Porsche introduced the next-generation of its venerable 911 sports car in November at the Los Angeles International Auto Show, showing the hardtop version of the Carrera S and all-wheel-drive Carrera 4S. Now – and as indicated by countless spy photos – it’s lopped the roof off to create the latest version of the 911 Cabriolet.
Take us to the 992:
Coming out first in Carrera S and Carrera 4S, the 992 911 Cabriolet boasts the same 3.0-litre, twin-turbocharged flat-six, 443 bhp, and 390 pound-feet of torque as the hardtop models shown in L.A. There’s also a new eight-speed dual-clutch transmission that’s all set for hybridisation, a dedicated Wet Mode for more sure-footed performance in inclement weather, and the wide hips that formerly belonged to the all-wheel-drive models are now standard across the range. Active safety systems and a night-vision system are also available. In other words, the Cabriolet features the same improvements and new technologies as the hardtop. Shocking, we know.
Where the 911 Cabriolet differs is, of course, with its canvas roof. Porsche is promising smoother, faster operation compared to the 991 – drivers can now raise and lower the roof in just 12 seconds, and like last year’s car, at speeds up to 31 miles per hour. As for the look, the softtop has its typical disruptive effect on the 911’s profile. This isn’t the prettiest 911 around, but limitless headroom is occasionally worth the aesthetic sacrifice.
Speaking of miles per hour, the Cabriolet is just a tiny bit slower than the 911 hardtop. The slowest variant – the non-Sport Chrono-equipped Carrera S – takes 3.7 seconds to hit 60 mph. The all-wheel-drive variant drops that figure by a tenth of a second, while adding the Sport Chrono Package to either variant cuts the time it takes to hit 60 mph by 0.2 seconds, just like the 911 Coupe. While the rear-drive model is slower to 60, it has a higher top speed, reaching 190 mph to the Carrera 4S Cabriolet’s 188.
Prices for the 911 Cabriolet start at £102,755 for the Carrera S and £108,063 for the Carrera 4S. That’s a £9,645 difference between both coupe variants. UK orders are currently open, with deliveries slated for late summer of 2019.
Gallery: 2020 Porsche 911 Carrera 4S Cabriolet: Official Images
New Porsche 911 Cabriolet set for open-top season
Stuttgart. Six weeks after the Coupe launch, attention now turns to the Porsche 911 Cabriolet. The open-top 911 continues a decades-long tradition, established when the Stuttgart sports car manufacturer unveiled the prototype of the first 911 Cabriolet at the International Motor Show (IAA) in Frankfurt in September 1981: customers and fans alike were instantly captivated. The first fully open-roof 911 variant rolled off the production line in 1982, and it has been a constant feature in the model range ever since.
The new model echoes the timeless and contemporary design of the Coupe, remaining unmistakably a Porsche 911 in Cabriolet form. The fully-automatic soft top has an integrated glass rear window and the roof structure contains magnesium surface elements, known as ‘bows’, which reliably prevent ballooning of the roof at high speeds. The top can be opened or closed at speeds up to 30 mph; and new roof hydraulics reduce opening time to around twelve seconds – quicker than ever - while an electrically extendable wind deflector ensures high comfort for the driver and passenger.
The 911 Cabriolet is initially available as a Carrera S with rear-wheel drive and Carrera 4S with all-wheel drive. Both use the charismatic flat-six cylinder, 2,981 cc, twin-turbocharged ‘boxer’ engine producing 450 PS (331 kW) at 6,500 rpm and 530 Nm torque between 2,300 and 5,000 rpm. The drive efficiency has been increased and emissions reduced by way of an improved fuel injection process; other optimisation measures have also been implemented, such as a new layout for the turbochargers and charge air cooling system. The power is delivered by a newly-developed eight-speed PDK dual-clutch transmission.
The Carrera S accelerates from zero to 62 mph in 3.9 seconds (with optional Sport Chrono Package: 3.7 seconds) and, where permitted, can reach speeds up to 190 mph. The Carrera 4S attains a top speed of 188 mph and achieves 0-62 mph in 3.8 seconds (with optional Sport Chrono Package: 3.6 seconds). The fuel consumption (NED-correlated) of the 911 Carrera S Cabriolet is 31 mpg (208 g/km CO2 equivalent) and for the Carrera 4S Cabriolet is 31.3 mpg (207 g/km CO2 equivalent).
The new mounting position for the flat-six engine makes the Cabriolet even more rigid torsionally than its predecessor. For the first time, the sport chassis configuration with Porsche Active Suspension Management (PASM) is available for the 911 Cabriolet. The springs are shorter and stiffer, the front and rear anti-roll-bars toughened, and the ride height overall has been lowered by ten millimetres. These adjustments give the 911 a more neutral feel on the road, with better weight distribution.
An exterior design that draws on earlier generations of the 911
The new 911 Cabriolet looks wider, more self-assured and altogether more muscular than its predecessor. Wider arches envelope the large 20-inch diameter wheels at the front and 21-inch diameter wheels at the rear. The rear-wheel-drive models now match the bodywork width of the existing all-wheel drive versions, being broader by 44 mm. The nose – generally 45 mm wider across the front axle – revives a traditional feature from earlier 911 generations: a forward-extended bonnet with a distinctive recess in front of the windscreen. Both elements lengthen the front of the car and lend further dynamic purpose.
The rear of all models is dominated by the significantly wider, variable-position aerodynamic spoiler and the seamless, elegant light bar. With the exception of the front and rear sections, the entire outer skin is now made from aluminium.
Redesigned interior with clear lines
The interior is distinctive, with clear, straight lines and recessed instruments defining the dashboard. As it does in the original 911, the new dashboard covers the entire width between two horizontal wing levels. Alongside the centrally positioned rev counter, two thin, frameless freeform displays deliver information to the driver. Now 10.9 inches in size, the centre screen of the Porsche Communication Management (PCM) can be operated quickly and without causing distraction.
Sophisticated assistance systems enhance safety and comfort
In a world first, Porsche has developed Wet Mode, which is included as standard. This function detects water on the road, preconditions the control systems accordingly and warns the driver, who can then set the car up to focus on safety, by simply pushing a button or using the mode switch on the steering wheel (in combination with Sport Chrono Package). The camera-based warning and brake assist system, also fitted as standard, detects the risk of collision with vehicles, pedestrians, and cyclists, and initiates a warning or emergency braking procedure if necessary. A park assistant system including reversing camera completes the standard configuration of the Cabriolet. Options for the 911 include Night Vision Assist with thermal imaging camera, as well as adaptive cruise control with automatic distance control, stop-and-go function and reversible occupant protection.
The new models are available to order from Porsche Centres in the UK and Ireland from today. The 911 Carrera S Cabriolet is priced from £102,755.00 RRP and the 911 Carrera 4S Cabriolet from £108,063.00 RRP.
Customers will also be invited to explore the potential of their new car, and further develop their own skills behind the wheel, by participating in a bespoke driving experience around the unique tracks at the Porsche Experience Centre, Silverstone.