carrera 4 Cabriolet has tons of interior space for the front passengers and the frunk can take a large piece of luggage. As always there is also decent space if you fold down the rear seats too. Enough space for a weekend away. Porsche’s excellent in-car tech also goes a long way toward justifying the 911’s price tag. The PCM infotainment system, with its extremely crisp and responsive 10.9-inch touchscreen and excellent factory navigation system are class-leading and Apple CarPlay and Android Auto being along for the ride makes it even better. PCM gets an update for 2022.
The Carrera 4 Cabriolet also features a heated glass rear window and integrated magnesium support elements. The automatic fabric top opens and closes at speeds of up to 31 miles per hour in just 12 seconds – one second quicker than before.
Videos & Reviews
Pictures
Press Release
Surefooted: The 2020 Porsche 911 Carrera 4 and 911 Carrera 4 Cabriolet
379 hp 911 Carrera models now available with all-wheel drive
Atlanta, Georgia. Following the introduction of the standard 911 Carrera and 911 Carrera Cabriolet, Porsche is now expanding the line-up further with the all-wheel drive 911 Carrera 4 and 911 Carrera 4 Cabriolet models.
Like the 2020 911 Carrera models, the new 911 Carrera 4 and 911 Carrera 4 Cabriolet are powered by a twin-turbo 3.0-liter flat six engine fitted with model-specific turbochargers, developing 379 hp at 6,500 rpm (nine horsepower more than the previous 911 Carrera 4 models) and 331 lb.-ft. of torque from 1,950 to 5,000 rpm. Fitted with the standard 8-speed PDK (Porsche Doppelkupplung) transmission, the 2020 911 Carrera 4 accelerates from 0 to 60 mph in 4.0 seconds. When equipped with the optional Sport Chrono Package, this time drops to 3.8 seconds. Both times represent an improvement of 0.1 seconds compared to the previous 911 Carrera 4 Coupe with PDK. The 2020 911 Carrera 4 Cabriolet accelerates to 60 mph from standstill in just 4.2 seconds, and in 4.0 seconds flat when equipped with the optional Sport Chrono Package. Top track speed is 180 mph for the 911 Carrera 4 and 179 mph for the 911 Carrera 4 Cabriolet.
Like on the 911 Carrera 4S models, the increased performance of the 911 Carrera 4 models led to a further development of the front axle drive. The clutch and differential unit are now water-cooled and have reinforced clutches to increase durability and load capacity. The increased actuating torques of the clutches improve the latter’s adjustment accuracy and thus the capability of the driven front axle. The enhanced front axle drive in combination with Porsche Traction Management (PTM) promote a further enhancement to the already impressive traction on snow, as well as in wet and dry conditions.
The new 911 Carrera 4 and 911 Carrera 4 Cabriolet are equipped with PASM (Porsche Active Suspension Management). Like on the other 2020 911 Carrera models, the electronically variable damping system comes standard and offers two selectable modes, “Normal” and “Sport”, emphasizing ride quality and handling. A fully variable, electronically controlled limited slip rear differential with Porsche Torque Vectoring (PTV), which is standard on the 911 Carrera S and 4S models, can be ordered as an option. The wheels on the 911 Carrera 4 and 911 Carrera 4 Cabriolet feature a staggered diameter, measuring 19 inches at the front and 20 inches at the rear. They are fitted with 235/40 ZR 19 and 295/35 ZR 20 tires, respectively. Larger wheels with a staggered 20/21- inch diameter (standard on 911 Carrera 4S models) are optionally available. The standard internally ventilated and perforated grey cast-iron brake rotors on the 2020 911 Carrera 4 models measure 13.0 inches front and rear and feature black four-piston calipers. Porsche Ceramic Composite Brake (PCCB) can be ordered as an extra. Like on the other 2020 911 variants, Wet Mode is included as standard equipment. This function automatically detects water on the road, preconditions the stability control and anti-lock brake systems accordingly, and warns the driver. The driver can then call up vehicle settings particularly suited for wet roads at push of a button, or by means of the mode switch on the steering wheel (when fitted with the optional Sport Chrono Package).
Visually, the 911 Carrera 4 models are characterized by the same striking design cues as the rest of the model range, such as the clearly defined fender arches and front luggage compartment lid with a recess reminiscent of classic 911 models, as well as the full-width LED light strip stretching across the rear. The only visual distinction between the standard 911 Carrera 4 and the 911 Carrera 4S derivatives are the exhaust openings in the rear fascia. To differentiate between the engine variants, the standard 911 Carrera 4 models feature one rectangular, single-tube tailpipe on each side, while the 4S models are fitted with a set of round twin-tailpipes on each side. The optional Sport Exhaust system distinguished by two oval tailpipes can be ordered for all models. Inside, the new 911 Carrera 4 shares the interior with the previously introduced standard 911 Carrera and 911 Carrera S models, including re-designed seats, the traditional centrally positioned tachometer, and the new Porsche Communication Management (PCM) system with a 10.9 inch touch screen and improved connectivity. A control panel of five buttons with the look of classic toggle switches creates the transition to the center console controls.
The 2020 911 Carrera 4 and 911 Carrera 4 Cabriolet are available to order now and are expected to reach U.S. dealers in early 2020. The MSRP for the 911 Carrera 4 is $104,700, while the 911 Carrera 4 Cabriolet retails for $117,500 – both not including the $1,350 delivery, processing and handling fee.
