Our hats are off to Porsche's 2014 911 Turbo Cabriolets

Wed, 20 Nov 2013

Porsche has just debuted its two latest decapitated rocket sleds today at the LA Auto Show, the new 911 Turbo Cabriolet and Turbo S Cabriolet, which share their coupe counterparts' 520-horsepower and 560-hp 3.8-liter twin-turbocharged flat-six engines. That kind of power ought separate a lot of hats (and toupees!) from heads.

The rear-engined Porsches put their power down through all four wheels, which allows them to launch from 0-60 in 3.3 seconds or less (the Turbo S Cab takes just 3.1 seconds), and both of them top out at 195 mph.

The 911 Turbo Cabriolet starts at $160,700, while the Turbo S Cabriolet can be had for a grand total of $193,900 (plus $950 for destination). Is the S model's 40 extra horsepower worth $33,200? We're not so sure, but we imagine Porsche won't have any trouble selling it.

Check out our previous post for more info on the new force-fed Carrera dropheads, or scroll down for the press release. Feel free to visit the photo gallery live from the show floor, as well.

POWERFUL, EFFICIENT AND WONDERFULLY OPEN – THE NEW 911 TURBO CABRIOLET MODELS

Atlanta. Porsche is adding two new models to the 911 range: the 911 Turbo Cabriolet and 911 Turbo S Cabriolet. These new models combine the dynamic range of the new 911 Turbo models with the driving pleasure offered by an open-top sports car. 50 years after the 911 made its debut, and coinciding with the 40th anniversary of the 911 Turbo, the open-top versions of the 911 Turbo and 911 Turbo S are make their global debut at the Los Angeles International Auto Show on November 20, 2013. By adding the two new 911 Turbo models into the mix, Porsche is doubling its offering of the top-of-the-range models to four versions.

In extending the range, the 911 Turbo Cabriolet and 911 Turbo S Cabriolet deliver the same blend of sporty dynamism, performance and efficiency offered by the Coupe model unveiled a few months ago. The twin-turbocharged 3.8-liter six-cylinder engine delivers 520 hp in the open-top 911 Turbo and 560 hp in the S model. The cars accelerate from zero to 60mph in 3.3 and 3.1 seconds respectively, reaching a top speed of up to 195 mph. When compared against the respective predecessor models, the new 911 Turbo Cabriolet's deliver 30 more horsepower and are 0.2 seconds faster in terms of their standard acceleration. The 911 Turbo Cabriolet and 911 Turbo S Cabriolet U.S. EPA fuel consumption ratings are 17.0 mpg city and 24.0 mpg highway.

Active rear-axle steering and active aerodynamics for improved performance and efficiency

The driving capability offered by the two new top-of-the-range Cabriolet models is something that cannot be expressed in simple figures. With a seven-speed PDK dual-clutch transmission as standard and the new PTM all-wheel drive, as well as rear-axle steering and active aerodynamics, the open-top 911 Turbo models are establishing Porsche technology in the open-top super sports car segment. While the rear-axle steering has an immensely positive impact on handling, both on the racetrack and during everyday use, the active aerodynamics are adjusted to offer optimum efficiency or driving performance at the touch of a button, depending on the driver's selection.

More than ever before, both of these new top-of-the-range models make a clear visual statement about their performance. The wide flared rear fenders of the new 911 Turbo generation are 1.1 in. wider than those of the 911 Carrera 4 models – a virtually level surface and just over a hand's width extend out from the C-pillar to the outer edge of the vehicle's body. The impressive width is accentuated further when the top is down.

Another eye-catching feature of the 911 Turbo Cabriolet is the exclusive Porsche retractable roof with its lightweight magnesium frame. This innovative technology enables the Coupe-like arch to the roof to be preserved when the top is closed. This arch, which offers advantages in terms of aerodynamics, is not feasible using conventional construction techniques. As with predecessor models, the roof opens and closes in around 13 seconds, at speeds of up to 30 mph.

Premium materials in the interior

The interior of the new Cabriolet models follows that of the 911 Turbo Coupe. The S-model boasts a particularly extensive range of features, including an exclusive interior available in Black/Carrera Red and adaptive Sport Seats Plus with 18-way adjustment and memory. In addition, the backrest shells of the seats are leather trimmed with double stitched seams, and various elements are made from lightweight carbon fiber. As with predecessor models, the Bose sound system is fitted as standard, and for the first time, a Burmester sound system is available as an option. The radar-controlled adaptive Cruise Control system, camera-based road sign and speed limit recognition function and reverse camera are also available as options.

The new top-of-the-range 911 Cabriolet models will be launched onto the market in early 2014. In the United States, the 911 Turbo Cabriolet costs $160,700 and the new 911 Turbo S Cabriolet costs $193,900. Note: Prices do not include destination charges of $950.

By Damon Lowney