Porsche has been unravelling the latest 911 range bit by bit since November last year. The journey started with the Carrera S and 4S Coupés, followed by their convertible siblings. Then came the entry-level Carrera models and now we have the Carrera 4 derivatives (Coupé and Cabriolet). Confused? Don’t be. Just think of these newly introduced 911 iterations the mid-range variants. They neatly slot between the Carrera and the Carrera S variants.

With that confusion out of the way, hopefully, let’s get to the powertrain. In typical Porsche manner, the 3.0-litre, twin-turbo flat-six engine is on duty here as well. Like the entry-level Carrera models, both Carrera 4 versions have 380hp/450Nm on tap and that is harnessed by an 8-speed automatic transmission. The difference is, of course, the availability of the four-wheel-drive system in the new entrants.

The 0-100kmph sprint times for the Carrera 4 Coupé and the Carrera 4 Cabriolet are 4.2 seconds and 4.4 seconds, respectively. Get the optional Sports Chrono Package and those acceleration times will tumble down by two-tenths of a second. Obviously, with the four-wheel-drive system in place, the acceleration times aren’t as quick as the rear-wheel-drive versions. However, the difference is only 0.2 seconds. Porsche claims that while the Carrera 4 Coupé will top out at 290kmph, its convertible sibling will reach 288kmph. Again, those top speed figures are just 3kmph less than the corresponding Carrera models.

As for the list of features inside the cabin, it is exactly the same as the entry-level models. Part of the standard package is also the electronically variable damping system which comes with two modes – Normal and Sport. However, Porsche will fit the electronically controlled limited-slip differential with Torque Vectoring for an extra fee. The wheels at the front are 19 inches in diameter and 20 inches at the rear. If those are a bit small for your liking, those can be upgraded to 20 inches at the front and 21 inches at the rear. Behind the wheels are grey cast-iron brake rotors which are 13 inches in size and are ventilated as well as perforated. Both models, however, can be upgraded to feature Porsche Ceramic Composite Brake.

Porsche says the Carrera 4 models are expected to reach dealers in the USA early next year. One can, however, book either of the derivatives right away. Will they come to India? Based on the past trend, unlikely.